Researchers determined the modern "hygiene hypothesis" is a misnomer, according to News-Medical. The "hygiene hypothesis" lays out the idea that allergies are the result of our society's focus on cleanliness.
Perspectives in Public Health published the research in its July issue.
Here are five observations:
1. To operate properly, a human's immune system must be exposed to microbes and some intestinal worms (called "Old Friends"), to develop an immune tolerance. Without this tolerance, the immune system will overreact, resulting in allergic reactions. The "Old Friends" ideology is in place of the "hygiene hypothesis."
2. Experts argue day-to-day hygiene isn't drastically impacting humans' lack of "vital microbial exposures."
3. Some experts argue the industry shouldn't practice the traditional therapeutic approaches to treat allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases, as those approaches don't deal with underlying causes.
4. To minimize infection while maintaining some exposure to the "Old Friends," the researchers recommend focusing on the spread of harmful microbes in certain environments, and then implementing hygiene practices based on the environment.
5. The researchers also note the alteration of public and professional perceptions of the "hygiene hypothesis" is crucial, as the name is "undermining public confidence in hygiene as a means to prevent infection," according to the article. They suggest a more applicable name, like "Old Friends Mechanism."
