When you think of activities that are “good for you,” yoga is usually at the top of the list. I never stopped to wonder if this was true because I have heard it so many times and honestly it just seems to make sense. It seems natural that yoga is healthy for your body because [...]
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Final Thoughts About the Hygiene Hypothesis…and the Horrifying Treatment
February 16th, 2010
The idea that being too clean can make you sick is fascinating – and scary.
It’s extremely ironic to think that simply growing up in a developing country – with the “highest” medical care, and cleanliness, — can actually cause us to be grow up to be very sick. This radical idea the hygiene hypothesis proposes suggests that our habits of cleanliness, sterilization, vaccination and antibiotics may cure us from the common cold but can leave us fighting severe allergies or a devastating disease for the rest of our life.
Perhaps just as disturbing as the idea that we are getting sick from our efforts to avoid illness, is the treatment. In order to cure our lack of exposure to parasites and other infectious agents, hygiene theorists are testing cures by purposefully injecting people with the larvae of a parasitic worm (or helminth). This treatment, referred to as Helminthic therapy,has proved promising in research studies, the risks of severe side effects in some cases are too to become commonplace just yet.
The Hygiene Hypothesis Continued: What Could this Mean?
February 13th, 2010
I’m pleased to see this hypothesis growing in interest and credibility among the scientific community of immunologists, rheumatologists, and others in similar fields of researcher. Regardless of whether the hygiene hypothesis turns out to be the cause of autoimmune and allergic diseases, I think it is important to consider the affect of meddling with our body’s immune system.
It is a well-known concept that much of life operates on the idea of give and take. Trade-offs. Like drinking water in portable sized plastic bottles might be extremely convenient and hydrate our bodies in the short term, it might not be so great for the environment in the long term.
So, while the positive ramifications of our recent medical developments are noticeable and commendable — like the ability to end polio or typhoid fever — might there be a trade-off here too?
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The Dirt on Cleanliness: Could Curing Bronchitis Cause Chronic Illness?
February 4th, 2010
I first heard about the “hygiene hypothesis” while watching the TV show, House. I am intrigued. The theory proposes that the lack of childhood exposure to germs is responsible for the high incidence of autoimmune and allergic diseases seen in adults in the developed world. Could this be true? And if so, what would that mean for our future?
My next three blog posts will be devoted to exploring this topic…I would love your input.
December 20th, 2009
I had a difficult time deciding what to write in my blog. Not because the lack of ideas, but rather the array of topics that interest me and I believe are important to cover. After many months of deliberation with my writing group, my colleagues, and myself, I finally decided to devote my blog to cutting-edge medical research. I am interested in reporting on, and discussing, new discoveries that have the potential to dramatically impact your health.
What I write here is just the beginning of a conversation. Please enhance the posts for everyone by adding your comments and questions.
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