Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that children who grow up on traditional farms are protected from asthma, hay fever and allergic sensitization. Present and discuss the evidence supporting this hypothesis - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages According to the study conducted, exposure to farm animals, domestic animals, straws, barns, sheds, fodder storage rooms, field cultivation, house dust, farm milk in early life and consumption of raw farm milk contribute to reduced asthma and atopy risk. But studies also show that pig farming is inversely related to atopy. Using objective measurements the present study confirms that the children growing up in the traditional farming environments are protected from asthma, hay fever and allergic sensitization.
Recent studies have shown a reduced percentage of diseases like asthma, hay fever and allergic sensitization in children who grew up in micro-organism-rich rural areas when compared to those children who grew up in the urban areas (Vlaski & Lawson 2013, p.1). Exposure and consumption of raw milk in childhood also contributed to a reduction in “atopic diseases”. According to hygiene hypothesis, transmission of infections by unhygienic contact with older siblings will provide an innate immunity. (Fahrlander n.d.).
According to this concept, increase in allergies is due to decreased childhood infections, increased hygienic conditions and smaller family size. However this hypothesis was later modified .Recent hypothesis explains the importance of “non-pathogenic” microbial exposure in innate immune reactions. (Lappalainen 2010, p.18). Studies on raw milk reports suggest that reduced risk of asthma is associated with whey proteins such as “BSA, α and β lactalbumin”. Milk processing process such as heating may degrade these whey proteins which are sensitive to heat treatment. Whey proteins from bovine milk give a great contribution to immune reaction and “excessive inflammation”. Raw milk also contains milk allergents such as b-lactoglobulin and a-lactalbumin, which on early consumption decreases ...Download file to see next pagesRead More