Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

There is a theory that if your body is not exposed to enough good bacteria and other pathogens then it will build up an army to fight out non important things like pollen and peanuts. I would recommend giving kids probiotics and also not keeping environment so clean with wipes and excessive hand washing that they never get exposed to good and some bad germs.



Can someone confirm that theory and provide evidence?


This correlation is often referred to as the 'hygiene hypothesis' by researchers. The underlying cause is still being understood; you can find an article comparing two theories here [0].

[0]: https://www.nature.com/articles/nri35095579


There are plenty of studies linked here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis


The grow up eating dirt hypothesis.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: