[lovemyshy]

This is a question that has been bothering me for a long time. I have noticed that in the past several years, severe allergies such as peanut and scent allergies are getting out of control to the point that parents of "non-allergic" children have to be VERY diligent to not send offensive products with their children to school.

When I was in school a nut or scent allergy was unheard of. In my childrens small school there are 4 children that are allergic, and its not a large school. A couple of them Very Very severely allergic to the point the teachers had to learn how to use an epi pen and keep one with them at all times.

Now, I don't mind in the least watching what I send in the kids lunches as I honestly have no desire to bring harm to a child but I gotta wonder what it is that is making children more suseptible to allergies.

[lovemyshy]

Nobody else have any opinions or theories??

[pocahontas]

Not so sure on the food allergies, my guess is it may the chemicals we put in the food, not the actual food people have been reacting to more and more.

[ladida]

There was an article published in National Geographic a couple months back about this. They did a study where they looked at kids who grew up on a farm, and they had virtually no allergies because their immune systems were so strong.
I personally believe most allergies are caused by being too sensitive to them, of course there are exceptions, but if children's immune systems are not stressed somewhat when they are young, they are probably going to get allergies.

[lovemyshy]

Originally Posted by ladida

There was an article published in National Geographic a couple months back about this. They did a study where they looked at kids who grew up on a farm, and they had virtually no allergies because their immune systems were so strong.
I personally believe most allergies are caused by being too sensitive to them, of course there are exceptions, but if children's immune systems are not stressed somewhat when they are young, they are probably going to get allergies.

I agree with this 100%!! You see more and more moms that are way over vigilent on keeping germs away from their children.

[Shodan VIV]

It could be inherited. Of course there, is the possibility of parents introducing possibly allergic foods at to early an age. In some cases food allergies can be outgrown but in other cases, no.

The main cause is that our immune systems aren't strong enough.

[chocchipcookie]

I agree with Ladida. Too many kids aren't allowed to be kids anymore and play in the mud or do things like that.

[Chester]

I believe that it is because of our over clean lives. Children are protected from dirt and germs.

There is a very large rise in the amount of allergies, skin conditions and asthma.

[gotta a horse]

I agree that we do tend to be a little, well, too clean. Maybe it can be what is in our food. For example, my sister and I are allergic to alfalfa. We now feed organic alfalfa (it's cheaper ) and our allergies are reduced greatly. My allergies are fairly mild as it is. I wonder if pollution has any effect as well.

[Rain]

Well, my I have some thoughts that I'd like to throw into the bunch. Maybe it will give some insight as well. I used to able to eat fresh fruits and vegies. Not anymore. I used to love a nice rare steak, not anymore. Severe allergic reaction to them now. What am I reacting to? The chemical sprays they put on vegies and fruits, and the steriod injections or corn based diets for cows. I have to go completely 100% organic if I want to eat fruit, vegies, or steak.