Have you ever wondered why some children never seem to suffer allergies, even if they are surrounded by pets or live in farms? A fascinating study by Sweden suggests that the answer could be in its intestinal microbiota.
Farms, pets and its intestine: What is the connection?
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, followed 65 children from birth to 8 years. Some were raised in dairy farms, while others grew in non -agricultural homes. Around 40 of these children also live with pets.
This is what the researchers discovered:
- Farm life: Babies raised in farms had an intestinal microbiota rich in beneficial bacteria and lower levels of Escherichia coli their first week of life.
- Pet homes: Babies who grew with pets had more “good” bacteria such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus in their first month.
This early exposure to various microbiota seemed to play an important role in reducing allergy risks later in life.
Allergies and intestinal microbiota
At the age of 3, 17% of the children had their legs diagnosed with allergies. At 8 years, the figure increased slightly 21%. But here is the interesting part:
- Children who lived on farms or pets were much less likely to develop allergies.
- This protection was related to its wealth of intestinal microbiotas in beneficial bacteria during childhood.
For example, living with pets associated with a remarkable reduction of harmful bacteria such as difficile clostrides in 12 months, a critical factor linked to allergy diagnoses to Fowe.
Why does this matter
Modern urban life of limits our exposure to natural microbes, which could explain the growing allergy rates. Farms and pets, however, seem to reintroduce this lost microbial diversity, promoting a healthier immune system in young children.
This study highlights the importance of early environmental exposure in long -term health configuration. While more research is needed for the full class the mechanisms, it is clear that some dirt and fur can be very useful!
Your turn
Have you noticed less allergies in children who spend time with animals or in rural areas? Would you consider raising your child with a pet or in a more natural environment to improve their health? Let’s argue in the comments!