Allergies, a downside of good hygiene

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From April to June, grass pollen creates troubles for many with allergies. In autumn, it’s ragweed and other pollen-shedding plants that cause misery. As of late it seems like there are more people that have allergies. Dr. Bill Miller, an author and blogger who studies the causes of allergies, said one reason is that many Americans are too clean. Miller said we’ve upset the balance of internal germs in our bodies by protecting ourselves more than our ancestors did. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has cited research that suggests early antibiotic use changes the bacterial flora, which affects the development of allergic diseases, including asthma. Other studies suggest we may be using too many products such as acetaminophen to treat children. Miller stressed that children should play with other children and have pets early in life because exposure to other germs can help them avoid allergies later in life. More information about Miller’s research is online at www.themicrocosmwithin.com/author.