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Show: July 29, 2012:
- What makes Amish children less susceptible to allergies?
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What makes Amish children less susceptible to allergies?
Host: Barbara Lewis
Interview: Mark Holbreich, M.D., specialist in the treatment of complex asthma and allergies at Allergy and Asthma Consultants in Indianapolis.
In his studies of children in northern Indiana Amish communities, Mark Holbreich, M.D., discovered a very low incidence of allergies and asthma in comparison to children who don’t live on a farm. It has been theorized that pregnant women’s and children’s exposure to barns, large animals and unpasteurized milk contribute to their invincibility to allergies. Specific immune changes occur when children and pregnant women are exposed to a wide array of allergens and pathogens that train the immune system not to overreact to harmless allergens. Holbreich, a specialist in the treatment of complex asthma and allergies at Allergy and Asthma Consultants in Indianapolis, shares how the setup of Amish families affects their health, as well as recommendations for people who do not live on farms.
Additional Resources:
- Learn more about Amish children's immunity to allergies at the Daily Mail.
