Avoiding allergies a benefit of outdoor play
18/09/2009 New research has found that children who play outdoors reduce their risk of allergies.
Exposing young children to infections does not protect them against allergies, according to research published by the American Thoracic Society.
Muriel Simmons, chief executive of Allergy UK, said children who spend most of their time indoors are more at risk of getting allergies "because their immune system hasn't been challenged in any way".
The findings question the hygiene hypothesis which suggests that being exposed to allergens in the environment strengthens the immune system against allergies.
She went on to say that "the healthier you are, the more exercise you can get, that's all going to help with the immune system".
"It's virtually impossible now to be chemical free, but it is pretty important not to be bombarded with chemicals," she added.
Ms Simmons added that children should go out, climb trees, fall over, scrape their knees, and come into contact with dirt to get their immune system strengthened.
Exposing young children to infections does not protect them against allergies, according to research published by the American Thoracic Society.
Muriel Simmons, chief executive of Allergy UK, said children who spend most of their time indoors are more at risk of getting allergies "because their immune system hasn't been challenged in any way".
The findings question the hygiene hypothesis which suggests that being exposed to allergens in the environment strengthens the immune system against allergies.
She went on to say that "the healthier you are, the more exercise you can get, that's all going to help with the immune system".
"It's virtually impossible now to be chemical free, but it is pretty important not to be bombarded with chemicals," she added.
Ms Simmons added that children should go out, climb trees, fall over, scrape their knees, and come into contact with dirt to get their immune system strengthened.
