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The Hygiene Hypothesis: Could Being "Too Clean" Cause Allergies?

Could hand sanitizer, spotless homes, and a fear of germs actually be contributing to the rise in allergies, asthma, and eczema? It's a fascinating and counterintuitive idea known as the Hygiene Hypothesis.

In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – dive deep into the science of "a little dirt." They explore how early life exposure to a diverse range of microbes "trains" our immune system to be less reactive.

Learn about the compelling research comparing Amish communities to modern Western societies, the crucial role of the skin barrier in preventing food allergies, and why the advice to delay introducing allergenic foods was a major misstep. This episode will change the way you think about germs, dirt, and raising healthy, resilient kids.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:28 What is the Hygiene Hypothesis?
02:50 Amish Communities & The "Cleanliness" Link to Allergies
05:01 Practical Parenting: Dishwashers, Pacifiers & Preventing Atopy
06:50 The Skin Barrier's Role in Developing Food Allergies
10:11 How the LEAP Study Revolutionized Food Introduction

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ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
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AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network.
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MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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