Peanut allergies, and allergies in general fascinate me! As you know, the immune system is there to fight off infection and anything abnormal in the body. But… when it gets over-excited, it forgets what it is, and is not meant to attack. That’s when we get immune mediated problems and allergies – when the immune system over-reacts to things that are harmless.
WHY there seems to be a huge increase in the number of kids allergic to peanuts is still a bit of a mystery. Lots of doctors and scientists have theories but I dont think anyone really knows. Some people think its because there are many more foods we eat these days that contain peanuts, and so it is more likely that allergies will develop.
Some people think that its because the immune system is bored and not busy fighting off infection like it used to – before we could treat worms, viruses and vaccinate against disease. Perhaps the molecules in the peanuts are just the right shape to tickle the immune system?
Again, a great question and something scientists are trying to work out. 🙂
Hi Notfred,
Peanut allergies, and allergies in general fascinate me! As you know, the immune system is there to fight off infection and anything abnormal in the body. But… when it gets over-excited, it forgets what it is, and is not meant to attack. That’s when we get immune mediated problems and allergies – when the immune system over-reacts to things that are harmless.
WHY there seems to be a huge increase in the number of kids allergic to peanuts is still a bit of a mystery. Lots of doctors and scientists have theories but I dont think anyone really knows. Some people think its because there are many more foods we eat these days that contain peanuts, and so it is more likely that allergies will develop.
Some people think that its because the immune system is bored and not busy fighting off infection like it used to – before we could treat worms, viruses and vaccinate against disease. Perhaps the molecules in the peanuts are just the right shape to tickle the immune system?
Again, a great question and something scientists are trying to work out. 🙂
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