Why are food allergies so common now when they seemed to be rare or non-existent before?
In: Biology
Two factors are involved, as others have mentioned there is some amount of survivorship bias here. The 2nd factor is the cleanliness paradox, as we live in more developed areas allergic reactions are more common.
It turns out that the immune system grows with us, and learns measured responses to stimuli. If it experiences allergens in a young age it is less likely to overcompensate when experiencing them later in life(which is essentially what an allergic reaction is)
A recent study in Finland found that children who played in natural dirt playgrounds, even if it was indoors, were markedly less likely to develop allergic reactions as they grow older.
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