Allergy UK — Although allergies are fairly common in any country, the United Kingdom is trailing far behind the rest of Europe in dealing with allergies. Unfortunately, according to an influential committee from the House of Lords, the rate of allergic attacks in the country is already reaching epidemic proportions. A report from the science […]
Allergy UK — Although allergies are fairly common in any country, the United Kingdom is trailing far behind the rest of Europe in dealing with allergies. Unfortunately, according to an influential committee from the House of Lords, the rate of allergic attacks in the country is already reaching epidemic proportions. A report from the science and technology committee says that, “About a third of the UK population will develop an allergy of some sort during the course of their lives as allergic diseases have trebled in the last 20 years to the point where the UK has one of the highest incidences in the world.”
The top 10 common allergies in UK include:
Although it may sound simple, but severe allergic reactions can kill while asthma and hayfever can cause lifelong problems. However UK, unlike other European countries, has not adopted treatments that can cure allergies. Furthermore, according to the committee, UK is short of allergy specialists.
An interesting observation is reported citing that allergies are rising quickly in rich countries like United Kingdom, but not in developing nations. One of the theories that are being studied right now is the hygiene hypothesis. Since people in rich countries are brought up in a very clean environment, their immune system over-reacts to dust and pollen. According to Finnish scientists, some certain bacteria are actually good for human health and these kinds of bacteria are often found in non-urban surroundings; thus the lack of exposure to a natural environment could result to developing asthma and allergies among urban dwellers.
The findings of the research were published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences where Ilkka Hanski from the University of Helsinki, co-authored it. In an interview with BBC news, Hanski said, “There are microbes everywhere, including in the built environment, but the composition is different between natural environments and human-built areas. The microbiota in natural environments is more beneficial for us.” Another factor that may contribute in the rise of allergy UK is the increasing environmental toxicity in food, water and air.
Food Toxicity
The increased use of additives, food colouring and flavourings are one of the contributors to food allergy UK. However, the consumption of GMO products and over-processed foods, including dairy and cereals, are the major culprits behind this health concern. Most food allergies are environmental. Meaning, sufferers get it from over exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides. Imagine inducing these hazardous chemicals on a regular basis!
Water and Air Toxicity
Pesticides and herbicides that are sprayed on fruit and vegetable plantations can pollute the air and water. Families living near farms that use chemicals can get affected by inhaling toxic air; thus developing allergies, asthma and other illnesses. The drainage system of non-organic farms must be located far away from lakes and rivers, otherwise, these bodies of water can get contaminated and the people using them can get sick.
Preventive measures and allergy UK treatments are still under thorough studies; however, there are things we can do to help manage the rise of allergies in United Kingdom.
Aude is an ex corporate Lawyer with a passion for health, self development and independence which lead her to give up her former career to help others through health.
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