We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Lifestyle Changes and Industrialization in the Development of Allergic Diseases
Summary
This paper describes the "Epithelial Barrier Theory," which proposes that toxic substances in everyday products -- including microplastics, detergents, and air pollution -- damage the protective linings of our skin, lungs, and gut. This damage disrupts the body's microbiome and triggers inflammation that may help explain the global rise in allergies and other immune-related diseases over recent decades.
Several hypotheses have been put forth trying to explain the observed increases in these diseases, such as 'Hygiene Hypothesis', 'Old Friends', and 'Biodiversity and Dysbiosis'. The recently introduced 'Epithelial Barrier Theory' incorporates these former hypotheses and suggests that toxic substances in cleaning agents, laundry and dishwasher detergents, shampoos, toothpastes, as well as microplastic, packaged food and air pollution damage the epithelium of our skin, lungs and gastrointestinal system. Epithelial barrier disruption leads to decreased biodiversity of the microbiome and the development of opportunistic pathogen colonization, which upon interaction with the immune system, initiates local and systemic inflammation. Gaining a deeper comprehension of the interplay between the environment, microbiome and the immune system provides the data to assist with legally regulating the usage of toxic substances, to enable nontoxic alternatives and to mitigate these environmental challenges essential for fostering a harmonious and healthy global environment.