Amish In America Case Study

The latest surveys show that allergy rates, especially in developed countries, are on the rise by 30 to 35%. Scientists have been researching the reason to this phenomenon. There are various opinions but many studies are pointing towards the Hygiene Hypotheses as the leading cause.
The Hygiene Hypotheses, proposed by David P. Strachan, suggests the following. The immune system is a sophisticated collection of defense pathways that protect the body from infection. Initially, when young children were still living on farms, the immune system fought against parasites and bacteria that they were exposed to. However, in developed countries like America, the environment and food preparation is more hygienic than ever. Now, instead of the immune system fighting against its usual targets like parasitic worms, it now attacks harmless substances like grass, pollen or cat hair (“Why is Allergy Increasing” 212).
Strachan conducted the following study which brought about his hypothesis. Strachan looked at data from 17,414 British children all born within a week of one another. They were then followed for 23 years as part of the National Child Development Study. The analysis showed
The Amish are a sect of Anabaptists who emigrated from the Swiss region of Europe and adhere to a lifestyle of approximately 150 years back in time. They dress simply, avoid modern conveniences, and live a farm lifestyle. Because of this, the Amish Children have a good deal of outdoor play and participate in farm chores as soon as there are able. As a result, they are exposed to bacteria and microbes early on in life. Interestingly, allergists Dr. Mark Holbreich, Dr. Erica von Mutius and Dr. Charlotte Braun Fahrlander determined that Amish children have a notably lower percentage of allergy than nonfarm Swiss children. Additionally, the Amish family averaged six children, which was double the nonfarm Swiss family average (Strachan