It is a fact that disorders affecting the immune system have seen a sharp increase in recent years. Asthma, hay fever , eczema, food allergies and MS are all on the rise. There are many theories as to why, but have you actually thought that it could be because we are actually a bits too clean ?

We are not actually exposed to enough dirt or allergens – which is why, so many new cases of allergies crop up every day. Our bodies have simply not come into contact with them before, and immediately see them as a threat. Would it help if we were exposed to more dirt and even more parasites?

Well the answer is that, yes, it could quite possibly bee true! Studies have shown these children who grow up in rural areas where parasites and dirt are a daily occurrence, asthma is almost unheard of – but is affecting 1 in 5 children in urban areas. Children born in built up cities are vulnerable to pollution and to the fact that they do not come into contact with natural dirt and parasites. Out immune systems are actually evolving to see dirt (including dust, fur and pollen) as a threat.

The part of the immune system which is responsible for killing parasites is also the same part which causes allergies which gives even more credit to this theory. Before shrugging this off, it's important to note these parasites are already being used to treat disease. The thought of swallowing a selection of parasite eggs might make you squirm, but they can treat certain illnesses without any side effects.

Worms and parasites are being used to treat the symptoms of MS , allergies and asthma. It might be in the early stages, but who knows where this treatment could actually lead!