Health learnings from Africa

Dear Friend,

Why would kids from a country with less access to advanced healthcare and nutrition have no food allergies, while allergies in the U.S. are skyrocketing?

To answer this, let’s take a look at the evolution of peanut allergies in the U.S.

Before the year 2000, peanut allergies were mild and rare, affecting less than 1% of kids.

After 2000, peanut allergies didn’t just increase—they exploded. Not only did the prevalence rise (now 1 in 18 kids), but the severity worsened. Reactions became life-threatening (anaphylaxis).

What changed?

In response to rising peanut allergies, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a recommendation for complete peanut abstinence from the ages 0-3.

But instead of improving outcomes, rates and severity of peanut allergies skyrocketed.

The response? Schools doubled down. Today, 20% of U.S. schools have banned peanuts all together.

Immune Tolerance—What went wrong?

The immune system needs early exposure to potential allergens to learn tolerance.

Without exposure, the immune system can overreact, treating harmless substances like food as threats. This principle applies to:

• Food allergies

• Seasonal allergies

• Animals

• Topical sensitivities

Behaviors to AVOID that WORSEN immune tolerance:

• Limiting exposure: Keeping kids away from foods or animals

• Germofobia: Sanitizing everything

• Early antibiotics: Damaging the gut microbiome and gut lining

Next time, we’ll dive deeper into theories on immune dysfunction and share some personal experiences.

At BodyTimeMD, we understand there is much to learn about health from all parts of the world. Let’s talk if you are interested in finding out more about your body.

 This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute giving medical advice or endorsing any treatment. The use or application of the content herein forms no doctor-patient relationship. The information in this newsletter should not substitute for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thanks,

Mike