Immune System Development

Children with high outdoor and soil exposure have substantially lower rates of allergies, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. The immune system has two branches: the innate immune system inherited from the mother and the acquired immune system developed through ongoing pathogen exposure. When a child's infection is suppressed too quickly, the acquired immune system loses the opportunity to generate antibodies and strengthen itself. Early antibiotic use is associated with increased risk of allergies and asthma through immune system disruption.