Asthma Cases Plummet in Finland: The Grounding Technique Explained

Finland’s Nature-Based Approach to Combating Asthma and allergies

Finland’s innovative approach to addressing the rising rates of asthma and allergies in children is gaining international attention. By exposing children to a rich variety of bacteria and fungi thru regular outdoor play, Finland has seen a notable decrease in chronic disorders.This strategy, implemented as a national policy in 2008, is now being closely examined by other countries, including the Netherlands, where asthma cases continue to climb.

The Finnish Success Story

Between 2008 and 2018, Finland witnessed a remarkable 62 percent drop in asthma-related visits to emergency rooms among children.Furthermore, the proportion of asthma patients with severe, persistent asthma decreased dramatically from 20 percent to just 2.5 percent by 2016. Dietary restrictions due to allergies also became less common,with a 40 percent reduction in the number of children requiring special diets.

Rooting in the Earth: Building Immune Resilience

the Long fund is advocating for the adoption of the Finnish model in the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of early childhood exposure to diverse microorganisms. Hermelijn Smits, professor of immunology at Leiden UMC, explains, “If a child is playing and rooting in the forest or a piece of earth, it will naturally come into contact with millions of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria that live there.” She adds that this exposure “shows the immune system that there are many foreign substances, but that they are not necessarily dangerous.”

Smits suggests that increased urbanization has weakened the natural defenses of many people in the Netherlands, leading to an overreaction by the immune system when it encounters harmless bacteria. This, in turn, contributes to the rise in asthma and allergies.

The Hygiene hypothesis

The idea that early exposure to microbes is crucial for immune growth dates back to observations that Russian children, living in more rural environments, had fewer airway issues than their Finnish counterparts living in cities. This led to the hypothesis that rural children are more resilient due to their constant interaction with animals, nature, and a diverse range of microbes.

Research, including studies funded by the Dutch Long Fund under the A World Without Asthma consortium, supports this idea. Smits’ research indicates that substances found on Dutch farms, rich in microbes, have a positive impact on children’s resilience.

Practical Applications and Actionable Advice

• Redesigning Playgrounds: Károly Illy, director of the Long fund and pediatrician, suggests “redesigning school yards and playgrounds is relatively simple.Tiles out, green in it.”
• Embrace the “Dirt”: Encourage outdoor play and reduce excessive sanitization. As Smits says, “That over -protecting might potentially be a bit less. Let children climb back in a tree.”
• Shoes On: Illy recommends keeping shoes on inside to introduce outdoor microbes into the home environment.
• Get a pet: Pets introduce a variety of microbes into the household, strengthening the immune system.
• Dietary Changes: Incorporate fiber-rich foods, unprocessed foods, fruits, and vegetables, which are full of beneficial microorganisms.

Latest Developments and Further Research

Recent studies continue to support the benefits of early microbial exposure. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who grow up on farms have a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies. [Citation: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology]

Call to Action

Finland’s success demonstrates the potential of nature-based solutions in combating asthma and allergies. By embracing a less sterile environment and encouraging outdoor play, parents and communities can take proactive steps to support children’s immune health. As Károly Illy encourages, “But don’t be afraid of making your children get dirty.” Consider implementing these strategies in your own life and advocating for changes in your community to promote a healthier future for children. Last week, the Longfonds presented its own and Finnish research results to GGDs, consultation agencies, municipalities and other scientists. According to Illy,that is the starting point for conversations to also come to large -scale initiatives in the Netherlands to expose children to nature on a daily basis,even if it is around the corner in a city park.

What is the impact of environmental microbes on the incidence of asthma and allergies in children?

Can Finland’s Nature-Based Approach Reduce Asthma and Allergies? An interview wiht Dr. anya Sharma

Finland’s innovative strategies for tackling childhood asthma and allergies are creating waves internationally. We spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a pediatric immunologist at the Global Health Institute, to understand more about their approach and potential success in other countries.

What is the Finnish Approach to Combating Asthma and Allergies?

Archyde: dr. sharma, thank you for joining us. Can you explain the core elements of Finland’s approach to managing childhood asthma and allergies?

Dr. Sharma: Certainly.Finland has recognized the importance of early childhood exposure to diverse microorganisms. Their approach focuses on encouraging children to interact with nature, allowing them to come into contact with beneficial bacteria and fungi. They’ve seen this as a way to “train” the immune system.

The Science Behind Getting “dirty”

Archyde: The idea of exposing children to “dirt” might sound counterintuitive to some. What’s the science behind this?

Dr. Sharma: It’s related to the “hygiene hypothesis.” The theory suggests that overly sterile environments can weaken a child’s immune system.By interacting with diverse microbes, the immune system learns to differentiate between harmless and harmful substances, reducing the likelihood of overreacting to allergens and triggering asthma.

Finland’s Dramatic Reduction in Asthma Cases

Archyde: The numbers coming out of Finland are notable. What kind of impact have they seen?

Dr. Sharma: Indeed. Between 2008 and 2018, Finland saw about a 62% decrease in asthma-related emergency room visits among children. Also, the data showed a dramatic reduction of patients going from severe persistent asthma patients dropping from 20% to only 2.5% by 2016. Dietary restrictions due to allergies decreased about 40%. It’s compelling evidence that this approach is making a real difference.

Practical Steps for Parents and Communities

Archyde: What are some practical steps that parents and communities can take, inspired by the Finnish model, to improve children’s immune health?

dr. Sharma: There are several things. Encourage outdoor play – let kids explore nature and get a little dirty. Consider redesigning playgrounds to incorporate more green spaces. Think about limiting how much you sanitize everything. maybe even consider having a pet, as they introduce beneficial microbes into the home. And don’t underestimate the impact of a fiber-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Urban Environments and Immune Health

Archyde: Given increased urbanization is a global trend, do you think this approach is scalable and effective for children growing up in urban environments?

Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. Even in cities, we can create opportunities for children to connect with nature – community gardens, pocket parks, green schoolyards. Bringing nature closer to children, regardless of location, is key. The Longfonds even presented research to municipalities for small-scale city parks to expose urban children to nature more often.

The Role of Farm Environments

Archyde: Research indicates that children who grow up on farms have a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies. What’s your take on this?

Dr. Sharma: Farm environments are naturally rich in microbial diversity. exposure to animals, soil, and various plants helps train the immune system from an early age. It provides a natural form of immune system education that many children in urban environments are missing.

Further Research and Considerations

Archyde: Are there any potential downsides or aspects of this approach that warrant further research?

Dr. Sharma: It’s important to note that this approach isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.Individual reactions to microbial exposure can vary. It’s also crucial to ensure that children’s outdoor environments are safe and free from harmful pollutants. More research is needed to fine-tune these strategies and understand the long-term effects.

A Call to Action for Healthier Children

Archyde: what message would you like to leave with our readers who are interested in learning more and taking action?

Dr. Sharma: Embrace the idea that a little dirt can be good for your child’s immune health. Encourage outdoor play, support nature-based initiatives in your community, and don’t be afraid to let your children explore the world around them. What are your thoughts on this nature-based solution? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below!