The Amish Are Less Allergic Than Anyone Else

The Amish Are Less Allergic Than Anyone Else

Hay fever used to be an illness associated with aristocrats, but now it's pretty widespread. Cases of asthma, eczema, and food allergies have risen exponentially in the last few decades. But not for the Amish. While 8-10% of children have asthma, that rate is only 1-2% for Amish children. About half the general population is allergic to something, but a recent pinprick study shows only 7% of Amish children have those same common allergies. Ameri…