Allergies may protect against environmental toxins

Professor Ruslan Medzhitov and two of his students in their article in the journal Nature hypothesized that although the reasons behind the creation of allergic reaction have not clearly identified, the annoying symptoms may be a part of bodies' attempt to repelling harmful agents, Press TV reported.

“All these symptoms (of allergies) have one thing in common -- they are trying to get something expelled from the body,” said Medzhitov.

Body has two major forms of immune reactions including type 1 immunity which fights viruses, bacteria, fungi and similar organisms and the type 2 involving most allergic responses to external environmental challenges, the report noted.

It suggested that these reactions can protect us from four categories of toxins -- parasites, noxious chemicals, animal venoms and general environmental irritants.

Even desire to avoid symptoms such as sneezing and itching can lead us to avoid environments that contain the potentially noxious substances, the scientists highlighted.

“Just because allergic reactions are perceived as a nuisance, we perceive them as a disease,” Medzhitov added .

“It makes a big difference when you go from thinking of something (as a) pathogen to think of it as something that can protect you.”

The article also suggested that the new point of view could affect how people think about easily using allergy medications. “You may feel better, but maybe they're compromising a protective function," the article read.

The hypothesis can also help people feel better while facing allergic symptoms, says Medzhitov. “You should feel good about it because it means your body can reduce exposure to substances that are bad for you."

Moreover, according to some findings, people who are allergy prone are less likely to develop certain cancers, Medzhitov noted.
“You can imagine if there’s some toxic substance in the environment that can be carcinogenic you might be better protected.”