Bacteria Help Body Beef Up Immunity, Study Says

When it comes to bacteria, many people have a pretty simple view: Germs are bad, and our lives should be as free of them as possible. But an alternate idea suggests just the opposite: Germs are a necessary part of a healthy immune system, helping our body's defenses beef up and fight future illnesses. When a person's exposure to germs is decreased, problems may arise. The idea is called the hygiene hypothesis. For years, scientists have suspected that it played a role in how diseases affect...Full Story