As auto-immune diseases skyrocket today, we are being vigilant in the search for causative factors. One factor is the role of our environment. Typically, when we think of environment, we think dirt. We are ultra-conscious of minimizing our exposures in an attempt to prevent illness. However, many experts are now questioning: Are we being too clean? Where's the dirt?

Starting in utero, our bodies are developing an immune system, but at birth is when the real challenges begin. "Challenges" is the operative word. Our immune system needs to be challenged. The microorganisms found in the dirt on the floor, in the foods from the garden, in the air that we breathe, and even our own cells, are going through a kind of interrogation process. The body is supposed to learn early on if a particular microorganism it is exposed to is a threat or not. It "remembers" that exposure and files it away, so that on the next exposure it knows whether or not to ramp up its defenses, or ignore it. It is happiest when these exposures are tiny, miniscule exposures that it has time to learn about.

That's where dirt comes in. Kids get sick so easily, that we are being overly-cautious to the point that we aren't allowing their immune systems to have the schooling it needs. We jump to the "rescue" when a toy falls on the floor, washing or sanitizing it. We slather their hands with these alcohol-chemical-based "sanitizers" for fear they may have been exposed to something that could make them sick. We don't allow them to play in the dirt, in muddy water, or anywhere a "germ" may exist. We have become so germ-a-phobic, that we kill anything and everything we perceive as a threat.

A new term is being popularized: the "Bored Immune System" when it comes to auto-immune diseases. Meaning that our immune system is "bored" and, with nothing else to do, decides to start attacking its own tissues. I think this whole theory is an insult to our body's intelligence. With normal exposures our immune system should always be on alert for foreign invaders, constantly differentiating between healthy proteins and potential threats. According to Dr. Hans Ulrich Abonico, head physician for the Department of Complementary Medicine, Hospital of Lagnau, Switzerland, from birth the body is in constant interaction with its environment which either supports or attacks it, and childhood illnesses are imperative for building an intelligent, strong immune system.

Much of this starts in the gut according to Dr. Delespesse, Director of the Laboratory for Allergy Research at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal. He says that healthy bacteria are critical to healthy immune system differentiation of microbes and that non-breast fed babies, antibiotics, preservatives in food and sterilized foods as well as many medications destroy the bacteria in the digestive system, thus decreasing the efficiency and function of the immune system.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, but a good place to start - from birth. To learn more attend our upcoming health class, "Battling Auto-Immune Disease Naturally," Wednesday, Feb. 27th 7 p.m. in Cd'A. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over 34 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.