The human gut is a complex ecosystem teeming with billions of bacteria, known as the microbiome or gut microbiota. This community of microorganisms plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. More importantly, it actively influences our immune system and the way in which our body responds to environmental and dietary allergens.
The gut and immune system are intricately linked, and disruptions in gut health can have a profound impact on our body’s immune responses, potentially triggering allergies.
When the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut is disrupted, dysbiosis occurs, weakening the gut lining and causing it to become permeable or ‘leaky’. Consequently, undigested food particles and toxins can escape into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and allergic reactions.
For this reason, if you’re wanting to find a long-term solution to combatting your allergies, the best thing you can do is address your gut health.
- A good quality probiotic SPECIFIC to your allergic presentation will help to restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota. These natural warriors strengthen the gut lining, reducing its permeability and preventing the entry of allergens into the bloodstream. You can add probiotics into your diet by including fermented foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir.
- Prebiotic support is crucial for feeding the good bacteria in your gut. By nourishing these microbes, prebiotics promote their growth and activity, supporting a healthy gut environment in the process. Foods such as garlic, onions, bananas and oats are rich sources of probiotics.
- Herbs can do amazing things when it comes to allergies. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce allergic reactions and soothe gut inflammation. See Fusion Turmeric or Herbs of Gold Bio Curcumin. Including digestive herbs like licorice, peppermint and chamomile will also be great to support your gastrointestinal tract and alleviate discomfort caused by allergies.
- Don’t forget your omega-3 fatty acids! These guys are foung in fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds and chia seeds, helping to reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout to body. By incorporating these healthy fats into your diet or via supplementation, you can promote gut health and potentially alleviate allergy symptoms. Some of our favourite omega 3 supplements are linked here: Herbs of Gold Triple Strength Omega 3, Fusion OceanPure, Melrose