Is Your Gut Ready for Allergy Season?

by Krystle Ung

April 28, 2022

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but we can’t stress it enough: 70 percent of your immune system is in the gut.[1] Nutrition, microbiome diversity, and infectious diseases can all influence gut health and set off the immune response. As a result, allergy symptoms can get worse if we don’t address the root cause(s).

Intuitive Eating
Do you notice if your allergy symptoms worsen when you consistently eat certain foods? Foods containing dairy, gluten, papaya, and banana can increase mucus production in the body. If you get bad allergies, you won’t want that extra mucus to trap even more pollen. Individuals allergic to birch pollen may experience worse symptoms if they eat apples, cherries, and/or hazelnuts–especially in their raw forms.[2] If you notice that you feel a bit more icky after eating or drinking certain things, make a note of it. You can work on mindful eating with a health coach to better manage your seasonal allergies. 

Probiotics + Microbiome Diversity
Diversity is key to a healthy gut. Without it, there’s more opportunity for the bad bacteria to dominate and crowd out the good microbes. Improving the quality of foods you put in your body certainly helps to enhance microbiome diversity in your gut. If you take probiotics, ask your healthcare professional if you should alternate it with different strains. Not taking any? Find out if you’re ready to start (because not everyone is). 

A Buggy Problem
A number of infectious conditions can influence the gut-immune system connection. Believe it or not, we often have patients with parasite infections coming in with digestive issues and worsening allergies. Parasites can definitely disrupt gut function, which then influences the inflammatory pathways associated with allergies.[3] If you suspect that there’s something going on with your allergy and gut symptoms, consult your healthcare provider to get to the root cause.

Supplements for the Spring Season

• Buffered Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that protects our cells from inflammation that comes with allergies.
• NAC – N-acetyl cysteine is an amino acid that helps to break down mucus so that the body can get rid of it more easily.*
• Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercitrin – Quercetin is another powerful antioxidant that sweeps up free radicals and supports a healthy immune system.*
• Daily Flora Immune – This special probiotic blend contains specific Lactobacillus strains that can strengthen respiratory and immune health.* 
• Resprin – This blend of traditional Chinese herbs targets respiratory health and promotes phlegm expulsion.*
• Propolis Tincture – Propolis can be an awesome antimicrobial supplement that’s especially effective for people with seasonal allergies.*

Looking to determine the root cause(s) of your allergy flare ups?
Our team of integrative practitioners is happy to help you identify the underlying causes of health imbalances, and the best foods and supplements to rebalance your system. Call our office to find out more: 212-989-9828.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your health care provider before beginning any new supplements.

References

1. Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara G, Frati F. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008;135(Suppl 1):3-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x
2. Faber MA, Van Gassee AL, Decuyper, II, Sabato V, Hagendorens MM. Cross-reactive aeroallergens: which need to cross out mind in food allergy diagnosis? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018;6(6):1813-1823. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2018.08.010
3. Tokuhara D, Kurashima Y, Kaioka M, Nakayama T, Kiyono H. A comprehensive understanding of the gut mucosal immune system in allergic inflammation. Allergol Int. 2019;68(1):17-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alit.2018.09.004