Hay fever could be linked to our gut and nose bacteria – and probiotics may help symptoms
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Friday, April 21, 2023
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For many people, spring has brought with it the dreaded symptoms of hay fever, such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a stuffy nose.
Key Points:
- For many people, spring has brought with it the dreaded symptoms of hay fever, such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a stuffy nose.
- Specifically, the composition of a person’s gut and nasal microbiomes may play a role in the development of hay fever symptoms.
- By exploring this connection, we can identify potential alternative treatments that may help reduce the effects of hay fever on people’s daily lives.
Hay fever and the microbiome
- Studies have shown that people with hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.
- Read more:
Hay fever: why some people suffer from it and others don'tIn addition to the gut microbiome, hay fever also seems to be linked to the nasal microbiome, the community of microorganisms that inhabit the nasal passages.
- This imbalance in the nasal microbiome can lead to increased inflammation and a higher risk of certain hay fever symptoms.
The potential role of probiotics and prebiotics
- Prebiotics, meanwhile, are fibres that stimulate beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Both are important for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in our overall health.
- Another is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which has shown potential in preventing hay fever development in infants.
How does this work?
- Probiotics appear to modulate the immune response and in particular, decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines.
- These are signalling molecules produced by cells of the immune system that promote inflammation.
- For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus can decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines associated with allergic inflammation in the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity.
Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics
- If you suffer from hay fever, you may want to consider incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your routine.
- As for prebiotics, fructo-oligosaccharides are commonly found in certain foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes and whole grains.
- Read more:
Probiotics regulate our immune system and could help fight off COVID – new researchSometimes, taking probiotics and prebiotics may have side effects, including digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating and diarrhoea.