Many individuals endure with hay fever. wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock
For many individuals, spring has introduced with it the dreaded signs of hay fever, equivalent to itchy eyes, sneezing and a stuffy nostril. Hay fever is widespread, affecting as much as 42% of individuals. It happens when the immune system overreacts to allergens together with pollen.
Research suggests there could possibly be a hyperlink between hay fever and the microbiome, the gathering of microorganisms that dwell in and on our our bodies. Specifically, the composition of an individual’s intestine and nasal microbiomes could play a task within the growth of hay fever signs.
By exploring this connection, we will determine potential different remedies which will assist scale back the consequences of hay fever on individuals’s each day lives.
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Hay fever and the microbiome
Studies have proven that folks with hay fever typically have a much less various intestine microbiome in comparison with these with out the situation. Reduced range of intestine micro organism can result in an imbalance within the microbiome, and lead to increased ranges of irritation (the physique’s immune response to irritants, equivalent to an allergens).
So the truth that decreased range of intestine micro organism can result in an elevated danger of hay fever is sensible for the reason that intestine microbiome performs a key function in regulating the immune system, and we all know the immune system influences allergic reactions.
The intestine microbiome is assumed to have an effect on immune system perform in a number of methods, together with by means of the manufacturing of short-chain fatty acids. These are produced by intestine micro organism in the course of the fermentation of dietary fibre (part of regular digestion).
Short-chain fatty acids are identified to have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has proven that decrease ranges of two bacterial strains which produce short-chain fatty acids – Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus – are related to an elevated danger of hay fever.
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In addition to the intestine microbiome, hay fever additionally appears to be linked to the nasal microbiome, the neighborhood of microorganisms that inhabit the nasal passages.
The nasal microbiome performs an essential function in regulating the immune system and defending in opposition to dangerous pathogens that enter our our bodies by means of the nostril. Imbalance and decreased range of the nasal microbiome can result in an elevated danger of respiratory infections and exacerbation of hay fever signs.
Studies have proven that folks with hay fever typically have a distinct composition of their nasal microbiome in comparison with these with out the situation, with extra of sure micro organism equivalent to Staphylococcus aureus. This imbalance within the nasal microbiome can result in elevated irritation and a better danger of sure hay fever signs.
The potential function of probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics are dwell microorganisms which improve the composition of “good” micro organism within the physique. Prebiotics, in the meantime, are fibres that stimulate helpful micro organism within the intestine. Essentially, good micro organism feed on prebiotics. Both are essential for sustaining a wholesome intestine microbiome, which performs an important function in our general well being.
Several strains of probiotic micro organism have been studied in connection to hay fever.
One pressure of curiosity is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which has been discovered to scale back hay fever signs equivalent to congestion, itching and sneezing. Another is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which has proven potential in stopping hay fever growth in infants.
Other strains equivalent to Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus casei have additionally proven some promise in decreasing hay fever signs. But additional analysis is required.
How does this work?
Probiotics seem to modulate the immune response and specifically, lower the manufacturing of inflammatory cytokines. These are signalling molecules produced by cells of the immune system that promote irritation.
For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus can lower the expression of inflammatory cytokines related to allergic irritation within the mucous membranes within the nasal cavity.
Similarly, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been proven to scale back airway hyperresponsiveness (the place the airways slim excessively in response to stimuli), lower inflammatory cells within the lungs, and scale back inflammatory cytokines.
Fermented meals comprise probiotics.
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Prebiotics, equivalent to fructo-oligosaccharides, have additionally been studied for his or her potential in hay fever prevention. They’ve been discovered to extend helpful intestine micro organism equivalent to Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. One examine confirmed that fructo-oligosaccharides supplementation in infants decreased their danger of creating hay fever.
Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics
If you endure from hay fever, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your routine.
Probiotic dietary supplements are broadly accessible in numerous types, together with capsules, tablets, powders and drinks. It’s essential to decide on a complement that comprises the particular strains of probiotic micro organism which have been studied in relation to hay fever. These embrace Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus casei.
You may also incorporate probiotic-rich meals into your eating regimen. These embrace fermented meals equivalent to yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha.
As for prebiotics, fructo-oligosaccharides are generally present in sure meals equivalent to bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes and entire grains. Supplements are additionally accessible in numerous types, together with powders and capsules.
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Sometimes, taking probiotics and prebiotics could have unwanted effects, together with digestive discomfort equivalent to gasoline, bloating and diarrhoea. To minimise these dangers, it’s advisable you begin with a low dose and steadily enhance this over time. It’s additionally value consulting a healthcare supplier earlier than taking these dietary supplements, particularly in case you have a medical situation or are on medicines.
The authors don’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or organisation that will profit from this text, and have disclosed no related affiliations past their educational appointment.
