More than 50 million people in the United States struggle with allergies on some level every year. In fact, allergies are cited as the sixth leading cause of chronic illness among Americans.
The most common food-related allergens are peanuts, milk, and shellfish. Penicillin is the most prominent medication allergy, with as much as ten percent of the population reacting to it. Seasonal allergies and skin allergies are also common.
Allergy suffers are continually looking for relief from their symptoms, which range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. One relief method that shows a lot of promise has to do with the connection between gut health and allergies.
But what causes allergies? How can supporting a healthy gut help provide relief? Continue reading to learn the answers to these pressing questions.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to specific stimuli. Generally, allergies happen on a cellular level, with the immune system attacking the proteins or other compounds found in varying things.
Many allergies happen through the digestive tract. Allergies to food and medications, for example, happen here. These allergies can cause a range of symptoms, from GI pain and gas to hives and even anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It causes a range of symptoms, including swelling and difficulty breathing. The most severe of allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, must generally be treated by a medical professional as quickly as possible.
Gut Health and Allergies: The Connection
A lot of research has been done on allergies and what causes them, as well as what might be done to prevent them. Many studies have focused on gut health as it related to allergies, and the results are promising.
Healthy gut bacteria are known to be beneficial to human health on multiple levels. These “good” bacteria help digest food, support a healthy weight, and keep your digestive system regular. But this same bacteria could also prove beneficial for allergy sufferers.
The healthy bacteria in your gut produces molecules, including short-chain fatty acids. These molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they assist in reducing inflammation throughout the body. These same molecules also help to regulate the immune system.
Since inflammation is a key component in allergic reactions, reducing it can help ease symptoms. By promoting more healthy gut bacteria, allergy suffers can potentially reduce or even cure allergy-related issues. This appears to include issues related to hay fever or seasonal allergies.
Do You Have More Questions About the Link Between Gut Health and Allergies?
The research linking gut health and allergies is promising. By reducing inflammation in the body, healthy gut bacteria could offer relief for allergy suffers. This includes hay fever and seasonal allergies, as well as those related to food or medications.
Do you have more questions about the connection between gut health and allergies?
Check out our other blog posts. You’ll find a wealth of information on closely related topics that can help you dive further into the subject.
