Seasonal allergies are a common issue for various adults at any time of the year. While plants in bloom are often to blame for many symptoms experienced, seasonal allergies affect a large portion of adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that almost 28 percent of adults aged 45-64 experience the symptoms of seasonal allergic reactions, and more than 26 percent of adults aged 65-74 have reported seasonal allergies at some point in life.
When hay fever and allergic rhinitis settle in with symptoms of feeling unwell, pollen counts tend to be highest. Most adults may notice a variety of respiratory symptoms such as rhinitis (runny nose), congestion, sneezing, eczema, dry cough, watery and itchy eyes, and mental fatigue; however, the gut may be a major player in these concerns.
While discussing these symptoms with a qualified healthcare practitioner is valuable for possible immunotherapy, establishing a healthy well-being through gut health may be valuable. The content ahead looks into seasonal allergies and gut health, and how the two may be more common than you may think.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Examining seasonal allergies and gut health needs to start with understanding potential allergens. Plants are a major cause of allergy symptoms. Flowers, pollen, and grass are all examples of environmental components that can lead to an allergic reaction in the body. When the immune system detects these components, it releases immune compounds, including histamine, to help the body respond and destroy the invading compounds. This is how the immune system keeps the body safe from various potentially harmful microbial microorganisms, but the detection of these invaders leads to an outburst of immune cells, including histamine and mast cells that can lead to inflammation.
What Time of Year are Seasonal Allergies Prevalent?
If you have experienced seasonal allergies before, you may know that springtime is crushing for respiratory symptoms. While the spring is notorious for being tough on the respiratory system and could be considered the National Antihistamine Season, any time of year can introduce varying compounds. Here is a breakdown of compounds to be aware of for seasonal allergies and gut health.
- Winter: The cold months of the year bring people indoors for long periods. With more time spent indoors, seasonal allergies and gut health issues tend to be triggered by dander, dust mites, and indoor plants.
- Spring. Hay fever season and allergic rhinitis are common in the spring. Plant growth, pollen, shrubs, and flowers are the major causes of seasonal allergies and gut health during this time of year.
- Summer. Perhaps the most forgiving time of year for respiratory conditions, except for cut grass, is the summer. However, blooming plants can still be a major source of pollen, so aim for protection against seasonal allergies with gut health supplements during this season too.
- Fall. As the summer months turn cooler, ragweed, grass, and pollen are the primary sources of allergens.
What is the Link Between Seasonal Allergies and Gut Health?
While the respiratory system is often the target of many symptoms experienced with these conditions, gut health is becoming increasingly important for taming the body’s immune response. It seems that establishing and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome may help to support some of the effects that occur with common allergies throughout the year. Here is some data linking gut health to respiratory symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis:
- A healthy gut promotes pulmonary inflammatory response. The addition of probiotics may help to support seasonal allergies’ gut health issues, which may help to promote the body’s anti-inflammatory response throughout the respiratory system. For example, studies show the addition of bifidobacterium breve and oligosaccharides may support a healthy inflammatory process in the pulmonary system.
- A healthy gut supports a healthy immune response in the pulmonary airway. It is no secret that adults tend to feel congested as part of allergic rhinitis taking effect. It seems the intestinal epithelial cell may play a role in regulating the gut microbiota, which in return, may promote overall pulmonary airway health as well.
- A healthy gut microbiome is critical for immune antigens. These antigens are utilized in the defense of organisms entering the body and for the allergic response. A bacterial microbiome imbalance is associated with inflammation, and treatment options can lean towards treating the microbiome to combat various inflammatory processes involved in allergic rhinitis.
Targeted Nutrients for a Healthy Gut
Treating the gut as an entity that protects immune function is an area of strong interest throughout the aging body. Studies have shown the gut to be a gateway for treating inflammatory diseases, which include seasonal allergies. To achieve a healthy gut, the body must use various vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants to get the job done. Here are some of the most important nutrients that may help to support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Omega-3 Fats. Taking control of inflammation in the gut may help to support the body’s immune response and promote seasonal allergies and gut health. A solid ratio of omega-3 fats compared to omegas 6 and 9 may help to support a healthy inflammatory process in the body. Omega fats 6 and 9 are actually associated with inflammatory processes and can negate the effects of omega-3 fats.
- Fiber. Natural fiber, including soluble and insoluble options, may help to play the role as a prebiotic for the current microbiome in the gut. What’s more, fiber may support gut cleansing by attaching to organisms throughout the gut lining that may contribute to inflammation. Aim for whole grains and natural plant options for more fiber in the diet each day.
- Vitamin D. The addition of vitamin D may play a role in various immune system functions. For example, vitamin D may help support gut lining integrity, especially the epithelial layer, for a strong defense against potential invading microbes. In addition, the consumption of vitamin D may promote immune cell development, particularly T-cells.
- Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a precursor to beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that may have a role in immune health. Colorful red and orange fruits and vegetables provide ample vitamin A and beta carotene to support epithelial cells in the gut, which may help to support gut lining protection.
- Zinc. Adding foods that contain zinc may support the body’s immune response to various organisms and may support food allergies as well. Deficiencies in zinc may contribute to a weakened immune function and epithelial cell integrity. Look to consume whole nuts, seeds, and meats to add zinc naturally in the diet.
- B-Vitamins. The complex of B-vitamins may help to support a role in cellular metabolism and immunity. A healthy gut microbiome excretes compounds that may support immunity as well cellular metabolism. Particularly important for shuttling nutrients throughout the body and intestinal tract, the B-vitamins are vital for promoting immune function.
- Probiotics. Settling allergies by feeding the gut bacteria may support the body’s inflammatory process. Common good bacteria strains include lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and saccharomyces. Many of these options can be found in live culture foods such as yogurts, kefir, Kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, and fermented foods.
When to Supplement the Gut with Nutrients
When your diet is filled with nutrients to nourish and feel the gut, but seasonal allergies and inflammation roars itself, it may mean a more targeted approach could be in store. The Professional Supplement Center contains a wide variety of digestive care supplements ranging from herbs, to vitamins, and bromelain for gut health support. In addition, the Professional Supplement Center also offers probiotics, which may help to play an important role in promoting a healthy gut flora, to support a healthy inflammatory response, and for immune health.
Conclusion
When it comes to seasonal allergies and gut health, it is vital to keep the GI tract healthy to maintain optimal homeostasis. The content above describes some of the nutrients needed to support gut health and its surprising association to immune function. When your diet is not enough, consider supplements that contain natural herbs, vitamins minerals, omega-3 fats, probiotics, or fiber to help nourish the gut.
FAQs
When is the best time of day to add gut health supplements?
While much of the timing of your supplement use should be directed under the direction of a qualified healthcare practitioner, gut support supplements can be consumed at any time of the day and prior to chronic stress situations.
How many servings of fruits and vegetables are best for the gut?
Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids for the support of whole body health. Adding five servings of fruits and vegetables each day is recommended for the typical adult, with emphasis on a variety of colors.
What foods should I avoid to support seasonal allergy relief?
Seasonal allergies and gut health issues can occur at any time of year. While avoiding particular foods of food groups can be meaningful in the short-term, it is best to maintain a long-term path. Consider avoiding heavily processed, greasy foods that contain saturated fats to support relief from excess inflammation due to seasonal allergies.
Resources
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Chris holds a master of science in exercise and wellness and has been a healthcare worker since 2005. While actively working as a cardiac sonographer, Chris is also passionate about educating the public with accurate and evidenced-based information. Outside of the hospital, he is a health and wellness writer dedicated to creating content that allows readers to make healthy choices.