For many people, spring and summer mean a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing fits. We're talking about hay fever , medically known as seasonal allergic rhinitis —an allergic reaction to pollen from grasses, trees, or herbs. What many people don't know is that there is evidence that probiotics —live, health-promoting microorganisms—can alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. But how exactly does this work? And what does current research say about it?
In this article, you will learn how probiotics affect the immune system, which strains can help with hay fever, and what you should pay attention to when taking them.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an overreaction of the immune system to otherwise harmless pollen. In those affected, the immune system recognizes pollen as an "enemy" and reacts by releasing histamine – a chemical messenger that triggers typical allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and fatigue. Hay fever is not only annoying, but if left untreated, can develop into allergic asthma.
The role of the intestine in allergies
What does the gut have to do with hay fever? A whole lot!
Approximately 70–80% of the immune system is located in the gut . This is also where the gut microbiota is located – a vast community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that works closely with the immune system. If this delicate balance is disrupted, it can affect the development and progression of allergies. Studies show that people with allergies often have an altered gut flora – with a lower diversity of beneficial bacteria.
How can probiotics help with hay fever?
Probiotics are special strains of bacteria that are taken specifically to support balance in the gut. They can help with hay fever on several levels:
1. Modulation of the immune system
Probiotics can calm and regulate the immune system so it doesn't overreact. In particular, they promote the balance between the different T helper cells (TH1 and TH2), which is disrupted in allergies. In hay fever, the immune system is often overly focused on TH2 activity – probiotics can help balance this shift.
2. Strengthening the intestinal barrier
A healthy gut prevents unwanted substances from entering the body. Probiotics strengthen the intestinal barrier , thus preventing inflammatory processes that can exacerbate allergic reactions.
3. Inhibition of inflammatory reactions
Some probiotics produce short-chain fatty acids (e.g. butyrate), which have anti-inflammatory effects and protect the mucous membranes – including those in the nose and respiratory tract.
What does research say?
Studies on probiotics for hay fever provide promising results – even if not all questions have been answered yet.
Positive study examples:
-
Studies have shown that Lactobacillus paracasei reduces nasal symptoms and improves quality of life in hay fever sufferers. In particular, the strains Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 and Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-133 have been shown in comparative studies to be the most effective probiotics for hay fever, similarly effective to an antihistamine but without side effects.
-
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis have been associated with a reduction in the allergic response to pollen.
-
A 2015 meta-analysis concluded that probiotics may have “some benefit” in hay fever, particularly with regard to nasal symptoms and immune regulation.
It's important to note that the effect is strain-specific . This means that not every probiotic works the same way. What matters is which bacterial strain it contains and whether the strains have been clinically tested for hay fever.
When and how should you take probiotics?
Early intake is crucial!
Ideally, you should start taking probiotics a few weeks before pollen season so that your immune system can stabilize.
Tips for use:
-
Look for products with scientifically tested strains (e.g. Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33).
-
Choose a product with sufficient dosage – usually in the billions (e.g. 1–10 billion CFU per daily dose).
-
Continue taking the medication consistently for at least 4-8 weeks .
-
Support the effect with a healthy, fiber-rich diet – so-called prebiotics such as inulin promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Conclusion: Natural help for allergy sufferers?
Probiotics aren't a miracle cure, but they can be a helpful component in the treatment and prevention of hay fever. By promoting gut health and modulating the immune system, they can help alleviate allergic symptoms and improve quality of life during pollen season.
Particularly useful: Taking probiotics preventively before the start of pollen season and combining them with a healthy lifestyle. Anyone who regularly suffers from hay fever should take their gut flora seriously—because this could be the key to a better quality of life.
Tip at the end:
If you want to try probiotics for hay fever, it's best to choose products that contain probiotic strains that have been clinically tested for hay fever.
