Allergies such as hay fever, asthma or neurodermatitis are among the most common diseases worldwide and lead to a wide range of complaints. What is less well known is that the intestine and the immune system play a crucial role in the development of allergic reactions. Scientific studies are increasingly showing that a disturbed intestinal flora and increased permeability of the intestinal walls can be significant factors in the development of allergies and that probiotics can help prevent and treat allergies.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to normally harmless substances such as pollen, animal hair or certain foods. The body produces antibodies against these substances, which leads to an allergic reaction. Symptoms can range from mild itching and redness to life-threatening conditions such as anaphylactic shock.
Allergies are one of the most common diseases of our time and can cause significant restrictions in everyday life. The causes of allergic reactions are varied and include genetic factors, family history, environmental conditions and intestinal health. Genetic predisposition increases the risk of allergic reactions and family history can lead to allergies occurring more frequently in certain families. Environmental factors also play a crucial role in the development of allergies. Studies show, for example, that children who grow up in an environment rich in bacteria are less likely to suffer from allergic diseases later in life. Air pollution, pollutants in food or contact with certain substances can trigger allergic reactions.
What role does the intestine play in an allergy?
The intestine is a complex system of various microbial components that work closely with our immune system. The gut-associated immune system (GALT) represents 70% of the entire immune system and therefore plays a central role in the development of allergies.
The intestine is home to numerous microorganisms known as gut flora, which play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Reduced diversity of gut flora can impair the barrier function of the intestine and lead to local inflammation. Studies show that people with allergies often have a disturbed and less diverse gut flora. In particular, bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus can modulate the gut microbiome so that the immune system promotes cells that reduce excessive allergic reactions.
A healthy gut flora can be promoted by taking probiotics and prebiotic foods that are rich in fiber. Other measures to improve gut health include taking immunomodulators such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which can regulate the immune system and reduce inflammatory processes in the body.
What treatments are available for people with allergies and a weakened intestine?
For people with allergies and a weakened gut, there are various treatment methods to improve gut health. One option is the use of probiotic supplements, which contain beneficial bacteria and can restore the balance of the intestinal flora. A targeted change in diet, in which allergy-causing foods are avoided and high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruit and fermented products such as sauerkraut or kefir are included in the diet, can also be helpful. Immunotherapy, in which the immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergy-causing substance, can help with severe allergies. However, individual advice from a doctor or nutritionist is important in order to find the best possible treatment for the individual patient.
Can probiotics help with allergies?
Initial studies on the prevention and treatment of allergies with probiotics show promising results. Reviews show that certain probiotic bacterial strains can be effective in allergies. In particular, the strains Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 and Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-133 have been shown to be effective in improving allergic symptoms associated with asthma, hay fever and atopic dermatitis.
These probiotic strains have been specifically selected to stabilize the intestinal flora and stimulate the immune system. Clinical studies show that daily intake of Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 leads to a significant reduction in typical allergy symptoms. Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-133 has also been shown in studies to stabilize an overactive immune system and reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis, as well as food allergies and allergic reactions to house dust mites.
The results of these studies show that these probiotic strains are comparable to conventional treatments such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, but without their known side effects.
Allergies and the intestine – a close connection
The connection between allergies and the gut is close. A disturbed gut flora can cause the immune system to overreact and trigger allergic reactions. It is important to keep the gut healthy to prevent allergies and alleviate their symptoms. A targeted change in diet and the intake of probiotics can promote gut health. In particular, the probiotic strains Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 and Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-133 appear to be promising alternatives to conventional treatment methods, especially in the prevention and treatment of asthma, hay fever and atopic dermatitis.
