Gut microbiome and allergy

If you counted them up, the majority of the body’s immune cells are actually hanging out in and around the gut.  Therefore, what happens in gastrointestinal area is of critical importance to the immune system and the ability to resist diseases.  The primary immune tissue in the GI tract is known as the gut-associated lymphoid tissue or GALT and is the first line of defense of the mucosal immune system, when it comes to pathogens ingested with food.

Meanwhile, the gut also houses the microbiome which consists of microorganisms, some that help our nutrient absorption (or even provide it to us), and signal and modify immune system response.

How does the gut microbiome impact the immune system (and therefore allergy):

• The microbiome releases short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and other metabolites that affect immune function, promote (or decrease) immune tolerance, and can decrease (or increase) inflammation
• Some of the SCFA can cause differentiation of T cells, including regulatory T cells that increase immune tolerance
• Some SCFA promote development of B cells and production of antibodies
• Some SCFAs activate immune processes and responses, that help the immune system prevent and fight infection
• Some of the mediators released by the microbiome signal to immune cells to get them to migrate and differentiate into more efficient microbe-killers.
• Some of the mediators tip the environment (and therefore the immune cells) into a more allergic environment into an environment more conducive to fighting infections with bacteria and virus-infected cells

As you noticed from the list above, the immune system can be tipped either way.  The difference between helping and hurting the immune system, gut and other processes defines whether the bacteria are good or bad.

There is quite a bit of evidence amassing that the bacteria of a microbiome help decrease food intolerance and food allergy.  For this reason, I highly recommend remediation of the microbiome for all my patients that have issues with food.

What are you waiting for?  If you or your child need help controlling allergies or if you think you need testing or treatment or that you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and her team staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help. Call for testing or treatment today!

Call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now!  Begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm.

Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies.  Buy it NOW!

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.