The Microbiome and Allergic Rhinitis: Can Gut Health Influence Your Symptoms?

Could your gut health be affecting your allergies? Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria in your digestive system—plays a significant role in regulating immune responses, including allergic reactions. Let’s explore the connection between gut health and allergic rhinitis and what you can do to support both.

How the Gut and Allergies Are Connected

Your immune system is heavily influenced by the balance of bacteria in your gut. Here’s how it relates to allergic rhinitis:

• Immune Regulation: A diverse microbiome helps train your immune system to tolerate harmless substances like pollen instead of overreacting to them.
• Inflammation Control: Beneficial gut bacteria help reduce systemic inflammation, which can lower allergy symptoms.
• Barrier Function: A healthy gut lining prevents unwanted substances from triggering immune responses that contribute to allergies.
• Antibiotic Use and Allergies: Frequent antibiotic use, especially in early childhood, can disrupt the gut microbiome and may increase allergy risk.

Can Improving Gut Health Help Allergic Rhinitis?

While more research is needed, studies suggest that balancing gut bacteria may help manage allergies. Here’s what you can do:

• Eat More Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
• Take a Probiotic Supplement: Some probiotic strains (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) have been studied for their role in reducing allergy symptoms.
• Increase Fiber Intake: Prebiotic foods like bananas, onions, garlic, and oats feed good gut bacteria.
• Reduce Processed Foods: Highly processed diets can disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation.
• Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics: Use them only when necessary, as they can wipe out beneficial bacteria.

FAQ: Gut Health and Allergies

Q: Can probiotics cure allergic rhinitis?
A: No, but they may help reduce symptom severity by supporting immune balance.

Q: How long does it take for gut health changes to impact allergies?
A: It varies, but noticeable improvements can take weeks to months.

Q: Are all probiotic supplements the same?
A: No! Different strains have different effects, so look for those studied for allergies (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium longum).

A Personal Story

One of my patients, Emma, had struggled with seasonal allergies for years. After adding a probiotic and increasing fiber-rich foods in her diet, she noticed her symptoms weren’t as intense. While she still needed antihistamines and allergy shots, she felt her overall immune response was better regulated.

While gut health isn’t a magic cure for allergies, supporting your microbiome may help reduce inflammation and improve your body’s ability to tolerate allergens. It’s a promising area of research worth considering if you’re looking for additional ways to manage allergic rhinitis.

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.