How a Healthy Gut Can Help Ease Allergies and Asthma

Recent research published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications has shed light on a fascinating connection between our gut health and our respiratory system. Scientists have discovered that the community of microorganisms living in our digestive tract, known as the gut microbiome, plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Allergic rhinitis, often referred to as hay fever, and asthma are conditions where the body's immune system reacts strongly to substances like pollen or dust, leading to inflammation in the nose and airways. This inflammation can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and difficulty breathing. This additional inflammation can put you at increased risk for sinus infections.

The study highlighted in the research found that a by product of beneficial gut microbes can help modulate what is known as "type 2 inflammation," which is a key component of allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Type 2 inflammation involves a specific response from the immune system that triggers the release of chemicals leading to recruitment of white blood cells and mast cells.

How exactly does the gut microbiome achieve this? It appears that certain beneficial bacteria in the gut produce a substance called butyrate that interacts with the immune system in a way that calms down this type of inflammation. By maintaining a healthy balance of these beneficial microbes, individuals may experience reduced severity of allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome involves eating a diet rich in fiber and probiotics, such as yogurt and fermented foods. These foods help nourish the good bacteria in our gut, keeping them strong and effective in supporting our overall health.

Foods rich in fiber include most vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans and other legumes, as well as popcorn, chia seeds, and almonds.

Fermented foods include kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented pickles, tempeh and miso.

While allergies and asthma can be complex conditions, understanding and nurturing our gut health may offer new avenues for managing and potentially preventing these inflammatory responses. By taking care of our gut, we might just breathe a little easier.

Toyama M, Kouzaki H, Shimizu T, Hirakawa H, Suzuki M. Butyrate inhibits type 2 inflammation in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. 2024. Biochem and Biophys Res Comm 714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149967