Seasonal Allergies & Gut Dysbiosis

Seasonal Allergies & Gut Microbial Dysbiosis

Part Three in Our Seasonal Allergy Blog Series

Dr. Fox and I recently wrote about two potential root causes of seasonal allergies: mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance (histamine overload). But something we haven’t yet touched on is how dysbiosis in the gut also makes us more susceptible to developing allergies (both seasonal and chronic allergy symptoms). Dysbiosis, or imbalances in probiotic, pathogenic, and neutral gut bacteria, have been associated with respiratory allergies, food allergens and sensitivities, and other allergic diseases such as asthma.

When there’s an imbalance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria in our guts (for example, there are more “bad” bacteria than “good”), dysbiosis occurs. This not only makes us more susceptible to various diseases; gastrointestinal disorders; and chronic medical conditions (including severe illness from COVID-19 and long-COVID), but dysbiosis in the gut is also associated with asthma and other atopic conditions.

Several atopy-related conditions include:

Asthma
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies)
Eczema
Hives
Allergic conjunctivitis
Angioedema
Anaphylactic shock
Allergic reactions to various drugs, foods, and insect bites (including tick, flea, and spider bites)
Food sensitivities

This post in our Seasonal Allergy Blog Series discusses gut microbial dysbiosis as a potential root cause of seasonal allergies, and how an imbalanced intestinal microbiota may also play a role in the development of food allergies and sensitivities.

Gut Dysbiosis, Seasonal Allergies, & Other Allergic Conditions

Gut microbial diversity most certainly benefits us throughout infancy, childhood, adulthood, and seniorhood. However, research tells us a diverse gut microbiota may actually be most important early on in life. According to an article published in Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, our chances of developing asthma and atopy have a lot to do with our gut microbiota diversity during the first 100 days of life!

During this critical period, low diversity in the gut microbiota is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma and atopy as we age (particularly when lower levels of faecalibacterium, lachnospira, veillonella, and rothia are present in the gut). A low ratio of lachnospira to clostridium neonatale has also been associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Additionally, higher levels of rhodotorula and candida and lower levels of bifidobacterium, akkermansia, and faecalibacterium have been associated with an increased risk of allergic disease later in life.

Dysbiosis, Allergic Conditions, & MCAS

Additional research suggests that individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (like irritable bowel syndrome, chronic indigestion, and constipation) are more likely to suffer from atopic conditions such as seasonal allergies and asthma. What’s more, dysbiosis in the gut is common among those with functional gastrointestinal disorders, as well as chronic mast cell activation/MCAS.

According to an article published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, those with MCAS often experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and pain in the abdomen and chest. Additionally, about 30 percent of individuals with MCAS have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

That being said, supplementing with lactic acid probiotics (the lactobacillus species) has been shown to benefit those with seasonal allergies and reduce both nasal and ocular allergy symptoms. Other probiotic strains (including bifidobacterium, saccharomyces, roseburia, faecalibacterium) can also be used to treat dysbiosis and improve overall gut health.

Gut Dysbiosis, Food Allergies, & Food Sensitivities

As we mentioned above, imbalances in gut bacteria are also associated with food allergies and sensitivities. Interestingly, dysbiosis is thought to precede the development of allergies to foods such as dairy, peanuts, eggs, wheat, shellfish, corn, tree nuts, fish, and soy! And while allergic reactions to foods are typically much more severe than food sensitivities, symptoms of both can include:

Allergic rhinitis.
Hives, flushing, and itching.
Swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue.
Nasal congestion.
Gastrointestinal pain and discomfort.
Dizziness.
Brain fog.
Headaches.

Chronic mast cell activation may also come into play here, as MCAS has been shown to contribute to respiratory allergies as well as to food allergens and sensitivities, other allergic diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. You might remember from our seasonal allergies and mast cells post that MCAS causes us to react to potentially harmful and harmless allergens — foods included. Common food sensitivities include nightshade vegetables, soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, high-histamine foods, and various other ingredients found in foods (e.g. chemicals and additives).

Is Gut Microbial Dysbiosis at the Root of Your Seasonal Allergies?

As root-cause practitioners, Dr. Fox and I will work together to get to the root of why you’re experiencing seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other atopic conditions. Whether it’s dysbiosis, MCAS, histamine overload, or something else entirely, we’ll identify the root cause of your symptoms and help your body to heal so you can live the fulfilling life you deserve.

Stay tuned as our Seasonal Allergy Blog Series continues!

Are you ready to take back your health and heal from complex chronic illness? Book a call for the Vital Basics Method™ or our Vital You program to learn how functional medicine coaching can help!

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