What is the surprising link between your microbiome and seasonal sniffles
As the flowers bloom and the birds sing, many of us are reaching for tissues instead of picnic baskets. Spring allergies—those sneaky sniffles, itchy eyes, and relentless sneezing—are often blamed on pollen. But what if the real culprit is… your gut?
The Gut-Allergy Connection
Your gut isn’t just a digestion machine, it’s a command centre for your immune system. In fact, around 70% of your immune cells live in your gut, constantly communicating with the rest of your body. When your gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract) is balanced, your immune system tends to behave. But when it’s out of balance? Enter any “overreactions”, like allergies.
Histamine: The Allergy Molecule
Histamine is the chemical behind most allergy symptoms. It’s released when your immune system thinks it’s under attack. But here’s the twist: some gut bacteria produce histamine, while others help break it down.
If your gut is dominated by histamine-producing microbes or if your body lacks the enzymes (like DAO) to break it down, you might experience histamine overload, which can mimic or worsen seasonal allergies.
Gut Enzymes vs. Gut Bacteria
So who’s in charge of histamine clean up?
Enzymes like DAO (Diamine Oxidase) are your body’s natural histamine busters, especially in the gut lining.
Beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus plantarum can help degrade histamine, keeping levels in check.
When these systems are compromised due to stress, poor diet, antibiotics, or inflammation, your body may struggle to manage histamine, leading to symptoms like bloating, headaches, skin issues, and yes, allergy flare-ups.
What You Can try:
Probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and miso
Prebiotic fibers from garlic, onions, and bananas
Herbal support that calms inflammation and nurtures digestion (we know a place 😉)
Reducing histamine-heavy foods like aged cheeses, wine, and smoked meats during peak allergy season
Taking Care of Your Gut
Spring doesn’t have to mean suffering. By tuning into your gut, you might just find the key to navigating Spring easier and enjoying the season fully.
