Hayfever and Gastrointestinal Immune System Insights

Hayfever occurs as an immune system response to a pathogen (pollen), and with grass pollen production at its highest, the spring and summer seasons can be a difficult time for those susceptible to Hayfever. The symptoms of Hayfever are triggered by histamine, a compound that the immune system produces and releases when it comes into contact with an allergen. Histamine’s purpose is to help your body flush out or overcome the allergen trigger. Once released, it quickly initiates inflammatory processes and dramatically increases the production of watery secretions from your nasal passages and eyes. Whilst anti-allergic medication may provide short-term symptom relief, addressing the cause of the symptoms is required to achieve long-term positive change.

Three key areas need to be addressed to reduce the severity and frequency of hayfever:
1. Immune function – regulating T-helper cells, reducing histamine release, and reducing inflammation.
2. Liver function – support liver clearance of immune complexes and environmental toxins.
3. Gut health – optimise gut epithelial integrity, and promote sIgA (an antibody that is considered the first line of defence against the external environment) production by enhancing mucosal secretions to neutralise allergens and by supporting the health of the gut microbiome. (3)

Whilst the immune system and liver function can be treated with vitamins, minerals, and herbs such as; vitamin D, zinc, Albizia, St Mary’s Thistle, Nigella sativa and mushrooms, gut health is often forgotten. Concomitant support of the gut, liver and immune system is essential to providing a solid and long-term solution to allergic conditions.

Research over the past decade has highlighted the close connection between the resilience of the immune system and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract, especially concerning the diversity of the gut microbiota. (1) The easiest way to repair microbial diversity within the digestive tract is with probiotics. Probiotics regulate endogenous microbiota and modulate the integrity of the mucosal epithelial barrier, aiding in regulating the immune-mediated inflammatory response. They do so by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulating T-helper cell production to modulate immune function. (2)

The following probiotic strains are highly indicated in the treatment of hayfever:

• Lactobacillus paracasei (LP-33)
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG)
• Lactobacillus salivarius (LS-01)
• Bifidobacterium breve (B632) (2)

These strains can be used during all stages of life, including prenatally, and are intended for safe long-term use.

Nutrients such as zinc, glutamine, Larch, and Amla are highly indicated for treating gut-related disorders, including immune dysfunction. The Metagenics Alergenics encompasses nutrients that enhance immune function, support gastrointestinal membrane health or epithelial integrity, assist the natural detoxification processes and relieve allergy symptoms. Combine this product with a clinically trialled probiotic such as the Activated Probiotics Biome Breath or Metagenics Ultra Flora Immune Control to support intestinal microbial balance and relieve hayfever symptoms.

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