Gut microbiome and allergies
Allergies…one of the most common presentations I see in clinical practice. From the mild to the serious, from food to dust, animal fur and the ‘general unknown’.
There are growing insights and evidence of the role gut microbes play in allergies. And, as we know, the microbiome plays a huge role in immune regulation - there’s the link :-)
Allergies are directly influenced by the immune system itself, but substances the microbes that live in our guts produce (metabolites) may affect immune regulation across the body, including in conditions such as asthma, hay fever, and food allergy. In particular, researchers are interested in microbial metabolites, because these compounds may help shape inflammation, barrier function, and immune tolerance.
What are allergies?
Allergies are adverse immune responses to typically harmless substances, known as allergens. While allergies can involve diverse immune responses, type 2 immune responses that induce acute hypersensitivity mediated by mast cells, eosinophils and basophils are the major mechanisms underlying allergic disorders. Allergic diseases include atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergies and asthma.
The onset and persistence of allergic disorders are influenced by:
genetic factors
pre-existing illnesses
age
environmental conditions
other lifestyle factors - diet and microbiomes considerably affect the incidence of various allergic diseases in the skin, lung and intestine.
Individuals prone to develop allergic diseases often have impaired and skewed microbial diversification over the first year of life, and this can lead to altered levels of microbial metabolites in the intestine and inflamed tissues.
Did you know - the skin, lungs and intestines possess unique immune systems tailored to their specific needs and microbial exposures?
A recent study examined how microbial metabolites may regulate allergic disease across different parts of the body. The study reviewed existing laboratory and clinical evidence on gut microbial imbalance and its effects on metabolite production. It focused especially on compounds such as short-chain fatty acids and other immune-active metabolites, which may help strengthen tissue barriers, reduce inflammatory responses, and influence how the immune system reacts to allergens. This study suggested that reduced microbial diversity and lower levels of beneficial metabolites may contribute to allergy development or severity.
Therapeutic approach
Approaches that improve gut microbial health, such as diet-based or microbiome-targeted interventions
Supporting the microbiome in the early years to ensure optimal diversity and richness, limit toxin exposure and maximise immune development
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