The friendly, beneficial bacteria known as probiotics can accomplish so much in the human body. They play an important role in strengthening and modulating the immune response.
This is one of the main reasons why probiotics are considered a good alternative approach for the treatment of seasonal allergies.
The Science Behind The Claim
Allergies are caused by a faulty response of the immune system. It reacts to allergens – substances that the body views as threat and attacks. The symptoms of the allergy are an expression of this misguided defense mechanism.
Many scientists are pushing a theory that focuses on the increased incidence of allergies in current populations. According to these scientists, excessive cleanliness leads to bacterial imbalances and an over-active immune system.
Taking probiotics can help restore the bacterial balance.
The good news is that sufficient clinical evidence is there to suggest that probiotics could be used for the treatment of allergies.
Whether you eat large quantities of fermented foods or you take a good supplement like Probiotic America, chances are that you’ll find relief from the allergy symptoms.
Evidence suggests that probiotics are equally beneficial for the treatment of hay fever and allergies expressed with rashes and skin symptoms like urticaria.
The Evidence
All of this sounds great but let’s look at the specifics. As already mentioned, there are various clinical studies suggesting probiotics could offer relief to allergy sufferers.
An extensive review of clinical trials was presented in the North American Journal of Medical Science in 2013. The review focused on the treatment of allergic rhinitis with a wide range of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium probiotic strains.
Researchers have concluded that each of the examined strains has the power to offer a specific immunity modulating effect that reduces the severity of reaction to allergens.
The conclusion was that probiotic bacteria play a positive role in both the prevention and the treatment of allergic rhinitis. An effective treatment is all about the selection of a product that features the right probiotic strains.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers carried out a similar analysis. They examined 23 studies that involved a total of 1,919 allergy sufferers. Of the clinical trials, 17 confirmed that probiotics led to improvements in seasonal allergy symptoms.
Only six of the studies didn’t provide evidence that probiotic bacteria could lead to improvements in people suffering from seasonal allergies like hay fever.
Treating Allergy Symptoms With Probiotics
Probiotics deliver positive results in nearly all cases of allergies. They can reduce the severity of hives, hay fever, asthma and food allergies.
In the final instance, the good bacteria strengthen the intestinal lining and reduce the sensitivity of the gut to foods that could potentially cause irritation/intolerances.
Getting the best results is all about testing a few supplements or choosing probiotic-rich foods. Some of them may be ineffective, depending on the types of bacterial strains contained.
For optimal allergy relief, it’s a good idea to start taking a broad-spectrum probiotic supplement. Broad-spectrum probiotics are products that feature numerous strains of good bacteria in sufficient concentration.
Chances are that at least a few of the strains will modulate the immune response to decrease the severity of the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Cultured vegetables and yogurt are also excellent choices for allergy sufferers.
It’s relatively easy to make yogurt or sauerkraut at home. These are two of the foods that feature the largest concentrations of lactobacillus microorganisms. Fermented vegetables are also a source of fiber and vitamin.
These are important for strengthening the gut and regulating the body’s defense system.
If you suffer from stubborn allergies, you may want to combine the probiotic treatment with a few additional lifestyle changes.
Avoid certain foods during allergy season. These include foods containing added sugar, coffee, artificial sweeteners, wheat and unhealthy fats. Such foods can lead to the overgrowth of pathogens in the gut, which will disturb the fine balance of microorganisms in the body.
Exercising and sweating are also great because they help the body get rid of toxins. During exercise, the body directs the blood flow to the largest muscles. As a result, working out can provide relief from nasal congestion, eye redness and itchiness.
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