For many, spring is the most wonderful time of the year – everything is blooming, the days are longer, and energy is returning. But if you’re one of those who greets spring every year with pockets full of tissues, red eyes, and unstoppable sneezing, you might be tired of looking for a solution. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) affects millions of people, and the symptoms are more than just a mild annoyance – they affect concentration, sleep, and quality of life. But what you may not know is that seasonal allergies aren’t just about pollen – they’re also about the health of your gut and nose .
Our body is home to trillions of microorganisms – it is our microbiome. Although the gut gets most of the attention, the microbiome also exists in the nose, mouth, lungs, and even the skin. Research shows that people who suffer from hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome .
Because less diversity means weaker resistance – and thus stronger inflammatory reactions. The gut microbiome plays a key role in regulating immunity, and allergies are known to be the result of a hypersensitive immune response. Specifically, a lack of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can lead to a lower production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) – compounds that are normally anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing.
In addition to the gut, the nose also has its own microbiome – a collection of microorganisms that protect the respiratory tract. When this balance is disrupted (e.g., by frequent use of antibiotics, poor diet, or stress), bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus which promote inflammation.
Studies have shown that people with hay fever have an altered composition of their nasal microbiota , which further worsens symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching.
Supporting the nasal microbiota from the inside – through proper nutrition, prebiotics and probiotics.
Probiotics are good bacteria that we consume through food or supplements, and prebiotics are special fibers that feed these bacteria. When we take them together (so-called synbiotics), we get a synergistic effect that can help regulate immunity – which is key for allergies.
Numerous studies have examined the effect of probiotics on allergic rhinitis, and these strains have shown the most potential :
In addition to the bacteria themselves, their food – prebiotics – also plays an important role.
Of particular interest are fructooligosaccharides (FOS ) , which have shown in studies the ability to stimulate the growth of beneficial strains such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus . One study even showed that supplementing infants with FOS reduced the risk of developing hay fever , further confirming the importance of shaping a healthy microbiome early on.
Prebiotics and probiotics in synergy can thus help not only in alleviating symptoms – but also in the long-term prevention of allergies.
Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as:
Prebiotics are found in:
If you’re not getting enough through your diet, supplements can be helpful – especially if they contain targeted bacterial strains .
Our Fiber Be Balanced is a natural source of prebiotic fiber that feeds the very bacteria that help balance immunity – including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species.
If you want to know exactly which bacteria you need – get a microbiome analysis and get personalized recommendations.
Although we cannot change the external environment (pollen is everywhere!), we can influence the internal balance that determines how our body will react.
By supporting the gut and nasal microbiome through proper nutrition, prebiotics, and probiotics, we can reduce hay fever symptoms and improve quality of life during allergy season.
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