For Arizonans, spring is a time to savor the great outdoors before summer forces us to hide under shade. While enjoying the fabulous weather, you might notice your face becoming itchy, your nose running and your eyes watering. These are the effects of unwanted allergies, even in the desert.
Your symptoms are triggered by pollen and grass but, studies are finding the gut is a key player in your body’s reaction. A healthy microbiota can actually lessen the severity of your allergic reaction. This is called the "gut-allergy axis."
What is the gut-allergy axis?
The gastrointestinal tract holds the most diverse ecosystem of bacteria in our bodies. This collection of bacteria is called the microbiota and includes trillions of microbes.
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating your immune system and allergic responses. Early exposure to diverse microbes from natural environments helps prime the immune system, reducing the likelihood of allergic disorders. But, a lack of microbial diversity, often associated with urban living and excessive hygiene, can increase the risk of allergies and asthma.
Seasonal changes in outdoor microbial communities can also influence the onset and severity of allergic symptoms, so a diversity of microbes helps defend the body from any surprises.
As leaders in gut health at Plexus Worldwide, these are recommended lifestyle tips to build a diverse and balanced gut microbiome to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Tips to cultivate healthy bacteria
Diet
You are what you eat, and your sneeze might reflect this. Diet plays a huge role in our microbe community. Be sure to eat a fiber-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes as fiber acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Exercise
Physical activity can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and decrease harmful microbes in the gut, supporting overall microbial diversity. Those suffering from allergies can start an exercise routine indoors such as jumping rope, Pilates, yoga, squats or weightlifting.
Once the gut is healthier, you can enjoy the outdoors with a good walk.
Probiotics, prebiotics
To help with the diversity of your gut microbiome, be sure to incorporate probiotic-rich fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi into your diet. Probiotic supplements can also replenish and diversify your gut microbiome.
Most popular allergens in Arizona
Some of the most common Arizona plants contribute to the increasing rate of allergies and asthma. As these plants bloom at all times of the year, it can be problematic. Allergies also worsen during times of drought, as dust can stir up pollutants and rain helps damper them.
In the East Valley, areas such as Queen Creek are host to farms where plentiful trees might cause an uptick in allergies. Likewise, common lawn grasses in Mesa and Tempe such as Rye and Bermuda are known to be common allergens.
Be sure to take tests to determine your specific allergies as all individuals differ and remember to consult a specialist.
For more information on gut health supplements and expertise from Plexus Worldwide, visit plexusworldwide.com.
East Valley’s most common allergens:
- Ragweed
- Bermuda Grass
- Rye Grass
- Chinese Elm Tree
- Oak Tree
- Mesquite Tree
Dr. Michael Hartman is vice president of research and development at local Plexus Worldwide.
