Can diet affect seasonal allergies?

Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to substances that are actually harmless. In summer, the main culprit is pollen. These triggers cause immune responses in our bodies, leading to the well-known tickly cough, sneezing and itchy nose. However, emerging research suggests that one way to mitigate these symptoms is by focusing on gut health, particularly through the consumption of dietary fibre.

When our gut microbiome feeds on fibre, it produces anti-inflammatory compounds, called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs, including butyrate, play a crucial role in reducing inflammation throughout the body. Higher levels of systemic inflammation can contribute further to allergy-like symptoms. One study found that SCFAs help to prevent excessive inflammatory responses characteristic of allergic reactions, maintaining immune balance. 

Enlisting your gut microbiome in the fight against allergies is easy and natural way to keep the sniffs and sneezes at bay. 

Allergy-fighting shopping list

🥦 Leafy Greens like kale and spinach are rich in fibre, which is broken down by our gut microbiome into, that’s right, SCFAs. These compounds help to fight inflammation and reduce allergy symptoms.

🌿 Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary add a burst of flavour to your dishes, but they also possess natural antihistamine properties, providing relief from allergies.

🍓 Antioxidant-rich berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are also high in anti-inflammatory compound quercetin, which combats inflammation caused by allergies.

Need an additional fibre boost? 

Try our most potent inflammation fighting blend, Immunity Booster. This blend combines 5 of the most powerful anti-inflammatory prebiotic fibres by maximising butyrate production.