What is the Relationship Between Allergies and Gut Health?

These days, we all have some allergy or have developed an intolerance to a food. Is it possible that all these reactions are connected to a specific point in our body? Can a respiratory allergy be related to lactose intolerance? Could allergies be sending us a message about our gut health?

The relationship between food, skin, and respiratory allergies and gut health is complex and has been the subject of increasing attention in medical research. According to Dr Mariel Silva from the Well-ageing Unit at SHA, “allergies can indeed be a reflection of gut health.”

The digestive pathology specialist explains that “this connection is based on the concept of the ‘allergic triad’, which suggests that food, skin (like eczema), and respiratory allergies (like asthma) can be interrelated and share a common basis in gut health.”

Dr Silva points out that intestinal permeability, also known as ‘leaky gut syndrome’, is a phenomenon where the intestinal barrier becomes more permeable than normal, allowing unwanted substances, such as allergens and toxins, to pass from the intestine into the bloodstream. “This increased intestinal permeability can play a crucial role in the development of allergies. Moreover, the gut microbiota, which is the community of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, has a significant impact on immune system function and gut health.”

Dr Silva states that an imbalance in the microbiota, also known as dysbiosis, has been associated with the development of allergies. “A diverse and balanced gut microbiome can help regulate immune responses and reduce the risk of allergies. In other words, we must care for our microbiota as a treasure.”

So, are different allergies related to each other? That is, is someone allergic to grasses more likely to develop a food allergy? The SHA expert believes that the relationship between different types of allergies can be understood through the concept of cross-reactivity and oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

“Cross-reactivity occurs when the proteins in certain foods are structurally similar to inhalant allergens, such as grasses, which can cause a person allergic to grasses to develop an allergic reaction when consuming certain foods. Oral allergy syndrome is a specific manifestation of this cross-reactivity, where allergic symptoms occur in the mouth and throat, such as itching, tingling, or swelling, after consuming raw fruits and vegetables. This syndrome is common in people with pollen allergies such as birch, grasses, or ragweed, due to the similar proteins in these pollens and certain foods,” says Dr Silva.

At SHA, the approach to treating different types of allergies is comprehensive and personalised. “After a thorough diagnosis that includes specific tests to detect food, respiratory, and skin sensitivities, the treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes of allergies,” the expert explains.

The treatment can include lifestyle changes, such as implementing an anti-inflammatory diet, and supplementation to improve gut health. “The goal is not only to relieve symptoms but also to improve the patient’s overall health and well-being through a combination of personalised strategies that support immune function and reduce inflammation,” says Dr Silva.