When the weather finally improves in spring, most people head outside to enjoy nature. But for some of us, an unpleasant surprise awaits us in the air: tree and grass pollen, which can cause hay fever.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergy to pollen, i.e., the pollen of various plants. Pollen from grasses, cereals, and early-flowering trees such as birch, hazel, willow, and alder are particularly common triggers.
During the development of an allergy, the body produces antibodies (immunoglobulin E; IgE) against certain pollen proteins. Upon subsequent exposure, a reaction is triggered in the body in which the IgE antibodies bind to mast cells, which then release inflammatory messengers such as histamine. This leads to the symptoms typical of hay fever, such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and red and watery eyes.
Causes of hay fever
Why do some people suffer from hay fever or other allergies and others don't? There's no single answer to this question, as there are various factors that can contribute to the development of allergies. Ultimately, the development process involves dysregulation of the immune system and a misguided defense reaction against otherwise harmless particles such as pollen or various food components.
Factors that can contribute to the development of allergies include:
- Disturbed intestinal flora
- Damage to the mucous membranes
- Genetic predisposition
- Birth by Caesarean section
- Drinking cow's milk/milk alternatives from a bottle instead of breast milk
- Taking antibiotics
- Unhealthy diet (e.g., high in sugar, gluten, highly processed, preservatives, sweeteners, unhealthy fats, lack of fiber, etc.)
- Heavy metal contamination of the body
- Pollution of the environment, air, food
- Extreme hygiene (lack of contact with nature and dirt)
- stress
- lack of sleep
- Lack of exercise
What role does the intestine play?
The gut plays a key role in our health, including in the development of allergies and autoimmune diseases. Ultimately, the effects of all the factors mentioned in the previous section on the immune system can be explained by an impairment of the intestinal flora and the mucous membrane flora of the nasal cavity (1).
Factors such as an unhealthy diet, chronic stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, toxins in food, or taking antibiotics lead to disruption of the intestinal flora. The type of birth and the diet and lifestyle during childhood also have a strong influence on the development of the intestinal flora. Studies show, for example, that children born by cesarean section who have little or no contact with the mother's vaginal flora have an increased risk of allergies (2).
Bacterial metabolites
The bacteria in the intestine produce a variety of metabolic products (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins) that nourish and influence the intestinal mucosa and are even absorbed into the body, where they perform a variety of functions. A disturbed intestinal flora results in a lack of these important bacterial metabolic products, which can have serious consequences for the intestine and the rest of the body.
A deficiency in the metabolic products of beneficial bacterial species combined with the simultaneous proliferation of harmful germs leads to damage to the intestinal mucosa. This has a direct impact on the immune system, as a large proportion of our immune cells are located in the intestinal wall.
When the intestinal barrier is damaged, the immune system comes into contact with food components that it would not encounter if the mucous membrane were healthy. This promotes the development of intolerances and allergies.
Damage to the intestinal mucosa and the lack of bacterial metabolic products also lead to a pro-inflammatory immune state and promote the development of allergies and autoimmune diseases throughout the body.
The connection between the intestine and nasal mucosa
Scientific studies refer to so-called gut-organ axes to explain the effects of intestinal health on other organs. For example, there is also a gut-nose axis and a gut-skin axis, which show that the intestinal flora significantly influences the bacterial flora of the nasal mucosa and skin (3).
This shows again that in any kind of allergic or autoimmune disease one should take a look at the intestine.
In addition to the intestinal tract, air quality is also important for the health of the nasal mucosa. Air pollution or dry air from heating systems are other factors that damage the nasal barrier and promote the development of allergic reactions or even infections.
What can I do about hay fever?
From a holistic perspective, the foundation should first be right. Therefore, ensure restful sleep, less stress, sufficient exercise, and a healthy, low-toxin diet.
Furthermore, it's important to provide the body with all the essential micronutrients it needs for optimal health. Below, we've selected some of our products that specifically support the immune system, mucous membranes, and the intestines.
Pre- and probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help build a healthy intestinal flora. Studies show that taking lactobacilli in combination with bifidobacteria can alleviate hay fever symptoms.
Our product ProBio14 contains numerous species of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. In addition to live microorganisms, ProBio14 also contains so-called prebiotics. These are various fibers (e.g., inulin, fructooligosaccharides) that serve as food for beneficial bacteria, thus further promoting their proliferation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and supports immune system function. It also contributes to reducing fatigue, which many people with hay fever suffer from. Our Vitamin C Complex contains vitamin C in four different natural forms, supplemented with lysine and green tea extract.
B vitamins
B vitamins also play an important role in the function of the immune system. In particular, the B vitamins biotin (vitamin B7), niacin (vitamin B3), and riboflavin (vitamin B2) contribute to the health of mucous membranes.
In the vitamin B complex you will find all 8 B vitamins in a balanced combination.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that increases the resistance of skin and mucous membranes by stimulating new cell formation. It is also important for the function of the immune system and has antioxidant properties.
You will find vitamin A along with numerous other micronutrients in Multivitamin Basic and Multivitamin Booster .
zinc
As an essential trace element, zinc supports a healthy immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress. Zinc also plays an important role in the integrity of mucous membranes, thus contributing to healthy mucosal function.
Our zinc preparation contains a combination of 3 organic zinc salts with high bioavailability.
MSM
MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is an organic sulfur compound with high bioavailability. Sulfur is an integral component of numerous enzymes and is thus involved in many metabolic processes. Among other things, the mineral plays an essential role in the production of the body's own antioxidant glutathione and can help reduce inflammation, such as that found in allergic reactions.
Our MSM supplement is ideal for your daily supply of the underrated mineral sulfur. MSM is also found in combination with other substances in the Glucosamine & Chondroitin Complex.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a secondary plant compound and natural yellow pigment found in many fruits and vegetables, such as apples, onions, and citrus fruits. It has antioxidant properties and reduces the release of histamine.
We recommend our Quercetin Phospholipid supplement for this purpose. In NutriGreen, quercetin is combined with other vitamins (including biotin and vitamin B12) and amino acids. Curcumin Plus contains quercetin in combination with other plant-based antioxidants.
Sources
- Liu P, Hu T, Kang C, et al. Research Advances in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis by Probiotics. J Asthma Allergy. 2022;15:1413-1428. Published 2022 Oct 7.
- Kaczynska A, Klosinska M, Chmiel P, Janeczek K, Emeryk A. The Crosstalk between the Gut Microbiota Composition and the Clinical Course of Allergic Rhinitis: The Use of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Bacterial Lysates in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis. Nutrients. 2022;14(20):4328. Published 2022 Oct 16.
- Ouwehand AC, Nermes M, Collado MC, Rautonen N, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Specific probiotics alleviate allergic rhinitis during the birch pollen season. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(26):3261-3268.
