GUT MICROBIOME & ALLERGIES

The connection between the gut microbiome and allergies is becoming an important area of research.

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of tiny organisms like bacteria that live in your intestines. These bacteria are not just passengers; they help with digestion, protect against harmful germs, and play a crucial role in how your immune system works.

How Does the Gut Microbiome Affect Allergies?

1. Immune System Training:

•The bacteria in your gut help train your immune system. A healthy balance of gut bacteria teaches your body to react properly to things like pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. If your gut microbiome is out of balance, your immune system might overreact to these harmless substances, leading to allergies.

2. Good vs. Bad Bacteria:

•When you have enough “good” bacteria, they keep the “bad” bacteria in check. If the good bacteria are low, the bad ones can cause inflammation, which can make your body more prone to allergic reactions.

3. Barrier Protection:

•Your gut lining acts as a barrier, stopping unwanted substances from entering your body. A healthy gut microbiome strengthens this barrier. If the barrier becomes “leaky,” it can let allergens into your bloodstream, triggering allergies.

Evidence Supporting the Connection

•Babies and Early Life:

•Babies who have a diverse and balanced gut microbiome are less likely to develop allergies as they grow up. This is why some researchers believe that exposure to a variety of microbes early in life can help prevent allergies.

•Probiotics:

•Some studies suggest that taking probiotics (supplements with beneficial bacteria) can help reduce the risk of developing allergies, especially if taken during pregnancy or early in a child’s life.

•Differences in Allergic People:

•People with allergies often have different gut bacteria compared to those without allergies, suggesting that an imbalance might be involved in developing allergic conditions.

What Can Be Done?

1. Diet:

•Eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables supports a healthy gut microbiome. Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables (like sauerkraut) can also boost the good bacteria in your gut.

2. Probiotics:

•Probiotics might help balance the gut microbiome and reduce allergy symptoms, though it depends on the type and how they’re used.

3. Early Intervention:

•Promoting a healthy gut microbiome in early life, either through diet or probiotics, might help reduce the likelihood of developing allergies.

Gut Microbiome Testing and Improvement with Targeted Probiotics

Our Centre offers Individualised GUT MICROBIOME TESTING. Your stool is collected in a special stool kit. The stool sample is sent to a Singapore Laboratory for DNA sequencing to analyse the microbiome (bacteria) in your gut. The results is compared to a reference range for Asians. An appropriate probiotic combination is then recommended to the individual to normalise the gut microbiome. This requires the individual to take the probiotics for 6 months. At the same time dietary advice is given to maximise the treatment.

Summary

Your gut microbiome is crucial in shaping how your immune system works. Keeping a healthy balance of gut bacteria can help prevent your immune system from overreacting to harmless substances, reducing the risk of allergies. Simple steps like eating a healthy diet, individualised probiotics, and ensuring children are exposed to a variety of microbes early in life can support a strong immune system and potentially lower the risk of allergies.