A review of over 20 previous studies found that those suffering from hay fever might find relief in probiotics. Hay fever is most often a seasonal allergy that occurs as a reaction to pollen in the air.  During the spring and summer these pollens come from trees, grass, and other plants that are pollinating. 

For those who suffer from hay fever, typical symptoms tend to be nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure. The symptoms are actually very similar to that of the common cold.  But hay fever does not cause a fever, nor is it caused by hay.   

Probiotics and Spring Allergies

Instead, hay fever is caused by your body’s immune system reacting to pollen or another allergen.  For the most part, this is your body overreacting, and treating these harmless (usually) pollens as dangerous invaders.  The immune response therefore is meant to trap and expel the culprit.  By swelling nasal cavities, causing congestion, your body is trying to protect you by not allowing pollen to enter.  For anyone who has experienced allergies, the swelling, itching eyes, nose, and throat can put as real damper on the day.  Ways to minimize this reaction without drowsy meds is always welcome.  Probiotics might be the answer.

This new review from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, suggests that probiotics might help people dealing with seasonal allergies.  The “good bacteria” was found to have certain benefits in improving symptoms and quality of life for hay fever sufferers.  Probiotics are good bacteria essential to a healthy digestive tract.  Foods like Greek yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut are all teeming with probiotics.  Balancing gut bacteria might protect against immune system flare ups, particularly in response to pollen and other seasonal allergens.   According to the research, this might help to reduce symptoms allergy symptoms. 

There is still much to be researched and understood about the effects of probiotics on the immune system, and in particular the effect this has on allergy symptoms.   The current study reviewed data from 23 randomized trials and about 2,000 people.  The majority of these studies showed that people who suffered from seasonal allergies benefited from probiotic supplements or eating probiotic foods.  Either allergy symptoms were lessoned, or overall quality of life was. Is this going to be the next treatment for hay fever? Well, we will see.  As seasonal allergies are estimated to affect about 50 million Americans, finding natural ways to combat the symptoms are always welcome.  Alternatively the symptoms are typically treated with a combination of medications, which range from antihistamines, and decongestants to steroid nasal sprays.

Spring Allergy Tips:

• Change your clothes when you come inside
• Close the windows
• Get a check-up with your doctor to see if allergies are causing your symptoms
• For daily allergy relief, look into medications like Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec
• If you suffer from severe allergies, allergy injections might be worth a shot (pun intended)
• Take a shower to wash all the pollen and other allergens off after coming in from outdoors
• Pollen counts are highest midday and during the afternoon, so try to stay indoors during these times
• Eat raw local honey – this can boost your immunity to local pollens and relieve some allergy symptoms