Studies have shown that people with hay fever often have a different composition of their nasal microbiome compared to those without the condition, with more of certain bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This imbalance in the nasal microbiome can lead to increased inflammation and a higher risk of certain hay fever symptoms.
The potential role of probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms which enhance the composition of “good” bacteria in the body. Prebiotics, meanwhile, are fibres that stimulate beneficial bacteria in the gut. Essentially, good bacteria feed on prebiotics. Both are important for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in our overall health.
Several strains of probiotic bacteria have been studied in connection to hay fever.
One strain of interest is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which has been found to reduce hay fever symptoms such as congestion, itching and sneezing. Another is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which has shown potential in preventing hay fever development in infants.
Other strains such as Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus casei have also shown some promise in reducing hay fever symptoms. But further research is needed.
How does this work?
Probiotics appear to modulate the immune response and in particular, decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines. These are signalling molecules produced by cells of the immune system that promote inflammation.
For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus can decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines associated with allergic inflammation in the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity.
Similarly, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been shown to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness (where the airways narrow excessively in response to stimuli), decrease inflammatory cells in the lungs, and reduce inflammatory cytokines.
Prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides, have also been studied for their potential in hay fever prevention. They’ve been found to increase beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. One study showed that fructo-oligosaccharides supplementation in infants decreased their risk of developing hay fever.
Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics
If you suffer from hay fever, you may want to consider incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your routine.
Probiotic supplements are widely available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders and drinks. It’s important to choose a supplement that contains the specific strains of probiotic bacteria that have been studied in relation to hay fever. These include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus casei.
You can also incorporate probiotic-rich foods into your diet. These include fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha.
As for prebiotics, fructo-oligosaccharides are commonly found in certain foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes and whole grains. Supplements are also available in various forms, including powders and capsules.
