Probiotics to reduce hay fever and other allergic conditions

With the arrival of spring comes, for many, the arrival of hay fever season. Having grown up with two family members who suffered with hay fever, I know just how miserable this can be.

What are the symptoms of hay fever

Symptoms vary between individuals, but tend to include:

• a constantly itching throat, nose and mouth
• a runny, blocked nose
• red, itching and watery eyes
• sneezing
• coughing
• fatigue
• headache

From the beginning of the pollen season symptoms can increase, until they subside later in the year. People are often allergic to one particular type of pollen, so may find a peak in their reaction when that flower, grass or plant comes into bloom. For some people dander and dust mites can also cause these symptoms.

Soothe symptoms of hay fever

These symptoms can be uncomfortable and distressing and for those of us looking for natural alternatives to medication, the following ideas could provide relief:

• wear sunglasses when outside
• apply a barrier cream such as Vaseline to your nose to catch pollen
• keep windows shut
• stay indoors on high pollen count days
• use a cooling eye mask
• change your clothes after being outside
• do not bring fresh flowers into the home
• wipe down dogs’ paws after a walk
• vacuum regularly
• dust the house regularly with a damp cloth

Additionally, probiotics might form part of the solution.

How can probiotics help hay fever?

There is increasing evidence that these friendly bacteria (probiotics) may help in preventing and alleviating allergic conditions. Whilst some foods, such as live yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut contain high levels of friendly gut bacteria, these foods do not appear in abundance in today’s diet. 

Taking probiotics in supplement form may be the best option for achieving the required balance of bacteria in our gut.

Friendly bacteria can help to modify the balance of bacteria in the gut and help to boost the immune system. They can also help by increasing the levels of an antibody (secretory IgA), which lines the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and helps to reduce the effect of allergens.

Much of the research relating to probiotics and the prevention and reduction of symptoms of allergy has been done with children. The Lab4 group of probiotics found in the ProVen Probiotics products has been shown to help in the prevention of allergy when given to babies during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first six months of infancy.

In a study involving 454 mother-baby pairs, the babies who received the Lab4 friendly bacteria were 50% less likely to develop allergies by two years of age than the babies who did not receive the probiotics [1].

[1] Allen SJ et al 2014. Probiotics in the prevention of eczema: a randomised controlled trial. Archives of Disease in Childhood 99(11): 1014–1019

Want to know more?

ProVen Probiotics aim to provide the best support for both you and your health. If you wish to know more about gut health, and staying healthy please do not hesitate to call us on 01639 825107 or alternatively, learn more via our blogs or in-depth ProVen research.

ProVen Probiotics, Unit 2 Christchurch Road, Baglan Industrial Park, Port Talbot, SA12 7DJ. Tel: 01639 825107