Anyone who suffers from food allergies can tell you that any food allergy is a real disease that creates uncomfortable, harmful, or even fatal symptoms. Therefore, researchers have always wondered where or how food allergies originate. For a long time, food allergies were considered to be mutated genetic traits. But now, studies show that gut bacteria may be responsible for the occurrence of food allergies.

Understanding Your Microbiome

Your gut bacteria are so influential on your overall health that scientists have come to refer to your gut bacteria as part of your microbiome. The microbiome consists of all the microbes living not only in your gut, but also throughout your body. Those microbes can truly be different for everyone, thus your microbiome is as unique to you as your fingerprint. It is important for you to understand that the microbiome performs many functions in key biological systems. Therefore, keeping your microbiome supported is necessary for maintaining good health.

Are Food Allergies on the rise?

Many studies show that fatal allergies are on the rise affecting 15 million Americans and 1 in 3 people in the United Kingdom. However, certain factors seem to promote these allergies such as:

• Living in the city
• Antibiotic or anti-microbial overuse
• Removal of common pathogens
• High-fat diets
• Caesarean birth
• Formula feeding
• Genetically engineered food

Protect yourself against Food Allergies

A study performed in mice discovered that common bacteria called Clostridia help prevent sensitization to food allergens. The researchers found that Clostridia direct immune cells to produce a signal molecule called IL-22. That signal molecule then reduces the ability for allergens to escape through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream and cause an immune response. So just like Clostridia can be labeled as good bacteria that maintain your gut health, there are probably many other beneficial microbes surrounding you. Consequently, one of the best ways to protect yourself against food allergies is to minimise your use of anti-bacterial or anti-microbial agents.

Visit Mr Vitamins

For more advice on supporting your microbiome and preventing food allergies, be sure to ‘Ask a Naturopath’ right here at Mr Vitamins.