There are many answers to the question of why so many people are affected by (food) allergies these days, as the reasons can be very diverse. With a balanced intestinal flora , allergies can be prevented in early childhood (and also in adulthood) or the symptoms can be alleviated.
But first the basic question: What is an allergy?
Many people do not know that around 80% of our immune cells are located in the gastrointestinal tract. If you then consider the definition of an allergy, it quickly becomes clear that there must be a deeper connection here: “An allergy is understood to be an acquired, immunologically conditioned, specific hypersensitivity to foreign substances” (Center for Allergology, 2012).
...and how is our gut related to allergies (or intolerances)?
Many medical studies attempt to explain how certain strains of bacteria - or the lack of them - are linked to allergies. The composition of the intestinal flora (type, variety and quantity of microbes) affects how strongly the body reacts to food allergies, for example. Research and medical practice have shown that the targeted promotion of certain strains of bacteria can reduce allergic reactions and the tendency to infections. Research currently assumes that allergies develop early in childhood and are most likely genetically determined. Although a complete 'cure' is not yet possible for most forms, probiotics can often alleviate the symptoms.
What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a non-dangerous foreign substance (this could be peanuts, for example). In the case of a food intolerance (also called intolerance), the immune system is not active. Intolerances usually arise because the body does not have enough of a certain enzyme or transport molecule to break down or absorb certain food components, such as lactose, fructose or histamine.
How can I rekindle my body's natural healing powers?
There are many ways to give your body a helping hand to help you regain optimal well-being. One of these is to take living microorganisms in the form of fermented foods or nutritional supplements. A loss or a general lack of certain types of probiotic bacteria has been shown to promote the development of allergies. Therefore, rebuilding and maintaining a healthy intestinal flora in the long term is particularly important for allergy sufferers.
