Allergies might commonly be associated with spring and summer but for many Australians, the itching, congestion, and wheezing continue even through the colder months. In spring, common allergens (that is, allergy triggers) include tree and grass pollens, but in winter, the allergens more likely to give you grief are found indoors, such as:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mould spores
- Indoor air pollutants, such as wood smoke
Winter also contributes another lesser-known factor in the exacerbation of allergies – antibiotic use.
How antibiotics influence allergies
Research into antibiotic prescribing trends has identified that antibiotic use peaks in winter, presumably coinciding with the increase in viral colds and flu. At first glance, this seems unrelated to allergies. But consider this – antibiotics can significantly disrupt your gut microbiome, that delicate equilibrium between “good” and “bad” microbes.
All this may still seem unrelated to allergies until you realise that the wellbeing of our gut microbiota is intricately connected to a multitude of functions in the human body, including digestion, mental health, endocrine function, and immune function and allergy.
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics upsets the balance and diversity of the normal gut microbiome, a state we call dysbiosis. This can lead to impaired immune system function and an increased susceptibility to allergic conditions, including asthma. Loss of “good” bacteria from antibiotic use may also allow histamine-producing bacteria to thrive, exacerbating your allergy symptoms.
The link between allergy and nutrition
Unsurprisingly, nutrition plays an integral role in the health and wellbeing of our gut microbiome, which means it can also influence allergies. In addition to this, several key micronutrients can directly impact the development of allergies and severity of your symptoms.
Some nutrients that can be protective against allergic conditions in the right amounts through supporting your gut health or directly regulating your immune responses include:
- Fibre
- Flavinoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Zinc
- Collagen
Can IV vitamin infusions help with allergy?
IV nutrient therapy aims to boost your body’s levels of crucial vitamins and minerals to combat your bothersome symptoms, including those associated with allergy. By injecting these tailored solutions intravenously, we can deliver precise dosages of anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory compounds immediately to your blood circulation, resulting in more rapid effects
compared to the same nutrients obtained through your diet.
Anti-allergy nutrient infusions can help to moderate your immune response to allergens by suppressing the release of histamine and supporting your gut microbiome, giving you some much-needed relief from your allergy symptoms.
Find out more about how our Adelaide injectable nutrient clinic can support you and your allergies through this winter here.
References
The gut microbiome. https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/april/the-gut-microbiome#ref-19
Histamine-producing bacteria and their role in gastrointestinal disorders. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17474124.2023.2230865#:~:text=Gut%20microbiota%20produces%20thousands%20of,amino%20acid%20histidine%20to%20histamine.
Antibiotics and the gut microbiome: Understanding the impact on human health. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590097824000090
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Allergic Diseases. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10490368/
Vitamin C in Allergy Mechanisms and for Managing Allergic Diseases: A Narrative Review. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/6/718
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut and What to Do About It. https://www.healthline.com/health/gut-health#gut-microbiome