In the last few decades, food allergies have been increasing. According to current estimates, at least 11% Americans have some type of food allergy. This number is increasing with every generation.
Up until recently, the only strategies for managing food allergies were to avoid the allergen and act quickly if it was accidentally consumed. But new insights into how food allergies develop and what drives their severity are opening up new avenues for treatment–potentially even a cure.
Microorganisms in Your Gut Affect Your Immune System
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts excessively to an antigen that would not normally be harmful. In people with allergies, the immune system perceives allergens as a danger and produces antibodies in order to combat them. This immune reaction can be mild, severe or even life-threatening.
Growing evidence shows that the gut microbiome, or ecosystem of microorganisms living in your digestive system, plays an important role in the development and function of your immune system. If the gut microbiome becomes out of balance, this can cause immune dysregulation as well as an increased risk of allergy.
Allergies and gut dysbiosis have been linked with antibiotics, caesarian deliveries, antiseptic cleaners and infant formula.
Identification of Key Bacteria that Protect Against Allergies
In the year 2014, researchers from the University of Chicago sought to identify which gut bacteria were responsible for protecting against allergies.
They found that mice raised under standard laboratory conditions were less likely to develop an immune response to peanuts. In a similar way, mice that were given antibiotics as newborns were more likely to develop an allergy to peanuts.
The study suggested that exposure to certain bacteria in early childhood may be required for the development of a healthy immune response to allergens.
Researchers found that when they introduced Clostridia (a common microbe in the gut) to the mice, the allergic sensitivity reversed. They were no longer allergic to peanuts.
The same results were not achieved when they introduced another type of common intestinal bacteria called Bacteroides. Clostridia bacteria are unique in their ability to protect against food allergies.
A second study, which examined the microbiome in identical twins with and without allergies, found that the Clostridia species were more prevalent in the gut bacteria. The twins who had allergies, on the other hand, had lower levels.
Clostridium Bacteria: How they Help
Clostridia bacteria convert dietary fiber to butyrate. Butyrate is a short-chain acid that plays an important role in maintaining and functioning your intestinal barrier. In your intestines, you absorb most of the nutrients you consume into your bloodstream. When your intestinal barrier becomes compromised, food allergens, harmful substances, and other harmful substances can enter your bloodstream. This will trigger an immune reaction.
Clostridia bacteria present in the gut help maintain a healthy intestinal wall and prevent allergens entering the bloodstream. This helps prevent allergic reactions.
Can My Food Allergy Be Cured?
Human clinical trials are being conducted to test the effectiveness of Clostridia bacteria as probiotics for the treatment of allergies.
This treatment is currently not available but it is an area of promising research that could soon lead to a cure for allergies. Oral immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies therapy are also being studied as potential treatments for allergies.
Speak to your doctor about treatment options if you suspect that you or your child has a food allergy. There are always new advancements being made in this field, so you may find a clinical trial or treatment option that’s right for you.
