Allergies and Gut Health: The Hidden Connection Revealed

Welcome to another episode of the Empowered Nutrition podcast! We are so thrilled to have you here. As we bask in the warmth of summer, we're bringing you a series of quick and casual episodes to match those chill summer vibes. So, if you're listening to this as it comes out, get ready for a dose of valuable knowledge while you soak up the sun!

Before we dive into today's  topic, I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude. We don't usually ask for it, but your support means the world to us. If you love this podcast as much as we love creating it, please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us spread the message of empowerment and good health to even more listeners!

Now, let's unveil the mystery behind a pressing concern: allergies and their unexpected link to gut health. Yes, you heard that right! Allergies are becoming increasingly common, affecting around 10% of adults. But why is this happening, and what can we do about it? Stay tuned as we explore the fascinating world of epidemiology and its connection to your gut health. Prepare to be amazed at the intricate dance between your microbiome and those pesky allergies!

So, whether you're lounging at the beach or taking a leisurely stroll, grab your earbuds, and let's embark on this eye-opening journey together! Are you ready to discover the hidden connection between allergies and gut health? Let's dive in! 🌟🌱🎧

Main Topic: Are Allergies Increasing? The Gut Health Connection (01:06 - 05:54)

Erin confirms that allergies are indeed increasing in prevalence, with approximately 10% of adults affected. The rise in allergies is connected to research in epidemiology, which studies the incidence and prevalence of allergies. Gut health plays a significant role in the development of both environmental and food allergies. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut's microbiome (primarily in the large intestine), is a major driver of allergies. Dysbiosis disrupts the production of short-chain fatty acids, essential for maintaining a healthy gut lining. Damage to the gut lining leads to increased intestinal permeability, allowing undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. The immune system responds by developing antibodies to these foreign substances, leading to allergies. The cycle of unhealthy microbiome, damaged gut lining, and immune reactivity perpetuates and can escalate over time. In the Western world, atopy (hyperreactivity of the immune system) is on the rise, leading to various allergic diseases like asthma and eczema.

Addressing Allergies: Focus on Gut Health (05:55 - 10:09)

Improving gut health is crucial to combat allergies and atopy. Some clients might be resistant to the idea of addressing gut health alongside other health concerns. Clients can either generically work on improving gut health or opt for a gut test to identify specific issues. Dysbiosis is a broad term for unhealthy gut ecosystems, but various specific imbalances can contribute to allergic responses. The next episode will provide practical tips and strategies to optimize gut health.

 

 

Resources: 

Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, Jiang J, Blumenstock JA, Davis MM, Schleimer RP, Nadeau KC. Prevalence and Severity of Food Allergies Among US Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2019 Jan 4;2(1):e185630. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5630. PMID: 30646188; PMCID: PMC6324316.

 Warren CM, Jiang J, Gupta RS. Epidemiology and Burden of Food Allergy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020 Feb 14;20(2):6. doi: 10.1007/s11882-020-0898-7. PMID: 32067114; PMCID: PMC7883751.

Niewiem M, Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk U. Intestinal Barrier Permeability in Allergic Diseases. Nutrients. 2022;14(9):1893. Published 2022 Apr 30. doi:10.3390/nu14091893

  Love it? Hate it? We’d love to hear your feedback!   Interested in our Lean for Life Membership?

Help yourself feel aligned using our three phase approach: Lean for Life Membership called Heal, Optimize , and Refinewhere you will be empowered to reverse previous metabolic damage with the assistance of our team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Check out more details on our website!

Want to learn more about our one-on-one Empowered Nutrition coaching? Book a free chemistry call to discuss your story and see if we're a good fit.

Enjoying the podcast?

Please review the Empowered Nutrition Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! Then, send me a screenshot of your positive review to [email protected] as a DM on Instagram (@empowerednutrition.health).Include a brief description of what you’re working on with your health and/or nutrition and I’ll send you a free custom meal plan!

Do you have questions you would like answered on the Empowered Nutrition podcast? You can propose your questions/ideas here or reach out to me at [email protected]

Follow us on:

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest