Your gut (starting with the mouth and ending at the opposite end) is instrumental when it comes to food allergies and sensitivities. In altered gut function, the probability of allergies or skin disorders is more likely to occur. Understanding this relationship can help to eliminate the challenges of food and skin sensitivities.
In your gut you have “good” bacteria, yeasts and other microbes that are essential to the health of the whole body – this is referred to as your “gut microbiota”. You also have “bad” bacteria and microbes. Most of these are naturally in your gut, and belong there (with some exceptions), and as long as they are low enough in numbers compared to the “good guys”, all is well. When the “bad guys” dominate, or are not well controlled by the “good guys”, disease occurs. This condition is called “dysbiosis”.
This unhealthy dysbiosis increases the risk of developing allergies through several mechanisms, which involve Immune system regulation, gut barrier function and inflammatory processes.
In the gut lining, certain elements from food and waste metabolites are supposed to remain in the intestines for elimination, and some are supposed to be absorbed. If there is damage to this membrane, then some of the substances that are not supposed to be absorbed, do get absorbed, causing an immune response which includes inflammation and the release of histamines. The mechanism is somewhat complex, but when this happens, you experience it as an allergy, skin condition or asthma. All of this is a normal response to an abnormal situation the body is trying to compensate for.
Damage to the gut lining is causative. Damage from medications (antibiotics, NSAIDS, acid-stopping meds, steroids, chemotherapy); certain foods (highly processed foods, sugar, soda, coffee, gluten or dairy if susceptible, alcohol, bad fats, artificial sweeteners); lifestyle factors (chronic stress, inadequate sleep, inactivity, smoking); environmental factors (pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals); and infections, can all play a role in the breakdown of the gut lining (also called “Leaky Gut”).
Acupuncture can be quite effective in restoring gut health and potentially preventing or alleviating allergies. It works by regulating the autonomic and enteric nervous systems, reducing inflammation, modulating immune responses, enhancing gut barrier integrity, supporting a healthy gut microbiota and supporting mucosal immunity. It is also helpful in alleviating the misery associated with compromised gut health.
Essential fatty acids, protein, minerals and vitamins all play important roles. Herbs that help to reduce inflammation, protect and heal the gut lining and support overall digestive health can be helpful. Eliminating poor quality food, smoking, and getting adequate sleep and reducing stress, are all essential for healing.
The gut plays a vital role in the allergy mechanism. Most factors we have control over. However, addressing just one of the many contributors to unhealthy gut is not enough. It is a multifactorial problem that needs a complex, multifaceted approach. But with help, you can restore your health.
Want to hear more from Dr. Carling? Check out our podcast. Search for VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast listening app or go to vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/
©2024 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
