Spring is here, and so is the annual pollen invasion. If you're already reaching for tissues and wondering why your allergies seem to get worse every year, you’re not alone. But what if the real culprit isn’t just the pollen floating through the air—but something happening inside your gut?
Your Gut & Immune System: A Pollen-Fighting Duo
Over 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, making it a key player in how your body responds to allergens. When your gut microbiome (the trillions of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system) is out of balance, your immune system can become overly reactive—mistaking harmless pollen for a serious threat.
This means that instead of calmly filtering out allergens, your body launches into full-on defense mode—cue the sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Histamine Overload: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
Histamine is a natural chemical in the body that helps regulate immune responses, but too much histamine can trigger or worsen allergy symptoms like inflammation, congestion, and itchy skin.
Certain gut imbalances, such as low levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), the enzyme that breaks down histamine, can make you more sensitive to allergens. Factors like prior antibiotic use, chronic stress, and poor diet can all reduce DAO production, leading to histamine intolerance—a lesser-known reason why allergies might feel unbearable.
Recent studies have highlighted the role of DAO in managing histamine levels. For instance, a pilot study found that 79% of individuals with histamine intolerance symptoms had genetic variants associated with reduced DAO activity. Additionally, research from the International Society of DAO Deficiency indicates that intestinal dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, can contribute to histamine intolerance by affecting DAO function.
Understanding these connections underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy gut to manage and potentially alleviate allergy symptoms.
How to Support Your Gut for Allergy Relief
The good news? You can take steps to support your gut microbiome and, in turn, reduce allergy symptoms naturally.
1. Eat More Gut-Friendly Foods
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Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir) help restore beneficial gut bacteria. Note: this is if you tolerate them, if you suspect histamine intolerance see #2.
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Prebiotic foods (onions, garlic, bananas) feed the good bacteria.
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Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) support an anti-inflammatory response.
2. Reduce Histamine-Triggering Foods
Some foods are naturally high in histamine and can exacerbate allergy symptoms. If you suspect histamine intolerance, try limiting:
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Aged cheeses, some fermented foods (yes, some are good for gut health, but they can also be histamine-heavy—it's about balance & finding what works for your body!)
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Alcohol (especially wine and beer)
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Processed meats
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Bone Broth vs. Stock: What’s Better for Histamine Sensitivities?
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Bone broth is often praised for its gut-healing properties, but if you have histamine intolerance, it could actually make symptoms worse. Long-simmered bone broth tends to be high in histamine due to the extended cooking process. If you’re sensitive, opting for freshly made stock (cooked for a shorter period) may be a better alternative, providing nutrients without the histamine overload.
3. Track Pollen Levels and Be Proactive
Stay ahead of the worst allergy days by checking local pollen counts here. If pollen levels are high, consider:
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Keeping windows closed on windy days
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Showering and changing clothes after outdoor activities
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Using an air purifier indoors
4. Support Your Drainage Pathways
Your body has natural detoxification pathways—including the lymphatic system, liver, kidneys, and skin—that help clear out allergens, histamines, and other inflammatory compounds. Supporting these pathways can make allergy season much more manageable:
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Lymphatic movement: Gentle exercise, rebounding (mini-trampoline), and dry brushing can stimulate lymph flow and reduce congestion.
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Liver support: Bitter foods (dandelion greens, arugula, artichokes) and herbs like milk thistle help the liver process histamines efficiently.
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Hydration: Drinking plenty of water with a pinch of sea salt can support kidney function and flush out allergens.
5. Strengthen Your Defenses with Targeted Support
Your body is naturally equipped to handle allergens, but when your system is overwhelmed, extra support can make all the difference. My Enviro Defense bioformula is designed to support the body's ability to handle environmental sensitivities, including airborne allergens, by promoting a balanced immune response, while Lung Health helps maintain clear airways and optimal respiratory function—so you can enjoy the beauty of spring without the discomfort. Immune Boost enhances overall immune resilience, providing an extra layer of defense.
Taken together, these three bioformulas work synergistically—helping to regulate immune responses, ease respiratory discomfort, and fortify your body against seasonal challenges so you can breathe easier all season long.
The Takeaway: Long-Term Allergy Relief Starts in Your Gut
While over-the-counter antihistamines may provide short term symptom relief, they can make you drowsy and cause your symptoms to be even worse when they return, the so called “rebound effect.” Addressing the root cause—an imbalanced immune response linked to gut health—can make a lasting difference. By nurturing your microbiome, reducing histamine overload, and using targeted natural remedies like Enviro Defense, Lung Health, & Immune Boost, you can help your body respond more calmly to seasonal allergens.
For more tips on managing allergies, check out our past blogs on identifying and treating springtime allergies and coping with nasal allergies year-round.
