Can taking probiotics reduce hay fever symptoms?

Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial in dealing with regularity, colicky babies, weight loss, and staving off infection. It seems amping up your immune system with the aid of probiotics can do a lot for our overall health. And now, a new study has shown that seasonal allergy sufferers who took probiotics had significant relief from itchy eyes.

The study included 435 allergy sufferers already being treated with antihistamines. One group was given the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei and the other group was given a placebo. The group given the placebo had a higher quality of life and more relief from itchy eyes than the group taking the placebo.

Seasonal allergies are caused by a skewed immune reaction to common allergens and this may be the ultimate natural remedy. Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts as part of food, confers a beneficial health effect by producing gut microflora on the host.” The clinical benefits of probiotic therapy depend on a number of factors such as bacterium, dosing, regimen, and other underlying factors. Other studies are needed to determine which probiotic strains are the most effective for hay fever symptoms and if they’re safe.

Another recent study found that a daily probiotic drink changed how cells lining the nasal passages of hay fever sufferers reacted to common allergens. The study also showed changes in their blood associated with immune responses. Though there were immune response changes in the cells and the blood, this particular study did not show a difference in hay fever symptoms.

The connection between probiotics and seasonal allergies makes sense because probiotics aid gut health. Gut health has been shown to be closely linked to immune health and it’s irregularities in immune health that cause seasonal allergies. Enter holistic health.

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The post Reduced Hay Fever Symptoms: One More Reason to Love Probiotics appeared first on EcoSalon.

The same springtime allergies that may cause you to suffer from a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and sneezing can affect your pets, too. Some dogs are allergic to pollen, mold spores, dust mites, fleas and other indoor and outdoor allergens. Since this year’s allergy season is one for the record books with astonishingly high pollen levels – likely because of climate change – your dog may be exhibiting more symptoms than usual.

Allergies in dogs typically appear as skin problems causing inflammation and itchiness that not only cause discomfort, but also leave skin vulnerable to infections. You might notice your dog incessantly licking his paws to relieve itchiness, obsessing over a hot spot (which is nothing more than a patch of infected skin), or suffering from an ear infection due to an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria in the ear canal.

Since you can’t just hand your pup a box of tissues and an allergy pill, here are three natural remedies to prevent allergy attacks before they start.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

In the same way that fish oil is healthy for humans, fish oil can do wonders in helping some dogs’ skin and improving the condition of their coasts. Because omega-3 fatty acids are natural, anti-inflammatory agents, they can help calm skin and reduce the inflammation that often occurs with allergy prone pups. You can purchase supplements at the pet store, but it’s best to consult your vet for proper dosing recommendations. Additionally, you can look for dry and wet dog food formulas that have fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, salmon or krill listed on the label.

Probiotics

Studies have shown that Lactobacillus acidophilus, one of the live and active cultures commonly lurking in yogurt, can help with pollen allergies, hives and eczema in humans. Veterinarians also speak highly of the benefits of probiotics in preventing dog allergies. Again, ask your vet about appropriate supplements, or look for one of the many brands of natural dog food that includes probiotics in the recipe.

Reschedule Walks

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your doctor may have told you to avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and evening. Similarly, you can try to keep your dog inside during those hours. But if you work 9 to 5, that may be next to impossible. If you can, shorten your a.m. and p.m. walks – leaving a longer stroll up to the dog walker – consider wiping your pooch down with a cold wet cloth to remove some of the allergens that may be clinging to her coat when you come inside.

Image: ccho

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