These days we are hearing more and more about the benefits of probiotics, the live organisms in supplement form that contain potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts. They are in supplement form, in certain foods and possibly have all kinds of health benefits. The latest being allergy relief for hay fever.

According to this article, researchers in Britain reported today that consumption of a daily probiotic drink can alter the immune system response to common causes of allergies. Typically, humans have several pounds of bacteria in their intestines, which play a key role in digestion and immune system function.  These so-called “good bacteria” can also out-compete any “bad bacteria” that may cause disease.

The study was done with people allergic to grass pollen. Some drank a drink containing probiotics, others drank a placebo. The study showed that those who consumed the probiotics had lower levels of an antibody that helped produce allergy symptoms. Concurrently, these people also had higher levels of IgG, a different antibody, which is thought to play a protective role against allergic reactions.

Though this was a small study and further research is necessary, it opens the door to new types of allergy relief without medication. Probiotics are beneficial to a whole store of health issues, including prevention of colon cancer, managing irritable bowel syndrome, aiding in digestion among others. Probiotics are also good to take while taking antibiotics, which can deplete the body’s store of “good bacteria.” They also help to keep harmful bacteria in check, produce vitamins, and regulate the immune system.

You can find probiotics in over the counter pill form (Culturelle), in yogurts, like Activa (not all yogurts contain probiotics, check your labels) and other fermented dairy foods. Probiotics are not FDA regulated at this time, so talk to your doctor before starting yourself on them. This research, however, is quite encouraging.

Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/02/02/earlyshow/contributors/emilysenay/main597204.shtml
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1415278/daily_probiotic_may_ease_allergy_symptoms/