Addressing Environmental Factors to Manage and Prevent Allergies

Allergic diseases such as asthma and food allergies are widespread and have been steadily increasing, especially among children in Western countries. Genetic predisposition influences development of sensitivity to allergens, but research indicates environmental factors also play an important role. Diet and exposure to dust, mold, and outdoor air pollution influence the health of the gut microbiome, a critical player in the immune response.

Functional medicine experts note some gut bacteria are allergy protective while others may drive allergic disease. One study found a connection between intestinal dysbiosis in early infancy and increased risk for asthma later in life. A healthy microbiome can help optimize the immune system and may be achieved with personalized therapeutic interventions such as a healthy diet, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, adequate sleep and exercise, and reduction of toxic exposures.

Outdoor pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and endotoxins in environmental dust have been associated with allergic reactions and asthma. While exposure to endotoxins may be protective in children who do not have asthma or allergies, exposure has been found to worsen allergy and asthma symptoms in afflicted children.

Research over the past 20 years in Southern California has shown pollutant exposure is associated with increased episodes of acute asthma and bronchitis, but as ambient air pollutants have decreased due stricter environmental policies, so have the episodes of asthma. Experts believe that educating patients and clinicians on the effects of environmental pollutants on health outcomes is a next frontier for the fields of allergy and immunology.

As part of a functional medicine strategy to identify and reduce toxic exposures, patient assessments are important in evaluating the optimum personalized approach to support the body’s healing from toxins. Lifestyle modifications include diets higher in fiber and specific nutrients, techniques that support glutathione production in the body, and use of saunas to assist in elimination of toxins.