The Link Between IBS and Allergies

Did you know that IBS and allergies could actually be related? Some people may actually experience IBS due to allergies. The symptoms are often the same or similar so it can be challenging to make a differentiating diagnosis.

If there are environmental allergies, those with IBS may actually notice that their IBS symptoms are getting worse at certain points in the year. Consider whether or not you typically have respiratory seasonal allergies and see if there may be a connection between that and your IBS. 

Want to know why? 

Environmental Allergens

You may actually swallow the allergens that are causing a reaction. So, if there is a lot of pollen swirling around in the air and you’re breathing it in, it’s actually possible for you to ingest it resulting in further inflammation of the gut. 

Food Sensitivities 

Food sensitivities may also cause IBS in some people. Eating foods that upregulate your immune system can produce higher levels of histamines. If your gut is inflamed or out of balance, your body won’t be able to process and remove the histamines. Oftentimes with a histamine overload, the DAO enzyme isn’t able to function properly. Getting tested by a functional medicine practitioner can help identify which foods are putting additional burden on the body. 

Gut Dysbiosis 

When your gut is imbalanced, your immune response will be impacted. An imbalanced gut leads to inflammation and permeability. When compounds or foods that are supposed to be in the gut are getting into the bloodstream, the body will create an immune response. This can create allergy-like symptoms and cause your body to react poorly to certain foods. When the gut can be rebalanced and the inflammation calmed, the body will be able to tolerate more foods. 

It’s important to understand that the connection between IBS and allergies may actually be worsening symptoms or cause you to have trouble feeling your best. By correcting underlying gut imbalances, you can improve allergies. If you want to learn more about the work we do inside of Fearless Health YOUniversity to rebalance the gut, schedule a 30 minute free call.