Food allergies are on the rise, but the causes still baffle scientists. Researchers constantly seek reasons why the increase is happening, and how to stop or reverse the trend. In results released in August of 2014, a study from the University of Chicago made huge waves in the allergy community. They found that increasing the amount of Clostridia, a common gut bacteria, protected people against food allergies. And now, a study by scientists from the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Naples Federico II in Italy has demonstrated that gut bacteria in infants who were tolerant to cow's milk was significantly different than in those who were allergic. This is huge news!
The discovery that a mere bacteria could be the key to treating dairy allergies is amazing. Nearly three percent of the world's population has a dairy allergy at some point (although children often outgrow the allergy), and if the introduction of increased amounts of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) could cure it, it could mean relief for so many. In an article on Newswise, Dr. Jack Gilbert, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago (and co-author of the study) said, “The ability to identify bacterial strains that could be used as novel therapeutics for treating food allergies is a fundamental advance. Translating these findings into clinical treatments is our next goal, and one that is now possible through the new FARE Clinical Network center here at the University of Chicago.”
According to the study, "Emerging evidence suggests that modern environmental influences, including widespread antibiotic use, high-fat and low-fiber diets, reduced exposure to infectious diseases, Caesarean birth and formula feeding have altered the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and the bacteria that live in our gastrointestinal tract. This dysbiosis, or skewing of the structure of the microbial community, can predispose genetically susceptible individuals to allergies."
I've long known that gut health is important to overall health, and we supplemented our son with live probiotics as an infant. We found that by helping support his gut health, his eczema and sensitivities were greatly reduced. And now, there's huge potential for treating food allergies with gut bacteria, too. Amazing.
Related: If A Peanut Can Kill You Maybe You Were Meant To Die
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