Fiber and Food Allergies

The recent rise in cases of food allergies has many medical experts scratching their heads. In the United States alone, an estimated 15 million individuals are living with at least one food allergy.² The side effects of these allergies can range from mild itching to life-threatening reactions in extreme cases.

While there may not be a single explanation for the rise of food allergies, recent studies point to a general lack of dietary fiber as a contributing factor. New evidence even suggests that by consuming more dietary fiber, food allergy effects can be reduced or even eliminated.

The scientific journal Cell Reports conducted an in-depth study of this hypothesis.¹ In this research, two sets of mice with peanut allergies were fed different diets. The control group was fed a low-fiber diet, while the second group was fed a high-fiber diet. Researchers observed that the mice consuming more fiber were less likely to have an allergic reaction to peanuts than the control group.

Researchers found that this was due to the effect of short chain fatty acids on the production of friendly gut bacteria. When fiber is broken down in the gut, it is converted into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). As a result, SCFAs act as a nutrient source for the friendly gut bacteria that stimulate a healthy microbiome. These friendly bacteria work in conjunction with the immune system to prevent the creation of dendritic cells (cells which trigger allergic reactions).

In conclusion, pursuing wholistic living means keeping a healthy gut. Proper fiber consumption is the key to accomplishing this. Options for adding fiber in your diet range from including fiber-infused ingredients into your cooking, consuming more fruits and vegetables, and taking daily fiber supplements. Learn more about how adding Fiber Choice^® to your routine can benefit your gut health and your overall well-being.

^{1Houston, Gillie. May 24, 2017. A High-Fiber Diet Could Fight Food Allergies. Food & Wine.  https://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/high-fiber-diet-could-fight-food-allergies.
2Whiteman, Honor. June 26, 2016. High-fiber diet alters gut bacteria to protect against food allergy. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311218.php.}