Vegan Diets: Allergies, Triggers, And What The Research Says

A vegan diet may help to reduce allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergies have been on the increase, with research linking the Western diet and its influence on gut microbiota as a significant factor.

A 2017 meta-analysis concluded that fruit and vegetable consumption appears to be protective against asthma. A 2016 publication suggested that high-fibre diets may be beneficial for allergy sufferers, as they can lead to the production of gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to protect against allergies.

Some people have reported anecdotally that their allergies improved after adopting a vegan diet. One person said that their pollen allergy was 90% better after cutting out processed foods and eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, yogurts, and fish. Their allergies were completely cured when they became vegan in 2012. Another person reported that their allergic rhinitis was cured by a healthy vegan diet.

However, there is a risk of nutritional deficiencies with a vegan diet, especially in children. It is important to seek professional advice when making significant dietary changes, especially if you have allergies or are caring for someone who does.

A vegan diet may reduce inflammation and an overactive immune system by reducing calorie intake and body weight

Adopting a vegan diet may help reduce inflammation and an overactive immune system by lowering calorie intake and body weight.

Inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism against harmful stimuli, and it plays a crucial role in the healing process. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to various health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity, gut issues, and heart disease. A vegan diet can be a healthy way to combat this chronic inflammation.

A vegan diet typically includes fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, plant-based milk, and meat alternatives. These foods are often high in fibre and low in calories, which can help with weight management. Losing weight can be beneficial in reducing inflammation, as increased body fat is associated with the release of chemicals that promote chronic inflammation.

Additionally, a vegan diet can help reduce the consumption of pro-inflammatory foods, such as refined, high-glycemic carbohydrates, sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, and fried foods. These foods can cause ongoing high blood sugar levels, leading to the production of more free radicals and pro-inflammatory substances. By eliminating or reducing these foods, a vegan diet may help lower the risk of chronic inflammation.

Furthermore, a vegan diet emphasizes plant-based sources of protein, such as tofu, beans, lentils, seitan, and tempeh. These foods are packed with phytonutrients, protein, and healthy fats, providing a powerful boost to anti-inflammatory efforts. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed oils, and chia seeds, are especially important in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.

While there is no definitive evidence that a vegan diet can treat or improve allergies, it may indirectly help by reducing inflammation and an overactive immune system. A well-planned vegan diet, focused on nutrient-dense whole foods, can promote a healthier weight and lower inflammation, which may have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

Animal products can increase hay fever and asthma symptoms

Animal handlers are at risk of developing asthma and allergies due to exposure to animals or animal products in the workplace. About 33% of animal handlers have allergic symptoms, and approximately 10% have symptoms of animal-induced asthma. Animal dander, hair, scales, fur, saliva, and body wastes contain powerful allergens that can cause respiratory and skin disorders.

People with asthma who are allergic to animal dander may experience a range of respiratory effects, including typical asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, as well as allergy symptoms such as a runny and stuffy nose, watery and itchy eyes, and rash or irritated skin. Exposure to higher amounts of animal dander is associated with more severe symptoms and a higher risk of asthma attacks.

Additionally, a vegan diet may help reduce allergies. While there is limited research on the direct impact of a vegan diet on environmental allergies, some evidence suggests that dietary changes can improve respiratory symptoms. For example, removing dairy from the diet has been shown to improve recurrent congestion and bronchitis in some patients. A high-fibre diet has also been found to positively impact gut bacteria, immune system cells, and allergic reactions to food.

A vegan diet can alter the immune response and reduce inflammation by increasing the consumption of fermentable fibre

A vegan diet typically includes a higher intake of dietary fibre, with men consuming an average of 44 grams and women 30.5 grams. This is significantly higher than the average omnivore's intake of 23 grams. The higher intake of fibre in a vegan diet is due to a preference for unrefined foods, particularly bread, and a higher consumption of pulses.

Fermentable fibre plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining intestinal health. It can help reduce intestinal barrier defects and inflammation, which is beneficial for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. A study on hemodialysis patients found that dietary fermentable fibre supplementation improved their lipid profile, oxidative status, and decreased their systemic inflammatory state.

Additionally, a vegan diet can reduce congestion of the sinuses and nasal passages, which are often associated with allergies. Removing dairy from the diet has been shown to improve recurrent congestion and bronchitis in some patients. While there is no conclusive research, it is suggested that a vegan diet may help reduce symptoms of allergic diseases such as rhinitis, asthma, and eczema, as these diseases are characterised by inflammation, and a vegan diet can help combat inflammation.

However, it is important to note that a sudden increase in fibre intake can cause digestive problems for some individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually increase fibre intake and listen to your body's comfort and discomfort signals.

A vegan diet can be rich in polyphenols, which suppress histamine and alter the immune response to allergens

A vegan diet can be a double-edged sword when it comes to allergies. While it may not directly cure or treat environmental allergies, it can help manage and improve allergy symptoms, especially in the case of food allergies and seasonal allergies like hay fever.

A vegan diet can be rich in polyphenols, which are plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These polyphenols can suppress histamine release and alter the immune response to allergens. For example, apple polyphenols have been shown to reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis and cedar pollinosis (tree pollen allergies). Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, also helps suppress histamine release and pro-inflammatory cytokines, improving the Th1/Th2 balance in the body.

Additionally, a vegan diet that emphasizes whole foods and plant-based sources can reduce calorie intake and body weight. This can help regulate inflammation and reduce the hyperresponsiveness of the immune system to allergens. Losing weight can also alter the microbiota and reduce immune cells linked to allergic responses, further reducing inflammation.

The exclusion of certain food products, particularly dairy, meat, and processed foods, may also contribute to the improvement of allergy symptoms. Dairy, for instance, has been linked to congestion of the sinuses and nasal passages, and its removal from the diet has shown improvements in respiratory symptoms and recurrent congestion. A high intake of animal products has also been associated with an increased risk of hay fever and asthma.

In summary, a vegan diet rich in polyphenols and whole foods can suppress histamine release, reduce inflammation, and alter the immune response to allergens. This can lead to an improvement in allergy symptoms, especially when coupled with a reduction in calorie intake and the exclusion of certain food groups.

A vegan diet may improve gut health, which can reduce the risk of allergic reactions

The gut microbiome refers to the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. When properly balanced, these microorganisms promote a healthy digestive tract, immune system, bowel movements, metabolism, and hormones that help regulate appetite. However, when the microbiome is unbalanced, it can lead to issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, a decreased immune system, and even the proliferation of cancer cells.

A vegan diet, rich in plant-based foods, can help improve the diversity of the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that a vegan diet is associated with a reduced abundance of pathobionts, which are bacteria that can be harmful in certain conditions, and an increased abundance of protective species. For example, one study found that vegans had higher levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, an anti-inflammatory bacterium that is believed to play a protective role in maintaining gut health.

Additionally, a vegan diet can help regulate inflammation in the body. Inflammation is linked to various health issues, including allergies, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. A vegan diet, by reducing inflammation, may help lower the risk of these conditions.

Furthermore, a vegan diet can lead to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that promote inflammation. Cytokines are involved in the immune system's response to allergens, and by reducing their levels, a vegan diet may help mitigate allergic reactions.

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between a vegan diet and gut health, the current evidence suggests that a vegan diet may indeed improve gut health and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

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