Probiotics are types of “good” bacteria and yeasts that can restore a healthy balance to the body’s microbiome, as noted by WebMD. The most familiar types of probiotic bacteria are Bifidobacterium and lactobacilli, while Saccharomyces boulardii is the most common probiotic yeast. While yogurt is a well-known probiotic dairy food, other high-probiotic dairy products include some types of buttermilk and cultured cheeses like cottage cheese, Swiss, provolone, cheddar, and gouda. Fermented soy foods like tempeh and miso soup, as well as sauerkraut made from fermented cabbage, also contain probiotics.
The gut microbiota is essential to the development of a healthy immune system, according to a review of studies published in the 2021 edition of the journal Foods. A favorable composition of the gut microbiota, with more good microbes than bad, promotes immune tolerance to allergens. Changes to the gut microbiota early on in life can lead to the loss of immune tolerance and a predisposition to allergies and allergic diseases like eczema. Ongoing research suggests that probiotics, particularly lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, can prevent or improve allergies by regulating intestinal immune cells. For example, they can drive the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma, which help reduce allergic inflammation.
Overall, probiotics have been shown to lessen the severity of allergy symptoms. Eating nutritious probiotic foods is more advantageous than taking supplements as it provides important nutrients along with beneficial bacteria.
