Seasonal and Food Allergies: What Causes Them and Can You Reduce Them?

Allergies are becoming increasingly common worldwide—from seasonal hay fever to food allergies and intolerances. Many people ask:

👉 Why do allergies develop?

👉 Can they be prevented—or even reversed?

The answer is more complex than it may seem.

What Is an Allergy?

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are normally harmless, such as:

• pollen

• dust mites

• certain foods (e.g. nuts, dairy, eggs)

In allergic individuals, the immune system identifies these substances as a threat and produces antibodies (IgE), triggering the release of histamine and other inflammatory compounds.

This leads to symptoms such as:

• sneezing, congestion

• itching, rashes

• digestive discomfort

• in severe cases, anaphylaxis, where one develops breathing difficulties, swelling of the tongue/throat, hives, and low blood pressure, requiring immediate treatment with intramuscular epinephrine (EpiPen)

Why Are Allergies Increasing?

The rise in allergies cannot be explained by genetics alone—it has happened too quickly.

Research suggests a combination of factors:

1. Changes in Microbial Exposure (Hygiene Hypothesis)

Modern lifestyles involve:

• less exposure to natural environments (urbanisation and too little time spent in nature)

• increased sanitation

• reduced contact with diverse microbes

This may affect how the immune system develops, making it more prone to reacting to harmless substances.

2. Gut Microbiome and Immune Tolerance

The gut plays a central role in immune regulation.

• Early-life microbiome development is critical

• Lower microbial diversity is linked to higher allergy risk

• Factors like antibiotics, C-section birth, and diet influence this

A healthy microbiome helps the immune system learn what is harmful and what is safe

3. Barrier Function (Gut, Skin, Airways)

Your body has protective barriers:

• gut lining

• skin

• respiratory tract

If these barriers are compromised:

• allergens may enter more easily

• immune responses may become exaggerated

4. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Additional contributors may include:

• air pollution

• ultra-processed diets

• chronic stress

• low dietary diversity

These factors can influence both inflammation and immune balance.

Seasonal vs Food Allergies – What’s the Difference?

Seasonal allergies (e.g. hay fever)

• Triggered by airborne allergens (pollen, grasses)

• Affect respiratory system

• Often seasonal and recurring

Food allergies

• Triggered by specific foods

• Can affect multiple systems (skin, gut, respiratory)

• May cause immediate or delayed reactions

Food allergies involve immune responses that can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, life-threatening.

Can Allergies Be Reduced?

There is no single solution—but there are ways to support the body and reduce the burden on the immune system.

1. Support Immune Tolerance

• diverse, whole-food diet

• adequate fibre intake

• exposure to varied environments (nature, outdoors)

2. Support Gut Health

• include fibre-rich foods

• consider eating fermented foods (if tolerated)

• avoid unnecessary antibiotic use

These approaches may help support microbial diversity and immune regulation.

3. Reduce Overall Inflammatory Load

• manage stress

• support sleep

• reduce ultra-processed foods

This helps create a more balanced internal environment.

4. Personalised Approach Matters

Allergies are highly individual.

What works for one person may not work for another. In some cases, medical support and testing are essential—especially with food allergies.

Can Allergies Be Eliminated?

In some cases—particularly in children—certain food allergies may resolve over time.

However, for many people: the goal is not elimination, but management and improved resilience.

Emerging research (especially around the microbiome) is promising, but there is no universal “cure” at this stage.

Final Thoughts

Allergies are not caused by a single factor—they are the result of complex interactions between the immune system, environment, and lifestyle. Understanding this helps shift the focus from “quick fixes”to long-term support of immune balance and overall health.

If you ware looking to get support and guidance on how to improve your diet don't hesitate to reach out to me for health coaching and nutrition counselling via e-mail at info@katrinpeo.com.