GUT HEALTH AND ALLERGIES
posted 31st January 2025
Allergies: A Personal Journey to Wellness
For much of my life, I have been the archetypal allergy sufferer. It all began when I was around 20 years old. Seemingly overnight, my life became consumed by chronic rhinitis and daily allergic reactions. Over time, my symptoms worsened and extended into other areas of my health. Eventually, I discovered that most of it stemmed from the simplest cause: the wrong food choices.
I vividly remember receiving monthly antihistamine injections, which in the end did little to help. I discontinued them and started to feel the emotional toll of being unwell—feeling anxious about making plans, knowing I might have to cancel if my allergies flared up.
Despite the challenges, I became determined to understand my body and my symptoms. I immersed myself in research and gained in-depth knowledge about all types of allergies—respiratory, skin, neurological, even those that affect mood and cognitive function. With the growing presence of environmental toxins, pesticides, artificial additives, heavy metals, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), I often wonder how I would cope today if I hadn’t found my way to healing.
Throughout my own journey, I have accumulated a wealth of practical insight, and today, I often feel like a walking encyclopaedia on the subject. Many of the symptoms I once experienced are the same ones I now help my patients manage in my practice.
Common Symptoms Linked to Allergies
- Hay fever
- Bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence
- Candida and yeast overgrowth
- Headaches and migraines
- Acne and other skin conditions
- Asthma
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, sinus issues, chronic cough
- Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, hives
- Itchiness
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue and chronic tiredness
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Hormonal fluctuations (including oestrogen and progesterone imbalances)
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleep disturbances
- Brain fog and "hangover" feeling
- Night sweats
- Menopausal and premenstrual symptoms
- Acid reflux and gastritis
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Healing Through Gut Health
Thankfully, those difficult years are now behind me and since then I have enjoyed a life free from the struggles that once defined my daily routine. The turning point came when I began focusing on strengthening my immune system and restoring balance to my gut microbiome.
Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and when this delicate ecosystem is disrupted, it can trigger a cascade of health issues. Supporting gut health is fundamental to achieving long-term wellness. For those with food allergies, eliminating common allergens is an important first step. However, I have found that as your body heals and becomes more resilient, it is often possible to tolerate small amounts of previously problematic foods.
Also, don't underestimate the impact of household and personal care products. Many contain chemicals that can exacerbate allergic reactions and compromise immune function. Opting for natural, non-toxic alternatives can make a big difference.
Paying close attention to your internal environment—what you eat, how you live, and what you are exposed to daily, can lead to profound improvements in your health. Often, it is the small, consistent changes that make the biggest difference. If you are struggling with allergy-related symptoms, know that healing is possible. It starts with awareness, followed by informed, intentional choices.
© Ann Shaw Clinic Of Nutritional Medicine 2025