Spring is a beautiful season for many, but for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, it can bring discomfort with itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny noses. Allergies, especially hay fever, happen when your immune system mistakes harmless pollen for a threat and reacts by releasing histamine, causing those unpleasant symptoms.

Gut health has become a popular topic of discussion, but what exactly does it mean? At the center of this conversation is the gut microbiome—often called our "second brain"—which consists of trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system. These bacteria play a critical role in our overall health, beginning to develop even before we are born. The balance of this microbiome is influenced by various factors, including our diet, environment, sleep habits, birth method, living conditions, and stress levels. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can impact more than just digestion. Research shows that poor gut health is linked to a wide range of chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions (like acne and eczema), autoimmune diseases, and mental health problems.