How Does Stress Lead to More Allergies?

It’s not just in your head, stress can actually make your allergies worse.

In a recent episode of The Orange Club Podcast, Dr. Gurmeet Bhalla, Allergist breaks down the science behind how your emotional state can affect your immune system.

Watch the Clip: How stress leads to Allergies

The Chain Reaction Between Stress and Allergies

When you're stressed, your body produces more of a hormone called cortisol. That sets off a cascade of internal changes:

Cortisol levels rise

This shifts how your body regulates inflammation.

Gut Microbiome gets disrupted

Stress affects your gut health and the gut plays a key role in regulating immune response.

Histamine is released

Mast cells in your body release histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions.

Immune proteins increase

Proteins like IgE antibodies ramp up, making your immune system more reactive to allergens.

Why This Matters

Your body isn't just reacting to allergens it’s reacting to your internal state. High stress can lower your tolerance and make allergic symptoms feel stronger or last longer.

It’s why allergies often flare up during busy or anxious periods, even if you haven’t changed your environment or diet.

The Takeaway

Allergies don’t just start outside your body, they're closely tied to what’s happening inside. In Episode 9 of The Orange Club Podcast: Are We All Becoming Allergic?, Dr. Gurmeet Bhalla explores how chronic stress impacts gut health, immune responses, and allergic flare-ups and what you can do to manage it better.