A recent study released by a research group from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shows that consuming lactic acid bacteria foods daily can alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including pollen allergies, to a certain extent. Drinking yogurt has this effect.
According to local media reports, from last November to this April, the Ministry's research group divided 89 allergic rhinitis patients with pollen allergies into two groups. They had 44 people consume a specific food containing 50 milligrams of lactic acid bacteria daily (equivalent to 100 grams of yogurt), while the other 45 people consumed food without lactic acid bacteria.
During the six-month period of consuming the specific lactic acid bacteria food, the research group had them record the frequency of sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, as well as the impact on their daily lives, and also conducted blood tests, which were then compared. The results showed that the group that did not consume lactic acid bacteria experienced more severe runny nose and nasal congestion during the pollen dispersal period, while the other group showed little change.
The lead researcher of the group, Mr. Okamoto, said: "Because yogurt is a food, it is inexpensive and can be consumed safely for a long time. But because it is not a medicine, it must be consumed for a long time for the effect to be significant."