Researchers used genetic data to study whether different types of physical activity could help prevent allergic rhinitis (hay fever and similar allergies). They found that cycling and walking at a faster pace appeared to reduce the risk of developing allergies. The study suggests that walking may work partly by lowering inflammation in the body. These findings suggest that simple activities like biking and brisk walking could be practical ways to help prevent allergies, though more research is needed to confirm these results in real-world settings.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether different types of exercise and physical activity could help prevent or reduce allergic rhinitis (allergies that affect your nose and sinuses)
  • Who participated: This study used genetic information from large databases rather than recruiting people to exercise. The researchers analyzed genetic data to understand how physical activity relates to allergies
  • Key finding: Cycling showed the strongest protective effect, and walking at a faster pace also significantly reduced allergy risk. Walking appeared to work by reducing inflammation markers in the blood
  • What it means for you: If you’re prone to allergies, adding cycling or brisk walking to your routine might help reduce your symptoms. However, this is genetic research, so individual results may vary. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have allergies or other health conditions

The Research Details

This study used a special research method called Mendelian randomization, which uses genetic information to understand cause-and-effect relationships. Instead of asking people to exercise and tracking their allergies, researchers looked at genetic data from large databases to see if genes related to physical activity were also connected to lower allergy rates.

The researchers examined four types of physical activity: heavy do-it-yourself work, light do-it-yourself work, exercises like cycling and swimming, and walking. They also looked at how fast people typically walk. They tracked a blood marker called C-reactive protein, which shows inflammation in the body, to understand how exercise might prevent allergies.

The study controlled for other factors that might affect allergies, like vitamin D levels and air pollution exposure, to make sure the results weren’t due to these other things.

This research method is valuable because it helps identify cause-and-effect relationships using genetics rather than just observing that active people have fewer allergies. This approach is less likely to be confused by other factors that might explain why active people have fewer allergies. It helps scientists understand which specific activities might be most helpful and how they work in the body

This study used large genetic databases and multiple statistical methods to verify results, which strengthens confidence in the findings. However, because it’s based on genetic data rather than actual people exercising, the results show associations that need to be tested in real-world studies. The study controlled for several important factors like vitamin D and air pollution, which makes the results more reliable

What the Results Show

The study found that cycling had the strongest protective effect against allergies, with a very low risk ratio. Walking at a faster pace also significantly reduced allergy risk, with about half the risk compared to slower walking. These effects were independent of each other and held up even when the researchers controlled for other factors.

The researchers discovered that walking’s protective effect worked partly through reducing inflammation in the body. When people walked faster, their C-reactive protein levels (a marker of inflammation) decreased, and lower inflammation was associated with fewer allergies. This inflammation reduction explained about 7% of walking’s protective benefit.

The genetic analysis showed that walking pace had a real genetic connection to allergy risk, meaning this isn’t just about people who happen to be active also having fewer allergies for other reasons.

Heavy and light do-it-yourself work did not show significant protective effects against allergies. Swimming and other exercises showed less dramatic effects compared to cycling and walking. The study found that the inflammation pathway (through C-reactive protein) was only one of several ways that physical activity might protect against allergies, suggesting other mechanisms are also at work

This research builds on previous studies showing that physical activity is generally good for immune health and reducing inflammation. However, this is one of the first studies to specifically examine which types of activity work best for allergies and to identify inflammation as one of the protective mechanisms. The findings align with general knowledge that aerobic activities like cycling and brisk walking are particularly beneficial for overall health

The biggest limitation is that this study used genetic data rather than following real people who exercise. While this method is scientifically sound, the results need to be confirmed by studies where people actually do these activities and researchers track their allergy symptoms. The study couldn’t determine how much exercise is needed or how long it takes to see benefits. Individual results may vary based on genetics, environment, and other personal factors. The study also couldn’t account for all possible factors that might influence both activity levels and allergies

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, brisk walking and cycling appear to be the most promising activities for allergy prevention (moderate confidence level). Aim for regular activity rather than occasional exercise. Start with whatever pace feels comfortable and gradually increase intensity. These findings suggest physical activity could be a helpful addition to other allergy management strategies, but should not replace medical treatment if you have significant allergies

This research is relevant for anyone with allergies or a family history of allergies who wants to explore lifestyle approaches to prevention. It’s also interesting for people looking to improve their overall health, since these activities have many other benefits. People with severe allergies should continue working with their doctor on treatment plans. Those with joint problems or other conditions limiting exercise should consult their doctor before starting a new activity program

Realistic benefits from starting a regular walking or cycling routine might take several weeks to a few months to notice. Consistency matters more than intensity, so regular moderate activity is better than occasional intense exercise. Some people may see benefits faster than others depending on their genetics and environment

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly minutes of brisk walking and cycling separately. Record your walking pace (slow, moderate, or brisk) and note any changes in allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, or itchy eyes. Aim to gradually increase brisk walking to at least 150 minutes per week
  • Start by adding one 15-20 minute brisk walk to your week, then gradually increase frequency. Try cycling once or twice weekly if accessible. Use the app to set reminders for activity and track how you feel on days you exercise versus days you don’t. Notice patterns between activity levels and allergy symptoms
  • Create a simple weekly log showing minutes of brisk walking, cycling sessions, and allergy symptom severity (on a scale of 1-10). Review monthly trends to see if increased activity correlates with fewer symptoms. Share this data with your doctor to discuss whether these activities are helping your specific allergy situation

This research uses genetic analysis to suggest that cycling and brisk walking may help prevent allergies, but these findings need to be confirmed through studies with actual people exercising. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have allergies, asthma, or other health conditions, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program. This study does not prove that exercise will prevent or cure allergies in any individual person. Results vary based on genetics, environment, and other personal factors. Always work with your healthcare provider on a comprehensive allergy management plan