More adults are suddenly developing allergic reactions later in life — and experts aren’t sure why.

Nearly 50% of adults developed at least one food allergy in adulthood, according to a 2019 investigation published in JAMA.

Illana Golant, founder and CEO of the Food and Allergy Fund (FAF) in New York City, told Fox News Digital that she developed allergies in her 40s.

GUT IMBALANCE MAY BE DRIVING AMERICA’S FOOD ALLERGY EPIDEMIC, EXPERTS WARN

“That is not fully understood at all or recognized … we don’t know why they’re starting at certain points,” she said.

FAF hosted a forum last week in Washington, D.C., attended by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, FDA Chief Martin Makary and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya.

Health officials and researchers are investigating whether allergies may be caused by gut health microbes.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Makary shared how the function of microbiomes has evolved over time.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The intestine hosts over a billion different types of bacteria, which normally live in balance, according to Makary.

“But when it’s altered by the modern-day diet and by antibiotics and other exposures … that disequilibrium can cause inflammation [and] health problems, and it may be implicated in food allergies,” he said.

Golant shared that there seems to be a “critical inflection point,” as some foods trigger adults more than children.

“Seafood shellfish [and] tree nuts seem to be proliferating among adults,” she noted.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Shellfish was the top allergen in adults, according to a 2018 survey of over 40,000 people that was published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Golant said she luckily knew about allergies when she had her first anaphylactic reaction.

“If I didn’t know about food allergies, I would have thought I was having a heart attack,” she said. “Genetics can’t change so quickly. In a generation, food allergies have skyrocketed.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Approximately one in 10 adults are affected by food allergies, according to FAF.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“It’s very much the perfect storm of a variety of environmental triggers,” Golant added. “We still don’t know which ones and … if there is one primary [trigger], but my guess is that more likely, it is a perfect storm.”

Research has found that one specific spice may have profound effects on metabolic health.

Black cumin, known as Nigella sativa or black seed, is used in many Middle Eastern and Indian dishes like curries and naan. It’s also found in some baked goods and spice blends.

High-antioxidant black seed oil is also sold as a dietary supplement, often used to support immunity, reduce inflammation and improve digestive health.

EATING ONE TYPE OF NUT DAILY COULD LOWER ‘BAD’ CHOLESTEROL, IMPROVE HEART HEALTH, STUDY FINDS

A recent study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition examined black cumin’s effect on cholesterol levels.

Researchers in Osaka, Japan, conducted laboratory cell tests and a randomized human trial in which participants consumed 5 grams of black cumin seed powder per day for eight weeks.

Participants’ cholesterol levels and appetite levels were measured before and after they took the supplement.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The human trial revealed a decrease in triglycerides, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol, as well as an increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

The findings also revealed a “significant improvement” in hunger levels, indicating black cumin’s possible benefits for appetite control.

The researchers concluded that both in-vitro (lab) and human trials demonstrated black cumin’s “anti-adipogenic and lipid-lowering effects.”

“The study highlights the potential of [black cumin seed extract] in improving lipid metabolism,” the authors wrote. “These results suggest that black cumin seed may serve as a promising natural agent in obesity-related conditions, although further investigation involving comprehensive metabolic parameters is warranted.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Theresa Link, registered dietitian at Virta Health in Nebraska, reacted to these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Cholesterol is “just one piece” of the cardiovascular health “puzzle,” the expert noted, which means these findings should be considered more broadly for metabolic health.

Link also referred to a 2021 study that found black seed oil led to greater weight loss in female participants who took it daily. The participants also reported feeling fuller, which “likely contributed to their success.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“While these short-term results are promising, the studies only lasted eight weeks,” the dietitian noted. “Black cumin seed alone isn’t a magic bullet for preventing obesity but may play a supportive role in weight management when combined with an overall healthy lifestyle.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The spice also contains a compound called thymoquinone, which is rich in antioxidants and could offer additional benefits.

“Longer-term studies are needed to confirm these effects and understand how N. sativa might fit into a broader approach to metabolic and cardiovascular health,” Link added.

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.

Use escape to exit the menu.