Nutritional Support for Allergies
Good health and a strong immune system are our most precious possessions in warding off allergic reactions that are plaguing an ever-larger percentage of the world's population. While some allergic responses are little more than a nuisance, others effect the entire body and can develop, if untreated, into more serious problems as we age. Research indicates that blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis and other degenerative diseases can develop as a result of untreated allergies.
Our immune system is our first line of defense against substances that would otherwise harm us. The cells of the immune system communicate with each other, while acting in concert with the endocrine and nervous system to maintain body homeostasis. The immune system is so intricate and complex that many of its functions are still not fully understood. How an organism triggers,
regulates, completes or stops an immune response remains under intense study.
Immune System Components
The immune system is made up of several cellular components: T-cells, B-cells, immunoglobulins, "complement system", mast cells, basophils and antigens. Mature T-cells have a number of functions and are divided into three categories:
* Killer T-cells recognize and destroy foreign protein such as bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, fungus and protozoa. When a Killer T-cell encounters an antigen (any molecule that induces an immune response), it attaches itself to the invader and "injects" it. Killer T-cells also activate debris-eating
phagocytes to destroy pathogens that they have absorbed.
* Helper T-cells interact with B-cells to help them make antibody molecules.
* Suppressor T-cells interact with B-cells to turn off their production of antibodies. B-cells are produced in the bone marrow and spleen and in the lymphoid tissue of the immune system (apart from the thymus glands). B-cells secrete immunic chemicals known as antibodies or immunoglobulins that circulate freely in all the body fluids. They have the ability to multiply rapidly when they encounter antigens, transforming into a veritable army that inactivates or eliminates any offending organism or antigen.
For each antigen present in the body, there is a specific antibody produced by an individual B-cell. B-cells have surface-bound immunoglobulin (IqG) receptors that are directly responsible for cell activation. However, a shortage of T-cells will prevent the activation of the B-cells.
There are five types of immunoglobulin (antibodies): IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. Each has a different "weapon" for attack.
* Some neutralize antigens by covering up there active or toxic sites.
* Others render antigens harmless by binding or clumping them together.
* Some immunoglobulins "rip" open antigens.
* Still others prevent viruses from entering cells.
Antibodies (Immunoglobulins) and their functions:
* IgA - found mainly in the mucosa membranes and body secretions (tears, saliva), protects mucous membranes from invasion by microorganisms.
* IgD - found in cell membranes and involved in cell activation, is believed to play a part in recognizing "self" and "foreign" antigens.
* IgE - frequently involved in allergenic reactions to pollen and food and found in both blood and intestinal fluid, attaches to the outside of the basophils (white blood cells that mediate inflammatory reactions) and similar (histamine containing) mast cells. Contact with an allergin causes these cells to burst, which, in turn, dumps histamine or enzymes into the surrounding fluids to inactivate the allergen. The release of histamine causes local inflammation and/or systemic (entire body) flushing and other adverse symptoms.
* IgG - the most abundant antibody in the body. It is involved in attacking bacteria and other antigens, such as food. Both IgG and IgM coat microorganisms. High IgG levels indicates past infection.
* IgM - found mainly in the bloodstream where it is most often involved in attacking bacteria and other antigens. IgM is the first antibody that the body produces against a foreign antigen. High levels indicate a current or recent infection.
Antibodies sometimes team up with the body's "complement system" in order to mount a stronger defense against immune system enemies. "Complement enzymes" involve at least nine complex serum protein units (C,-C9) that circulate in the blood in an inactive form. Once activated, they join and split one another sequentially, thus producing active, but short-lived enzymes that bind to and rupture the antigen surface. The sources of the C proteins are not completely known, but C is thought to be produced in the colon. C2 is made by macrophages, and C3 is found in the liver.
The purpose of the "complement system" is the destruction of the "foreign" cells by lysis or dissolution.
Research is tracing hypersensitivity responses to a truly mystifying step-by-step progression and activation of the "complement cascade", where histamine and other chemicals are released from mast cells and basophils. Mast cells and basophils are two additional components of the immune system. They are found in most tissues adjoining the blood vessels. When these cells are activated, they release histamine and other substances causing the blood vessels to dilate.
Any molecule that encounters the immune system and induces an immune reaction is called an antigen. Antigens that produce a different type of immune response, known as an allergic inflammatory response, are called allergens. Allergens can be inhalants from weeds, molds, grasses, trees, dust, cats and dogs, foods of all types, chemicals, microorganisms or insects. Some allergens, called haptens, are too small to elicit a reaction from the body. When these allergens couple themselves to our own protein, they are called neo-antigens. The body can set up an allergic response to this form of antigen.
A Controlled Response
During an allergy attack, the body releases a number of chemicals from the mast cells, basophils and other cells. This release is thought to be one of the primary responsibilities of the immune system. The release of these chemicals may account for varying degrees of sensitivity, various symptoms associated with sensitivity and varying response times between exposure to the allergen and the response.
The following is a partial list of these chemicals and their primary function.
* Histamine causes the blood capillaries to widen and increases their permeability so more fluid passes from the blood to the tissue. This causes local swelling, edema and redness.
* Heparin leads to increased blood flow to the inflamed site.
* Platelet Activating Factor causes the platelets to release chemicals that increase or decrease the size of blood vessels.
* Serotin acts differently from histamine, but causes a similar inflammation.
* Lymphokines - a group of molecules that are involved in signaling between cells.
* Leukotrienes cause bronchial muscles in the lungs to contract. (As in bronchospasm found in asthma.)
* Prostaglandins - hormone like substances that regulate cell function, dilate blood vessels, effect smooth muscle constriction, heat inflamed tissue and increase pain.
* Thromboxane - powerful vasoconstrictors and bronchoconstrictors.
* Bradykinin - one of several kinins released during an inflammatory process where mast and basophils split open. Bradykinins cause pain by stimulating nerve endings and cause blood pressure to drop.
* Interleukin - antigens that irritate tissue and can set up inflammatory responses.
* Interferon - Act to regulate the extent and speed of other immune responses.
The immune response is a stimulus response sequence of events. Unfortunately in the allergic person, the immune system is continually at work, similar to a car left with its engine running. It can be said that allergic individuals have high powered engines and a weak brake system, which under the right circumstances can lead to an out of control condition. An over-stimulated immune system follows the same general law that applies to other over-stimulated tissues: Over-stimulation eventually leads to inhibition of function. This continuous assault can, over time, lead to recurrent infections and inflammatory disease such as sinusitis, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, colitis, myositis, migraine headache, ulcers and eventually to a myriad of degenerative diseases.
Each person has a different level of immune competence that varies with hereditary factors, number and degree of exposure to infections, chemicals, drugs, age, nutritional status, stress level and amount of exercise.
Clinicians have repeatedly found that the immune system can gradually be improved and strengthened, even though it may be heavily damaged. Nutritional reinforcement with therapeutic levels of nutrients (including herbal preparations, free radical scavengers, enzymes), improving diet, immuno-therapy, exercise, and environmental control, together with eliminating infections, getting adequate rest and reducing stress all help to repair the immune system.2
The goal of a correctly working immune system is to make an appropriate controlled response and not overreact to antigens in the system.
Nutritional Support Program for Allergies.
The following nutritional supplements are recommended for those who desire to practice prevention, as well as those who are experiencing symptoms that are effecting their life-style.
Nutritional Support Factors for Allergies.
It is important to take a products that have been specifically designed to provide the Nutritional Support Factors (phytonutrients, herbs, vitamins, enzymes and minerals) for allergies. Ingredients such as quercetin, green tea extract, selenium, digestive enzymes, licorice extract, copper, molybdenum and minerals may help. The following information contains information of why these and other nutrients are important.
Essential Fatty Acids/GLA. Be sure that you take an essential fatty acid/ GLA supplement on a daily basis. EFAs aid in prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins regulate immunity, cell recognition and inflammation. EFAs help suppress the formation of leukotrienes, which are 1000 times more inflammatory than histamines.
Black Currant Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flax seed oil, Omega 3 EPA, and Super GLA are a few very important essential fatty acids.
Flax Seed Bread
In bread machine, according to specific machine instructions add:
2 Tbsp. + 1 1/4 cup warm water
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. honey
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cup bread flour
1 cup flax seed meal (ground up seed)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
Flax Oat Muffins – Delicious and full of nutrition.
1 ½ c. unbleached white flour
¾ c. flaxseed meal (grind flax seeds about 10 seconds)
¾ c. oatmeal, slightly ground up
1 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 ½ c. finely shredded carrots
2 peeled & shredded apples
½ c. raisins
1 c. chopped nuts
¾ c. milk
2 eggs beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
mix flour, flax seed, oat, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. In separate bowl stir together carrots, apples, raisins & nuts. Stir wet ingredients into dry & stir until just moistened. Drop into muffin pans about ¾ full. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes 12-15 muffins.
Vitamin C is one of the most important, protective biochemical substances in all life processes. Obtaining adequate amounts of vitamin C on a daily basis from food is difficult. Supplementing this vital nutrient is a must, particularly for those who suffer from symptoms of allergies.
NSP sells Vitamin C in a few different forms:
Stock # 1633-8 C, VITAMIN CHEWABLE 250MG (120)
Stock # 1646-4 C, VITAMIN CITRUS BIOFLAVONOID 500MG (90)
Stock # 1635-5 C, VITAMIN 1000MG TIME RELEASE (60)
Stock # 1636-0 C, VITAMIN 1000MG TIME RELEASE (180)
Stock # 1606-3 C, VITAMIN ASCORBATES (9 OZ)
A Probiotic Complex (usually referred to as Lactobacillus Acidophilus with other cultures). The human body is a walking ecosystem. We are "home" to trillions of beneficial microorganisms that live in our digestive tract. These beneficial probiotic microorganisms help digest foods, create vitamins (such as B12 and K), and inhibit the growth of disease-promoting pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics will help rebuild your natural friendly flora and restore the balance you need for digestion. Other important functions of probiotics include:
* Production of enzymes such as proteases, which help digest proteins, and lipases to digest fat.
* Help alleviate lactose intolerance.
* Help alleviate dermatitis and other skin disorders by modifying and improving gastrointestinal microbial balance.
For quick relief from "flare ups", try a Traditional Chinese Medicine remedy for allergies such as Histablock for fighting inflammation from allergies.
Other helpful products for a comprehensive program to eliminate allergies include:
CleanStart (comes in
Food enzymes help aid in the digestion of fat, sugars, starches, milk, and proteins. Because enzymes are heat sensitive, they are often de-activated when foods are cooked and processed. The lack of natural enzymes in the foods we eat places an extra strain on the pancreas and gallbladder. "Burn-out" of these organs leads to a myriad of conditions, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, pancreatis, heartburn, and an array of digestive disorders.
Calcium - Calcium Plus Vitamin D [Structural] supplies nutrients required for both the structural and nervous systems. Derived from bone meal and combined with other trace minerals needed by the body, NSP Calcium helps replenish bone tissue that is constantly being replaced. Calcium comprises half of all the minerals in the body. This formula also contains phosphorus, the second most abundant mineral in the body. It works with calcium. This formulation provides calcium and phosphorus at a 2:l ratio. Magnesium is also added in the same 2:1 ratio with calcium. Without these important ratios, the body begins to lose one or more minerals before it can utilize them. Calcium is needed by the immune system and is critical to muscle contractions. Phosphorus works synergistically with B vitamins to help maintain a proper fluid balance in the body. Vitamin D is added to help calcium do its job. At least 400 IU of vitamin D is needed on a daily basis, especially for those not getting enough sunshine (D is the “sunshine vitamin”).
A green drink such as Ultimate Greenzone will help to keep the acid/alkaline balance in the body. To enhance your energy and promote the healing process during your cleanse. Alternating between A green drink and the Master Cleanse below will help promote alkalinity, cellular nourishment, and detoxification.
Master Cleanser Recipe Dissolves and eliminates toxins and congestion that have formed in any part of the body. Purifies the liver, cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system.
Master Cleanser Recipe:
Two tbsp. lemon or lime juice (1/2 lemon)
2 tbsps of pure grade B maple syrup
1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper (red) or to taste
12 oz of purified water (very warm)
Combine ingredients and drink.
You many double the recipe and fill a large thermos bottle and drink all day long.
This will help purify the liver. It Dissolves and eliminates toxins and congestion that have formed in any part of the body, Cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system, Purifies the glands and cells,
Eliminates all unusable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles, Builds a healthy blood stream, Relieves pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries and blood vessels.
Fasting for 1-2 days a month on this drink can be very cleansing and rejuvenating.
The Master Cleanser drink has no fiber, so it is necessary to add fiber. This will help to remove the waste as it is being shed from the colon wall. Otherwise, the waste will stay in the body leading to tiredness and other problems. We suggest using LOCLO or Nature's Three. These fiber products are all natural, gentle, herbal colon cleansers. If plain psyllium is preferred, we have it in hull, seed or a combination formula.
Grade B maple syrup contains a large variety of minerals and vitamins. These include: potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine and silicon. Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, nicotinic acid and pantothenic acid are also present.
Nutritional Support System
Building a nutritional support program for allergies is a complex matter because our immune system is so complex. However, there are nutritional supplements (vitamins and minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients) which show promise in building and strengthening the whole body and, specifically, the immune system. Some of the most noted are:
Quercitin is an organosulfur flavonoid phytonutrient that gives the taste to onions. Quercetin also shows up in tea and red wine, but onions are quercetin's richest common food source. This phytonutrient has been making the news recently due to its powerful antioxidant and flavonoid content. Flavonoids appear to function as biological response modifiers. In other words, Flavonoids appear to modify the body 's reaction to compounds such as allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antiviral and anticancer properties.3
Current research suggests that flavonoids sucn as quercitin may be useful in the support of many health conditions such as allergies. The flavonoid quercetin has a strong affinity for mast cells and basophils. Quercitin seems to stabilize their cell membranes, thus preventing them from spilling histamine. Quercitin also has the power to inhibit two enzymes that regulate the release of leukotrienes, which are implicated in asthmatic-type reactions.
Both NSP's HistaBlock and Perfect Eyes contains Quercitin.
Green Tea is one of the most ancient and, next to water, the most commonly consumed beverage in the world. From the time that tea was introduced to the west in 1610, the green varieties have been touted as health elixirs. (NSP carries Green Tea Extract). There is a difference between black tea and green tea, even though they originate from the same leaf. Black tea undergoes a fermenting process, wherein most of its polyphenols are lost. Green tea is not fermented and, thus, retains its polyphenols. Polyphenols are phytonutrients that are receiving much scientific study and are believed to be responsible for the antioxidant activity of green tea. Polyphenols are flavonoids that give green tea its tart flavor. Catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate and proanthocyanidins are some of the polyphenols found in green tea. Polyphenols, like other antioxidants, ward off the everyday cellular attacks that cause the body to deteriorate and develop numerous symptoms of disease.
Recent scientific research documents the health benefits of the polyphenols in green tea.
* Polyphenols can shut off the formation of carcinogens. They do this by blocking the action of nitrosamines. In a test of 145 teas, green tea had the highest effect: a blocking rate of 90 percent.5
* Green tea lowers the risk of esophageal cancer.6
* Japanese researchers have concluded that it is the catechins in green tea that act to cut cholesterol and increase the excretion of total lipids (fats) and cholesterol in the feces.7
* Green tea limits the formation of an enzyme called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) that is secreted by the kidneys and causes blood vessel constriction.8
* Since it limits the formation of ACE, green tea is said to inhibit
"clumping" which can cause heart attack and can reduce high blood pressure.9
* Green tea has been shown to be very effective against many types of bacteria. It is particularly effective in treating bacillary dysentery, amebic dysentery, acute gastroenteritis and enteritis.10
* Green tea has been shown to help regulate blood sugar. In experiments where sugar was fed to two groups, with one group also given green tea extracts, the group receiving the green tea had lower blood serum levels than the control group.11
* Green tea has a positive effect on the skin, containing 20 times the antioxidant effect of vitamin E. It is said to be high in methylxanthines, which, according to the National Cancer Institute, prevents skin cancer.12
* Green tea and green tea polyphenols have been shown to demonstrate cancer chemo-protective and anticancer effects in a number of animal tumor models.13
* Green tea and green tea polyphenols (GTP) have been shown to protect against both tumor initiation and tumor promotion induced by diethylnitrosamine and benzo(a)pyrene. The inhibitor, the phase I enzyme system and the increased activation of phase II enzyme systems may be responsible for this action.14
In traditional Chinese medicine, tea polyphenols are used to treat chronic hepatitis, leukemia, to facilitate digestion, stabilize body temperature, enhance mental function and nephritis.
Selenium is an important mineral needed in low quantities. It is often deficient in foods due to refining, processing and selenium deficient soils. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes and stimulating immune function. Studies show that it increases B-cell antibody response and is essential for protein synthesis and antibody Formation. It enhances the function of vitamin C and is essential to the production of Coenzyme Q10. When combined with quercetin, selenium can help reduce inflammatory responses.
Pineapple (Bromelain) and Papaya (Papain)
Tropical fruits provide a number of phytonutrients. Each fruit is known for its unique taste and particular nutrient value. Pineapples contain a digestive enzyme, bromelain, said to be a protein-digesting enzyme. Bromelain is also said to have a mild anti-inflammatory action in the body. It also assists and aids in the digestion of vegetable protein in the gastrointestinal tract. Papaya is best known as a digestive aid. It contains the enzyme papain, also a proteolytic enzyme effective in breaking down protein and dead tissue.
Licorice Extract and Glycyrrhizin Activity (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Glycyrrhizin is a sapon-like glycoside found in licorice root and licorice root extract. It is sometimes used therapeutically to treat gastric ulcers and inflammation of the skin and has been studied for its anti-allergic, anti-arthritic, anti-cholinergic, anti-estrogenic, anti-hepatotoxic and anti-leukemogenic properties.
In Chinese medicine, licorice is said to replenish vital energy, moisten the lungs, strengthen the digestion and modulate the effects of other herbs. Herbalists often suggest licorice teas to help heal gastric ulcers.
Chelated Copper
Copper plays a role in the immune system. It is, in fact, an essential component of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant made by the body to combat free radical damage to the mitochondria (energy-producing portion of the cell). Without copper, the liver is unable to degrade estrogen. It is crucial to the formation of helper T-cells.
Chelated Molybdenum
This essential mineral is required in extremely small amounts for nitrogen metabolism. It promotes normal cell function and is a component in the metabolic enzyme xanthine oxidase. This mineral enhances the use of sulfur amino acids by the body.
Sulfur is critical to immune system function, to antioxidant activity and to detoxification pathways.
It is the component of enzymes that detoxifies sulfites and aldehydes and enhances the cell's utilization of vitamin C.
Chelated Magnesium and Calcium are the earth's alkali minerals. However, they play different roles in the body. Magnesium is considered the anti-stress mineral because it acts as a natural tranquilizer, relaxing the smooth muscles of the body, particularly the gastrointestinal muscles. It may also help reduce the bronchoconstrictor in asthma by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes.
Some other important functions of magnesium include:
* Regulates the body's acid/alkaline (pH) balance. Buffers the acidic stage of an allergic reaction along with calcium.
* A deficiency of magnesium causes mast cells to increase histamine secretion.
* Magnesium is required in many of the body's detoxification pathways.
* Magnesium aids in the production of antibodies.
* Magnesium helps the body metabolize essential fatty acids into prostaglandins, which regulate many body functions.
Calcium, also an alkaline mineral, helps to regulate the body's acid/alkaline pH balance in tissues. It discourages the cell uptake of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury. Other functions of calcium include:
* Calcium is excellent for the proper function of magnesium and phosphorus.
* Calcium acts as a catalyst in some enzyme synthesis.
* Calcium acts with magnesium as a natural tranquilizer.
* Calcium reduces histamine production
* Calcium is essential for bone and teeth
* Calcium helps balance the high phosphorus level found in soda pops, diet pops, meats, eggs and processed foods such as lunchmeats and cheese spreads.
Vitamin B15 (Dimethylglycine)
Research from the former Soviet Union indicates that this nutrient can help lessen muscle fatigue and increase endurance. Dimethylglycine combines with gluconic acid in the body to form pangamic acid.
Vitamin C an important antioxidant, is revealing its ability to stimulate the immune system. Vitamin C may activate neutrophils, the most prevalent white blood cells that work on the frontline defense. Vitamin C also seems to increase production of lymphocytes, the white cells important to antibody production, and in coordinating the cellular immune functions. Vitamin C has been shown to decrease the production of histamine, thereby reducing immediate allergy potential. Other functions of vitamin C include:
* Vitamin C helps to relieve allergic symptoms and prevent inflammatory reactions.
* Vitamin C provides an antihistamine-like effect (without the side effects of antihistamines).
* Vitamin C assists in the production of several adrenal hormones needed to combat the stress imposed by allergic reactions.
References:
1. Kroltn, Jacqueline et al, The Whole Way to Allergy Relief and Prevention,
Hartley and Mirk Publishers, 1991. p. 18.
2. Ibid., p. 19.
3. Murray, Michael T., Arthritis, Prima Publishing, 1994. p. 74.
4. Kroltn, Op.Cit., p. 240.
5. Snow, Joanne Marie, "Herbal Monograph: Camellia Sinensis (L) Kuntze
(Theaceae)", The Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, Autumn 1995. p. 47 - 51.
6. "Health Benefits of Green Tea", American Botanical Council Herb Clip,
Oct. 8, 1996.
7. Snow, Op.Cit.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.
13. Ibid.
14. Ibid.
**Thanks to Jeff Frankel, a fellow NSP member, for forwarding much of the information above.
posted by Karen Herrmann-DeSantis, Herb Specialist, Natural Health Educator | 4:23 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home