Tips for Seasonal Allergies

Summer is in full bloom and so are ragweed, pollen and grasses. This can be a pleasant time of year for many, but for those suffering with seasonal allergies, the season can take its toll on ones immune system. An allergy is the body’s immune system mounting an overactive response to a non-harmful substance (antigen). By identifying it as an invader, the immune system is probed into releasing various chemicals. One such chemical is known as histamine. The release of histamine can cause many of the symptoms associated with allergies such as sneezing, a runny nose and asthma. (White, 1990).

The intestinal barrier acts as one of the first lines of defense against the entrance of foreign microbes into the body. The gut must not be understated when it comes to immune health. Approximately 70-80% of immune system can be attributed to the intestinal barrier. Many antibodies, mainly immunoglobulin A, located in the mucosa of the gut will work to attack the allergen before it enters general circulation. Supporting the gut with beneficial bacteria, know as probiotics can help modulate the immune response. (Vighi et al, 2008)

The liver has two phases of detoxification phase one takes toxins/metabolites from the blood and converts it to intermediary metabolites using the cytochrome P450 enzymes. Phase two joins the phase one metabolite with another compound in a process called Conjugation. This step often allows for compounds to become water-soluble so they can be more easily excreted from the body. When this system is working well, histamine produced during an allergic response can be more easily eliminated from the body, decreasing its half-life and thus adverse allergy symptoms. (Hodges & Minich, 2015)

Tips for allergies (foods, beverages, herbs and supplements):

1. Probiotics – As a supplement will give a concentrated dose. Probiotics can be obtained from foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh or Kombucha. Probiotics have concrete evidence for modifying the immune system and will thus alter the course of an allergic response over time. (Yang et al, 2013)

2. Vitamin C - is an important vitamin for the immune system. Citrus fruits such as lemons also help to activate enzymes that up regulate bioconversion of various metabolites such as histamine. A well functioning liver increases histamine clearance from the body. Vitamin C also acts as a natural antihistamine (Thornhill & Kelly, 2000)

3. Stinging Nettle - is a herbal antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. In a randomized, double-blind study, (the gold standard for research) 57% of patients found nettle to be effective in addressing allergy symptoms while 48% claimed that nettle was equally or more effective than allopathic allergy medications. (Bakhshaee et al, 2017)

4. Bromelain - is a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple, which can break down circulating immune complexes in the body. It also acts as a great anti-inflammatory, by Inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin (lipid hormone like compounds). Bromelain also enhances the absorption of Quercetin, which is discussed in the next point. (Secor et al, 2013)

5. Quercetin - is an antioxidant flavonoid that can be found in foods like apples. It has antihistamine properties. It helps to stabilize mast cells, to prevent excessive histamine release in the first place. Quercetin also helps calm hyperactive airways. (Thornhill & Kelly, 2000)

6. Water - Simply drinking more water can be helpful. An increase in water intake decreases histamine production. (Batmanghelidj, 1992)