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Printable Technical Bulletin #911 Controlled Response (37 kb)
A CONTROLLED RESPONSE
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:
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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.
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Helper T-cells interact with B-cells to help them make antibody molecules.
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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 gland). B-cells
secrete immunic chemicals known as antibodies or immunoglobulins
which 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.
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Some neutralize antigens by covering up their active or toxic sites.
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Others render antigens harmless by binding or clumping them together.
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Some immunoglobulins “rip” open antigens.
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Still others prevent viruses from entering cells.
Antibodies (Immunoglobulins) & their functions:
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IgA - found mainly in the mucosa membranes and body secretions (tears & saliva), protects mucous membranes from invasion by microorganisms.
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IgD - found in cell membranes and involved in cell activation, is believed to play a part in recognizing “self” and “foreign” antigens.
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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 either local inflammation and/or systemic (entire body) flushing and other adverse symptoms.
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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 indicate past infection.
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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 (C1-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 source 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.
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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.
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Heparin leads to increased blood flow to the inflamed site.
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Platelet Activating Factor causes the platelets to release chemicals that increase or decrease the size of blood vessels.
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Serotin acts differently from histamine, but causes a similar inflammation.
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Lymphokines - a group of molecules that are involved in signaling between cells.
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Leukotrienes cause bronchial muscles in the lungs to contract. (As in broncho-spasm found in asthma.)
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Prostaglandins - hormonelike substances that regulate cell function, dilate blood vessels, effect smooth muscle constriction, inflame tissue and increase pain.
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Thromboxane - powerful vasoconstrictors and bronchoconstrictors.
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Bradykinin - one of several kinins released during an inflammatory process where mast and basophils split open. Bradykinin cause pain by stimulating nerve endings and cause blood pressure to drop.
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Interleukin - antigens that irritate tissue and can set up inflammatory responses.
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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 overstimulated
immune system follows the same general law that applies to other overstimulated
tissues: Overstimulation 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. 1
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, immunotherapy, 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 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 (a non-citrus flavonoid)
Quercitin is an organosulfur flavonoid phytonutrient that gives the taste
to onions. Quercetin also shows up in tea and red wine, but onions are its
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,
antiallergic, antiviral and anticancer properties.3
Current research suggests that flavonoids 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.
It seems to stabilize their cell membranes, thus preventing them from spilling
histamine. It also has the power to inhibit two enzymes that regulate the
release of leukotrienes, which are implicated in asthmatic-type
reactions. 4
Green Tea (Camillia/Thea sinensis)
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. 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 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.
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They 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 chemoprotective and anticancer effects in a number of animal tumor models. 13
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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
and enhance mental function and nephritis.
Chelated Selenium
Selenium is an important mineral needed in low quantities. It is often deficient
in foods due to selenium deficient soils plus modern refining and processing.
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)
A number of phytonutrients are provided by tropical fruits. 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 antiallergic,
antiarthritic, anticholinergic, anti-estrogenic, antihepatotoxic 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 cells
utilization of vitamin C.
Chelated Magnesium and Calcium
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
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Regulates the body’s acid/alkaline (pH) balance. Buffers the acidic stage of an allergic reaction along with calcium.
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A deficiency causes mast cells to increase histamine secretion.
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It is required in many of the body’s detoxification pathways.
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It aids in the production of antibodies.
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It 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 include
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It is excellent for the proper function of magnesium and phosphorus.
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It acts as a catalyst in some enzyme synthesis.
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It acts with magnesium as a natural tranquilizer.
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It reduces histamine production
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It is essential for bone and teeth
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It helps balance the high phosphorus level found in soda pops, diet pops, meats, eggs and processed foods such as lunch meats 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
Continuing research on 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 front-line defense.
It also seems to increase production of lymphocytes, the white
cells important to antibody production, and in coordinating the cellular
immune functions. It has been shown to decrease the production of histamine,
thereby reducing immediate allergy potential
Other functions include:
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It helps to relieve allergic symptoms and prevent inflammatory reactions.
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It provides an antihistamine-like effect (without the side effects of antihistamines).
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It assists in the production of several adrenal hormones needed to combat the stress imposed by allergic reactions.
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.
1. Nutritional Support Factors for Allergies. It is important to
take a product that has been specifically designed to provide the Nutritional
Support Factors (phytonutrients, herbs, vitamins, enzymes and minerals)
for allergies. This product should include ingredients such as quercetin,
green tea extract, selenium, digestive enzymes, licorice extract, copper,
molybdenum and minerals.
Recommendation: See product for label recommendations.
2. 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.
Recommendations: Take a minimum of 1-2 capsules per day. If symptoms
are severe, take 3 -4 capsules per day for a period of one month, then return
to 1-2 capsules per day as needed.
3. 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.
Recommendation: Begin with one 500 mg. tablet of Magnum C.
Continue to increase until you are taking 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams each
day (4-6 tablets). It is difficult to recommend an exact amount of vitamin
C, as the amount will vary for each person.
4. 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, or probiotic microorganisms, help us digest foods, create
vitamins (such as B 12 and K), and inhibit the growth of disease-promoting
pathogenic bacteria.
Other important functions are:
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Production of enzymes such as proteases, which help digest proteins, and lipases to digest fat.
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Help alleviate lactose intolerance.
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Help alleviate dermatitis and other skin disorders by modifying and improving gastrointestinal microbial balance.
Recommendations:
Begin by taking one capsule with each meal or within 20 minutes following
a meal. In some cases, where lots of antibiotics have been used, supplement
with two capsules per meal for a minimum of 14 days.
5. For quick relief from “flare ups”, take
a Homeopathic Remedy for Allergies. Follow the directions on the bottle.
(Place liquid under tongue for quick absorption.)
6. Other helpful products may include:
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Additional Digestive Enzymes
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A Calcium Supplement (minimum of 1000 mg. per day.)
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A Green Food” Nutritional Supplement for cleansing and detoxification.
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A high fiber supplement for cleansing and elimination of waste.
References
1 Kroltn, Jacqueline et al, The Whole Way to Allergy Relief and Prevention.
Hartley and Mirk Publishers, 19911. 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