Download allergies

Dr. Kimberly Hindman, ND, LAc.
1820 SW Vermont, Suite C
Portland, OR 97219
ALLERGIES
There are four different types of allergic, or hypersensitivity, reactions and most common type is called a Type I
response. In this type of reaction, when a person is first exposed to an allergen, several cells of the immune
system start a cascade of reactions. The Th2 type of T helper cells (or lymphocytes) present the allergen to B cells,
which then produce IgE antibodies. These IgE antibodies attach strongly to receptors on basophils and mast
cells, two other types of immune cells, sensitizing them to future exposures.
When the person contacts the allergen again, the interaction between the allergen and the IgE antibodies on the
mast cells and basophils stimulates these cells to release chemicals that intensify the inflammatory response causing
allergy symptoms. Eosinophils, another type of white blood cell, are stimulated later in the process and release
chemicals that further activate mast cells; this can increase and continue the inflammatory response even without
additional exposures to the allergen.
Treatments
There are many treatment options for allergies that stabilize the mast cells and basophils so they can’t release the
inflammatory chemicals, including vitamin C and Quercetin. I feel the more important treatment goal is to shift
the immune system balance away from the Th2 helper cells to the Th1 helper cells. This will reduce the initial step
in the allergic response and improve other aspects of health. The Th1 helper cells are better able to fight bacteria
and viruses and detect and destroy cancer cells; the Th2 helper cells are also implicated in many other diseases
besides allergies, including asthma and some types of auto-immune diseases. However, Th2 helper cells,
basophils, and eosinophils aren’t all bad; antibodies are one way the body fights infections and eosinophils are
important in killing parasites.
The body produces many different chemicals to signal which type of immunity (Th1 or Th2) should be stimulated,
and these chemicals can be influenced by many dietary and lifestyle factors. The three most common factors that
significantly increase Th2 are:
 faulty digestion, leading to absorption of partially digested and unusable proteins, which increases the
antibody immune response;
 white sugar, which directly weakens the functioning of immune cells, and weakens resistance to all
infections; and
 trans-fatty and omega-6 acids, found in most heated and processed vegetable oils (e.g., soybean,
safflower, corn, sunflower, and canola oil) and foods. The trans-fatty acids weaken killer-T cell activity.
Vegetable oils are acceptable IF they are cold or expeller pressed oils, and stored in the dark.
Other factors to avoid include chronic infections, Candida (yeast), Streptococcus thermophilus (commonly found
in yogurt), asbestos, heavy metals, pesticides, tobacco, alcohol, steroids, stress, negative emotions, sedentary
lifestyle, lack of water, low body temperature, chronic insomnia, and weight lifting to excess.
There are also many factors that increase the Th1 immunity, including:

Probiotics change the Th2-Th1 balance of the immune system to re-establish the normal immune
tolerance, in other words, the immune system knows what to respond to (i.e., bacterial infection) and what
not to respond to (i.e., food). This is the same mechanism as allergy shots. It will take a longer time to reestablish this immune tolerance if it wasn’t initially created as a child, and symptom reduction can take up
to 3 months.
Continued use of a probiotic is necessary because the entire surface of the upper intestines replaces itself
every 72 hours and the colon replaces itself every 12 days. These new surfaces need to be recolonized
because the bacteria are lost with the cell shedding; there will be a loss of colonization over time if there is
no replenishing. There are different forms of probiotics and the most important factors are that the
organisms are alive and are in the correct balance and amounts of the Bifidus and Lactobacillus bacteria.
For example, much higher levels are needed after antibiotics because Lactobacillus and Bifidus are highly
sensitive to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Antibiotics can eliminate 90% of these beneficial flora, allowing
pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and yeast to increase. Many probiotics also contain fructo-oligosaccharides
(FOS), which is a soluble fiber. FOS can cause gas for some patients, which is an indicator of a bacterial
imbalance in the intestines because pathogenic bacteria produce gas when they encounter FOS. Gas will
decrease as the balance changes back to the beneficial bacterial types because Lactobacillus and Bifidus
produce acid in the presence of FOS, not gas.
For babies, breast feeding decreases incidence of allergies by establishing the correct balance of Bifidus
and Lactobacillus bacteria. In breast fed babies, Bifidus accounts for 95% intestinal bacteria by 7 days and
97% by 19 weeks; formula-fed babies have only 22% by 7 days and only 77% at 19 weeks. Without
probiotic supplementation, formula-fed babies never reach the levels of Bifidus seen in breast-fed babies.
Supplementation of probiotic in babies should focus on higher levels of Bifidus than Lactobacillus and can
start at birth to support healthy levels from breast-feeding and supplement formula feeding.

Omega-3 Fatty acids are found in all cold water fish, especially salmon, sardines, mackerel, halibut, and
trout, with lesser amounts in dark-green leafy vegetables and sea vegetables and algae.

Oleic acids are best found in cold or expeller pressed extra virgin olive oil. Secondary choices include
hazelnut or filbert oil (or the whole nuts), green and ripe olives, and almonds. Coconut oil can be used
alternately with the other beneficial oils, especially for cooking.

Green foods, including spirulina and chlorella, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and
enzymes needed for detoxification and optimum nutrition.

Digestive enzymes break up proteins into usable amino acids and levels can be increased with
supplemental enzymes and/or pancreatic support. Apple cider vinegar stimulates hydrochloric acid, which
is required to digest protein and activate enzymes. Eating slowly to allow natural salivary enzymes to work
and eating only when hungry will also support good digestion. B vitamins are also required to support
hydrochloric acid production and magnesium is required by the pancreas to produce enzymes to digest
proteins. Both B vitamins and magnesium are also necessary for proper adrenal functioning. Lglutamine is an amino acid that serves as the major fuel for the cells of the intestines and is necessary for
intestinal immunity. Chronic infections can also shift immunity toward Th2 and create an additional
burden for the immune system, so investigating and treating chronic infections, especially in the
digestive tract, is another key step.

DHEA is one of the adrenal hormones and the precursor to estrogen and testosterone. DHEA
stimulates the Th1 immune chemicals, which indicates that an adrenal imbalance (exhaustion or
overstimulation) may actually cause an immune imbalance. Therefore, knowing your adrenal status and
using appropriate adrenal support, including DHEA if you are deficient, is an essential part of balancing
the immune system. Many of the most common adrenal support treatments, such as licorice and ginseng,
also have their own beneficial effects on immunity.

Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and is essential for balancing the Th1 and Th2 immune states.

Sunlight, water, touch, positive attitude, and acupuncture also have a positive effect on immunity.