Summer has arrived, which for about 20% of us means stuffy, runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes, painful throats and even body ache. Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hayfever, is an increasingly widespread problem.
Hayfever is the result of an allergic reaction to inhaled airbourne substances, particularly hay and grass pollen and dust. When a sufferer comes into contact with pollen, an antibody known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced to attack the pollen, stimulating cells in the lining of the nose, mouth and eyes to release a chemical called histamine which triggers symptoms. The most common method of controlling hayfever symptoms is taking over the counter anti-histamine medication. There are however a number of natural supplements that can help, either alone or in combination with anti-histamines.
Environmental Allergies and the Immune System
In recent years research has suggested the role of two subsets of helper T-cells, Th1 and Th2, in the development of allergies. T-cells are designed to destroy pathogens. Th2 cells direct antibody mediated fighting of pathogens and are associated with allergic reactions. At birth, Th responses are largely Th2-mediated. Th1 responses develop over time with exposure to pathogens such as bacteria, hence the “hygiene hypothesis” used to explain the rapid rise in allergic disease in recent years. Natural supplements can help to balance Th1 and Th2 responses, reducing the allergic response.
Probiotics- When taken during pregnancy, probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of the baby developing an environmental allergy. Probiotics, which are live “friendly bacteria” found naturally in the gut, seem to stimulate Th1 responses. Probiotics are widely available as functional foods and supplements, their effectiveness is dependant on their ability to survive stomach acid and the alkaline conditions in the duodenum (the passage from stomach to small intestine), as well as their ability to adhere to the intestinal lining and colonize the colon. So check before you buy.
Plant Sterols- Plant sterols are naturally occurring “plant fats” with a structure similar to that of steroid hormones. The most studied are beta-sitosterol (BSS) and its glycoside (BSSG). These plant sterols seem to normalise the functioning of Th1 and Th2 cells.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids- High intakes of omega-6 fatty acids (found in vegetable and seed oils and meats) combined with low intakes of omega-3 (found in oily fish) is pro-inflammatory, making allergic symptoms worse, and favours the production of Th2 cells. By upping your intake of omega-3 and lowering your intake of omega-6, it will instead have an anti-inflammatory effect and ease your symptoms.
Flavonoids- Flavonoids are a group of water-soluble phytonutrients that give certain plants their colour. They appear to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances that favour Th2 reactions.
No concrete explanation has been found for the huge increase in the prevalence of environmental allergy. The use of anti-bacterial products, highly hygienic household environments, chemical pollution and a decline in the consumption of fish and fermented, probiotic rich foods have all been linked.
Key supplements can really help to address the irritating problem of hayfever.
home