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Overview
Definition
Allergies, intolerances sensitivities defined
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless for most people, such as house dust mites, pet dander, pollen, insect bites and stings, moulds and foods. An intolerance is considered a ‘chemical’ reaction to a substance, commonly food, and does not show up on a traditional allergy test. The term sensitivity is less clear; however, in complementary medicine it is commonly seen as a delayed and milder reaction. The possible manifestations of a food reaction are widespread and also non-specific. They have been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms, skin complaints, respiratory issues, fatigue, headache, migraine, cognitive deficits, neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety, depression, joint pain, muscle pain, and endocrine disturbances. Regardless of the cause, be it environmental or food-induced, the impact on an individual’s quality of life can be considerable.
An allergic reaction involves a complex interplay between antigens, immune cells (e.g. T cells, Immunoglobulin E (IgE), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies) and effector cell activation (mast cells, basophils, eosinophils). This results in an inflammatory response (a reaction), with localised and systemic symptoms. The consequential sustained inflammation may act as a potential driver exacerbating other chronic conditions.
Building Tolerance
Increasing tolerance to environmental and food-borne allergens is a key strategy when faced with the myriad of respiratory, skin and digestive allergic/reactive events that can impact individuals of all ages. Current medical approaches focus on the removal of the allergen and symptomatic relief. The goal of an Allergy and Reactivity Reduction Program is to not just aid in symptom relief, but to focus on correcting the underlying processes – immune, gut, microbiome, digestion – and increasing allergen tolerance (Figure 1), through therapeutic elimination and gradual re-introduction of certain foods.
Figure 1: Therapeutic targets for addressing allergy and building immune tolerance.
Exposure to food antigens can trigger rapid gut inflammation leading to barrier hyperpermeability, sometimes termed ‘leaky gut’. The resulting leaky gut is not restricted to IgE reactions, but is also a key feature in non-IgE reactions. The concept of tolerance is central to addressing allergy and reactivity, and applies to both environmental and food-based reactions. A state of tolerance (therefore no or low reaction), is primarily dependent on a strong T cell mediated hyporesponsiveness to the antigen (T cell anergy as opposed to T cell activation). However, if this regulatory process fails, this leads to a resultant hyper-response following subsequent exposure to the same allergen.
Aetiology / Risk factors |
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Major causative factors and risk factors that can contribute to reactivity
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Clinical Assessments:
- Case taking and clinical assessment to support a food intolerance
- Mood and stress questionnaire
- Detoxification questionnaire identifying if patients are likely to keep needing Gut pathogen support or environmental toxicity protocol.
Core Allergy and Reactivity Reduction Solutions | |
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Reduce the predisposition to allergy (the “allergic diathesis”) and increase tolerance: Reishi, Shiitake, Baical Skullcap and Perilla for Allergen Tolerance AND Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® for Immune Control
Symptomatic relief: Quercetin, Bromelains and NRA2 TM for Allergy Symptom Relief Once symptom reduction achieved tapering to: High Purity, Low Reflux, Concentrated Fish Oil Liquid |
2 level metric teaspoons (7.2 g) to 200 mL water twice daily with food. 1 capsule daily Take 2 tablets twice daily with food Take 2 capsules twice daily OR 1 teaspoon daily with food |
REST AND RESET | |
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This 6 week program involves ‘Resting’ from reactive foods whilst reducing the load on the immune system OR concurrently improving barrier integrity and immune regulation in order to increase allergen tolerance. REST and RESET – the following products for 6 weeks | |
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Improve barrier integrity, T helper cell regulation, support liver clearance of immune complexes and overall immune tolerance: Reishi, Shiitake, Baical Skullcap and Perilla for Allergen Tolerance AND Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® for Immune Control
Symptomatic relief: Quercetin, Bromelains and NRA2 TM for Allergy Symptom Relief Once symptom reduction achieved tapering to: High Purity, Low Reflux, Concentrated Fish Oil liquid or capsules |
2 level metric teaspoons (7.2 g) to 200 mL water twice daily with food. 1 capsule daily Take 2 tablets twice daily with food Take 1 teaspoon daily OR 2 capsules twice daily with food |
Follow a selected dietary plan while completing the Rest and Reset Program Pathway (Low FODMAP, Low Histamine, or Custom Elimination Diet) | |
REST AND TEST | |
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This 12 week program involves resting from foods whilst reducing the load on the immune system, concurrently improving barrier integrity and immune regulation in order to increase allergen tolerance. Once a significant symptom reduction has been established, but not earlier than two weeks into the program, begin to test foods. REST and TEST– the following products for 12 weeks - however duration of the program may vary depending on the foods to be tested. | |
Follow recommendations from the Rest and Reset with the option to incorporate additional support listed below. | |
Follow a selected dietary plan while completing the Rest and Reset Program Pathway (Low FODMAP, Low Histamine, or Custom Elimination Diet). | |
THE MAINTENANCE PHASE | |
Long-term strategy for maintaining overall tolerance | |
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Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® for Immune Control AND High Purity, Low Reflux, Concentrated Fish Oil liquid or capsules |
1 capsule daily Take 2 capsules twice daily OR 1 teaspoon daily with food |
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMATIC SUPPORT AND TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS | |
Relief from the symptoms of sinusitis and rhinitis | |
Antimicrobial Sinus Spray |
Apply twice daily |
Manage irritated, itchy, red skin e.g. eczema and psoriasis | |
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Postbiotic L-92™ and NutroxSun™ for Mild Eczema and Dermatitis High Bioavailability Zinc with Vitamin C |
For mild eczema/dermatitis symptom relief: 1 capsule daily Reduce skin sensitivity and redness: 2 capsules at once daily 1 serve (½ teaspoon) twice daily |
Gastrointestinal Symptoms | |
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IBS type symptoms: Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v
Support digestion and gut motility: Dandelion, Ginger and Meadowsweet for Healthy Digestion |
1-2 capsule daily 1 tablet twice daily |
Children | |
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Increase tolerance: Reishi, Shiitake, Baical Skullcap and Perilla for Allergen Tolerance |
2 level metric tsp twice daily with food. Children 9-13 years: 1 tsp twice daily 5-8 yrs: 1/3 tsp twice daily 3-4 yrs: 1/4 tsp twice daily |
If with low vitamin D levels, i.e. < 75nmol/L 25(OH)D | |
Vitamin D3 Liquid or capsules |
2-4 capsules or 0.5-1mL daily - (1000IU-4000IU) daily |
Alphabetical Reference of Nutritional Support | |
Formula Catch Phrase |
Key Benefits |
Antimicrobial Sinus Spray |
Direct nasal delivery of saline and essential oils helps to provide rapid anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial relief, helping to reduce congestion and relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and allergies. |
Dandelion, Ginger and Meadowsweet for Healthy Digestion |
Digestive herbal formula to promote digestive, pancreatic and hepatic digestive secretions via bitter and pungent activities to normalise gut motility (prokinetic), correct appetite, optimise assimilation of nutrients and enhance colonic detoxification and waste removal. |
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High Bioavailability Zinc with Vitamin C
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Zinc and vitamin C are amongst the most critical nutrients in healthy immunity, as both are involved in wound healing, immune balance and boost resistance to infection. |
High Purity, Low Reflux, Concentrated Fish Oil liquid OR capsules |
EPA and DHA are important for modulating inflammation and supporting normal immune system function, helping to resolve the inflammatory aspects of immune activation over time. |
Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® for Immune Control |
Specific probiotic strains for immune modulation; helping to quench the allergic response, and addressing the underlying factors involved. LP-33® and LGG® are clinically trialled probiotic strains that help restore immune control and moderate over-active immune responses. These strains assist in primarily supporting Treg cell function and increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin IL-10. |
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Postbiotic L-92™ and NutroxSun™ for Mild Eczema and Dermatitis |
Clinically trialled doses of Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92™ Postbiotic are blended with NutroxSun™, a powerful extract of rosemary and grapefruit, and skin specific nutrients vitamins D, C, B3, and zinc. This unique formula modulates immunity across the gut-skin axis and quench oxidative stress to help relieve skin inflammation, redness and symptoms of mild eczema and dermatitis. |
Quercetin, Bromelains and NRA2 TM for Allergy Symptom Relief |
The combination of clinically trialled NRA2 TM, with quercetin and bromelain, reduces allergic reactions through inhibition of histamine release, mast cell stabilization and the reduction of oedema and inflammatory processes. Quercetin modulates inflammatory pathways by down regulating the production of allergic cytokines, inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins. |
Reishi, Shiitake, Baical Skullcap and Perilla for Allergen Tolerance |
Increasing immune tolerance through targeting immune modulation, epithelial repair, gut barrier function due to SIgA role in the clearance of antigens and pathogenic microorganisms. Milk thistle to support liver clearance of immune complexes and perilla offering anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Shitake, vitamin A and glutamine improving mucus secretions. Addressing these factors ultimately leads to increased tolerance of allergens, and a reduction in allergic reactions. |
Vitamin D3 Liquid or capsules |
Vitamin D is essential for Treg stimulation to regulate the immune response in immune conditions additionally, adequate vitamin D may also reduce the incidence of infections, and increase the response to steroid medications. |
Diet and Lifestyle | ||
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‘Resting’ from identified aggravating food groups is the first step in building immune tolerance, as it reduces inflammation that may be affecting the gastrointestinal barrier, underlying aberrant immune system reactivity. The three Therapeutic Dietary options for different symptom pictures: GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS (PRIMARILY) E.g. Bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, variable bowel motions, reflux.
Low FODMAP diet. Reduce easily fermentable carbohydrates. SKIN, RESPIRATORY AND/OR VASCULAR SYMPTOMS (PRIMARILY) E.g. Eczema, urticaria/rashes, itchy, sinus, sneezing, watery eyes, cough, mucus congestion, post nasal drip, wheeze, flushing, BP changes after food.
Low Histamine diet. Reduce foods that contain high levels of histamine, promote histamine release and/or inhibit normal histamine metabolism. NON-SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS (MAY BE AFFECTING ONE OR MORE SYSTEMS) E.g. Migraine/headache, eczema, joint pain, ADHD, autism, allergic rhinitis, fatigue, energy ‘slumps’, mood disturbances/swings.
Additionally, research and empirical observation suggests some common intolerances in specific conditions such as:
Custom Elimination diet. Choose foods to avoid: | ||
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Gluten Dairy Eggs Tree Nuts Legumes and Peanuts Solanaceae Citrus |
Chocolate Shellfish and Fish Beef Pork Yeast Corn |
Soy Alcohol Caffeine Salicylates Food additives |
