Allergies

Throughout history, the connection between nutritional deficiencies and disease has been evident. Hippocrates, over 2000 years ago, identified scurvy as a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency and centuries later Captain James Lind's ground-breaking study in 1753, "A Treatise of the Scurvy," demonstrated the successful treatment of scurvy with citrus fruits. Moving to more recent times, other milestones were reached with the recognition of folic acid's importance in preventing spina bifida, leading to a reduction in incidence in the Western world and the understanding that vitamin D prevented rickets.

The aetiology of asthma remains complex, but environmental factors, including diet, play significant roles. Evidence shows that asthma prevalence increases as societies transition from rural to city dwellings. This transition amongst other things involves dietary changes, with a shift away from real natural, wholesome foods towards processed and convenience-oriented foods. This dietary transformation has only occurred since the commercialisation and industrialisation of the food supply chain.

Yet, this transformation extends beyond the realm of food. The migration from rural communities to urban jungles has inadvertently distanced us from the rich tapestry of healthy bacteria that once enveloped us. The microbial companions that once thrived harmoniously have faced unprecedented challenges. The narrative has shifted in a world besieged by advertising campaigns touting bacterial wipes, sprays, and sanitisers as saviours who kill 99% of all bacteria. Healthy bacteria now face a perilous existential threat as the belief in their intrinsic value wanes. This mass exodus of microbial diversity from our lives paints a stark backdrop to the rising tide of asthma and allergy sufferers.

An extensive body of research now explores the link between diet, bacteria and respiratory diseases, particularly asthma. Observational studies indicate the protective effects of various nutrients on disease prevalence and symptoms. Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium have shown promise in reducing the impact of asthma.

At Health Results, we believe it's important to appreciate that while asthma primarily involves an immune response, it shares triggers with allergies. For instance, substances like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander that cause allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms may also induce asthma signs and symptoms. Remarkably, about 80% of people with asthma also experience hay fever, highlighting the interconnectedness of these conditions.

The intriguing question is, "How do allergies originate?" Surprisingly, the answer lies within our gut. The gut and the immune system are closely interconnected, with 70 to 80 per cent of immune cells residing in the digestive tract, influenced by gut bacteria. A healthy gut hosts a diverse range of bacteria, ensuring balance. However, an imbalance may occur if one strain of bacteria dominates or if diversity decreases. This phenomenon applies to various allergies, including food allergies, eczema, and asthma. Research has even shown that differences in gut bacteria are present in children with allergies before they display any allergy symptoms.

Besides vitamins, several natural approaches can complement allergy management. Probiotics, which promote a balanced gut microbiome, enhance immune response, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, are valuable allies. You can find probiotics in fermented foods like live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso or our extremely powerful and market-leading Probiotic supplement form. Plus, as we often do, combining a probiotic with a garlic supplement means you can foster the right environment for the good bacteria to flourish.

Quercetin, an antioxidant found in onions and apples, has also demonstrated antihistamine effects. A 2007 study revealed that quercetin could reduce the inflammatory response in airways, lessening the respiratory side effects of allergies. While we don't offer stinging nettle supplements, they are available elsewhere.

Stinging nettle, a common herb in natural medicine, is believed to act as a natural antihistamine. In a 2000 study, 58 per cent of participants reported relief from their allergy symptoms using freeze-dried nettles. We don’t sell these at Health Results, but you can now buy them in supplement form elsewhere.

As nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium have proven beneficial in clinical trials, you may find it beneficial to sign up for our MyVIT personalised vitamin and mineral program which features all four of these nutrients, along with boosting your magnesium intake with our powerful Magnesium Bisglycinate supplement.

Incorporating these dietary and supplemental strategies alongside vitamins can help individuals better manage their allergies and asthma symptoms, fostering better health, life, and a better future. At Health Resource, we're committed to providing holistic solutions to support your health journey.

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