Discussion

This is for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer below, and consult with your physician before taking supplements or acting upon the information presented in this article and protocol.

Allergy is a name we give to an abnormal immune response to almost any substance, pollen, dust, animal dander . . . which ordinarily does not affect most people. An allergic reaction can affect one or more areas of the body, including the skin, respiratory tract, and/or intestinal tract.

The inflammatory response of allergies is characterized by a release of free radicals.  Free radicals in turn, further accelerate the inflammatory, or allergic response with a release of histamine and other inflammatory components, e.g., leukotrienes, interleukins, cytokines, enzymes, and more free radicals.  A release of these inflammatory biochemicals results in the over stimulation of mitochondria, mucous production, and smooth muscle spasms of the lungs and intestines.

To the allergy sufferer, symptoms can be miserable and life altering, causing runny noses, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, rash, blisters, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and headaches.  I want to reassure allergy sufferers that relief is possible for most people suffering common allergies, with the use of nutritional supplements, particularly with increased doses of grape seed extract.

Obviously the standard treatment is avoidance of allergen exposure and medications, including anti-histamines. Anti-histamines block histamine release, and lessen the allergic response; however, other components of the inflammatory response are not controlled by anti-histamines.

To be clear, not all allergic reactions, especially anaphylactic reactions can be ameliorated with nutritional supplements; and one should always check with their physician.  But over the past two decades, I have witnessed many people who have suffered with allergies to pollen or pet dander live normal or nearly normal lives by following my supplement protocol.  Even mild food allergies, skin reactions, and asthma can be ameliorated with proper supplementation.

Antioxidants Reduce Inflammation and Allergic Reactions

Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory capabilities, some more than others.  Co-enzyme Q10 is an antioxidant vitamin with powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy characteristics.(1)  Co-Q10 enters the mitochondria of all tissues and cells, including the nasal passages, bronchial tree, intestinal tract, and skin.  Co-Q10, along with other antioxidants, such as resveratrol, turmeric extract, vitamin E, selenium, and grape seed extract (to name just a few) work synergistically better together, than do any of them separately. (2) They effectively block excessive free radicals, cytokines, and arachidonic acid production, which is initiated in the airway, skin, and intestinal tract of allergy sufferers.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is a very effective “anti-allergy” and “anti-asthma” supplement.(3, 4)  It is particularly helpful to take grape seed extract with vitamin C, which also has anti-inflammatory effects.   Grape seed extract blocks Cox 2 enzyme, blocks free radicals, and blocks arachidonic acid, a pro-inflammatory biochemical. (5)

Studies have shown that grape seed extract reduces the T cell hyper-response of the immune system and helps combat the over reaction of constriction of the airways, by reducing inflammation and the release of nitric oxide.(5, 6)

Potent and pure grape seed extract, combined with vitamin C, has been one of the most impressive supplements I have seen used to ameliorate symptoms of both allergies and asthma.  Often people can be on a “regular dose” of grape seed extract, and then double or triple the dose at the onset of any symptoms.

As a standard of the way I practiced, I would have my patients increase the dosage of grape seed extract (to double or triple doses) at the first report of increased high pollen levels, or before visiting a friend with a dog or cat to which they were allergic.

Resveratrol, an antioxidant from red grapes, works in conjunction with grape seed extract to ameliorate the inflammatory response seen in allergies.(7 – 9)  It is especially beneficial used in combination with beta glucans.(10)

Beta Glucan Micronutrients

Beta glucans are polysaccharides that survive the gastric acid breakdown in the stomach, passing into the intestine, where they bind with receptors on macrophages.   They are immune-modulators, and have been shown to be beneficial in supporting a healthy immune system, fighting infections, reducing allergies, fighting cancer cells, and maintaining normal blood sugar levels. (11)

Beta glucans affect the T lymphocytes, restoring the balance of TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes.  Allergic responses are shown to have an imbalance of TH1/TH2 lymphocytes towards TH2 lymphocytes. Beta glucans restore that balance and help reduce allergic responses, including seasonal allergies and asthma.(12, 13)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acid can be obtained from fish oil or flax seed oil. Of the two, fish oil is preferred because it contains both EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.  Both EPA and DHA are beneficial in the prevention and amelioration of asthma, allergies, and food sensitivities.(14, 15)

I suggest taking at least 2000 mg, if not 4000 mg of a pure fish oil, with the higher doses of grape seed extract.

Magnesium

Magnesium is helpful in relaxing the smooth muscles of the lung’s bronchial tubes for those with allergies and asthma, and for those with irritable bowel syndrome, helpful to relax the smooth muscle spasms of the intestines.(16)

Studies have shown that most people are deficient in magnesium. The average adult consumes about 200 mg of magnesium in a healthy diet. The US RDA (that is the minimum recommended amount) of magnesium is 400 mg per day; and even better, 600 mg or more is often recommended.  Therefore at minimum, people should be supplementing with at least 200 – 400 mg of magnesium per day to make up the deficit in their diets.

When magnesium is balanced with calcium, all the muscles throughout the body can function as they are intended to do. Smooth muscles in the trachea and bronchial tubes of the lungs respond well to restoration of a calcium and magnesium balance. With proper calcium and magnesium supplementation, there is less likelihood of an abnormal constriction of the airways or muscle cramping, essentially the same muscular reaction.

Supplement Protocol for Allergies (Including Allergies that Involve the Airways, Digestive Tract, Skin, or Lungs; i.e., Asthma)

Results may be obtained by based upon severity of allergies and dose taken.  Higher doses may need to be taken during times of flare-ups.  One may be able to maintain on the minimal-dose, but increase to a higher dose as needed.  Use what works.

Following a high-dose protocol increases the likelihood of having the desired results, but for some it may be more than they are willing to spend or take. If one desires life altering changes, follow a higher-dose protocol.

If you wish to do a trial and error to see what works at a low-dose protocol, knowing that you may need to go to a higher-dose protocol to get the results, that is your call.

This is for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer below, and consult with your physician before taking supplements or acting upon the information presented in this article and protocol.

Protocol for Children Ages 3 – 5 Years of Age with Allergies or Asthma

Protocol for Children Ages 6 – 9 Years of Age with Allergies or Asthma

Protocol for Children Ages 10 – 12 Years of Age with Allergies or Asthma

Protocol for Teenagers Ages 13 – 15 Years of Age with Allergies or Asthma

Minimal Protocol for Adults Ages 16 and Above with Allergies or Asthma

Basic Protocol for Adults Ages 16 and Above with Allergies or Asthma

Average Protocol for Adults Ages 16 and Above with Allergies or Asthma

Advanced Protocol for Adults Ages 16 and Above with Allergies or Asthma

• Please see my list of ingredients (below) that I like to see provided by a foundational vitamin and mineral supplement.
• Probiotics, at least take 12 billion colony-forming bacteria, providing Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium BB12®, every other day or daily.
• Beta glucans from Shiitake and Reishi mushrooms, as well as baker’s yeast extract.
• Liver support supplement, providing Milk Thistle Extract, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid,
  Broccoli Extract, Turmeric Extract (Curcumin), Olive Extract, Green Tea Extract, Biotin

Ingredients that I like to see provided collectively by vitamin-antioxidant & chelated mineral tablets

Vitamin A, mostly as Beta Carotene
Vitamin C
Vitamin D3
Vitamin E
Vitamin K (K1 & K2)
B-Complex Vitamins
Curcumin (turmeric extract)
Quercetin
Green Tea Extract
Olive Extract
Rutin
Resveratrol
Choline
Lutein
Lycopene
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)
Calcium
Magnesium
Iodine (as potassium iodide)
Zinc
Selenium
Copper
Manganese
Chromium
Molybdenum
Including Ultra Trace Minerals

Medical Disclaimer

Information on this website, written, spoken, or in any other communication by Dr. Ladd McNamara or any other information or reference is for informational purposes only. The information provided on this website is a result of years of practice, experience, and study by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by someone’s personal licensed physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this website, or any other form of communication from Dr. Ladd McNamara or the Dr. Ladd VIP Program, for diagnosing or treatment of a health issue or disease, or for the prescribing of medication or the use of supplementation without a discussion with your licensed health professional first. At best, the information provided on this website is only meant to supplement information provided by your own doctor or health professional, not to replace medical advice. The information from this website is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or possible adverse effects of nutritional supplements with or without medications, or in conjunction with specific medical conditions. The information from this website may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay seeking medical care or disregard advice from your health care professional because of information you have received directly or indirectly from this website, from the Dr. Ladd VIP Program, or from Dr. Ladd McNamara himself. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or embarking on a nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement program, or before using any treatment for a health concern. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard on this website, or due to any other information from Dr. Ladd McNamara or his representatives. Information provided on this website or the V.I.P. Program, and the use of any products or services mentioned on this website (or as a result of information provided this program, article, or website) by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Ladd McNamara, M.D. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Li W, et al. Coenzyme Q10 suppresses TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory reaction in vitro and attenuates severity of dermatitis in mice. Inflammation. 2016 Feb;39(1):281-289.
2. Fasano E, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of selected natural compounds contained in a dietary supplement on two human immortalized keratinocyte lines. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:327452.
3. Lee T, et al. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract attenuates allergic inflammation in murine models of asthma. J Clin Immunol. 2012 Dec;32(6):1292-1304.
4. Tang Q, et al. Grape-seed proanthocyanidins ameliorate contact hypersensitivity induced by 2,4-dinitroflurobenzene (DNFB) and inhibit T cell proliferation in vitro. Toxicol Lett. 2012 Apr 5:210(1):1-8.
5. Bak MJ, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of procyanidins from wild grape (Vitis amurensis) sees in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013;2013:409321.
6. Ahmad SF, et al. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract has potent anti-arthritic effects on collagen-induced arthritis by modifying the T cell balance. Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Sep;17(1):79-87.
7. Shirley D, et al. Resveratrol preferentially inhibits IgE-dependent PGD2 biosynthesis but enhances TNF production from human skin mast cells. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016 Apr;1860(4):678-685.
8. Han SY, et al. Resveratrol suppresses cytokine production linked to Fc(epsilon)RI-MAPK activation in IgE-antigen complex-exposed basophilic mast cells and mice. Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(8);1605-1623.
9. Zang N, et al. Resveratrol suppresses persistent airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness might partially via nerve growth factor in respiratory syncytial virus-infected mice. Int Immunopharmacol. 2015 Sep;28(1):121-128.
10. Miraglia Del Giudice M, et al. Resveratrol plus carboxymethyl-beta-glucan reduces nasal symptoms in children with pollen-induced allergic rhinitis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2014 Oct;30(10):1931-1935.
11. Jesenak M, et al. Beta-glucans in the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2014 Mar-Apr;42(2):149-156.
12. Yamada J, et al. Alleviation of seasonal allergic symptoms with superfine beta-1,3-glucan: a randomized study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 May;119(5):1119-1126.
13. Kirmaz C, et al. Effects of glucan treatment on the Th1/Th2 balance in patients with allergic rhinitis: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur Cytokine Netw. 2005 Jun;16(2):128-134.
14. Willemsen LE. Dietary n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in allergy prevention and asthma treatment. Eur J Pharmacol. 2016 Aug 15;785:174-186.
15. Miyata J, Arita M. Role of omega-3 fatty acids and their metabolites in asthma and allergic diseases. Allergol Int. 2015 Jan;64(1):27-34.
16. Gourgoulianis KI, et al. Magnesium as a relaxing factor of airway smooth muscles. J Aerosol Med. 2001 Fall;14(3):301-307.

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