Allergies: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Allergies are a set of hypersensitivity reactions where the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances called allergens. These allergens can include foods, airborne particles (pollens, mites, animal dander), drugs, or insect stings.

Allergy Mechanisms

Allergies can occur through two main mechanisms: n • Immediate Hypersensitivity (IgE-dependent): This mechanism is responsible for most respiratory and food allergies. Upon first exposure to an allergen, the immune system produces specific antibodies called IgE. These IgE antibodies attach to immune cells like mast cells and basophils. Upon re-exposure, the allergen is captured by the IgE, triggering the release of mediators such as histamine, responsible for immediate allergic symptoms like urticaria, rhinitis, and asthma attacks. • Delayed Hypersensitivity (mediated by T cells): This mechanism is often involved in skin allergies like contact eczema. After initial exposure, the allergen penetrates the skin and is managed by Langerhans cells located in the epidermal layer. Upon re-exposure, activated T lymphocytes trigger a local inflammatory response, causing skin lesions like redness, itching, or blisters.

Symptoms

Generally, signs are early, or even immediate. They occur no later than four hours after food ingestion in the case of a food allergy (such as an anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, or severe laryngeal edema). Apart from delayed digestive forms and eczema where symptoms are constantly present, respiratory signs are another frequent manifestation of allergies, including breathing difficulties, wheezing, cough, rhinitis, or rhinoconjunctivitis. Skin manifestations include eczema (severe in young children), itching, rashes, localized or generalized urticaria, and edema. Digestive signs like abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are typical but not very specific. Anaphylactic shock is referenced when two organs are affected (cutaneous and/or mucous, respiratory, tachycardia, digestive disorders).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may not be obvious and depends on allergy manifestations and the allergens involved. It relies on the precise identification of responsible allergens, through dietary investigation and various allergological explorations, like oral provocation tests, skin prick tests, atopy patch tests, specific IgE assays, and multi-allergen tests.

Treatment

The treatment of allergies combines several strategies: • Allergen Avoidance: The first step in treatment is to limit exposure to the responsible allergen, although this may be difficult for environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites. • Medications: Antihistamines are used to relieve immediate symptoms by blocking the action of histamine. In severe reactions, adrenaline is administered to quickly counteract the effects of anaphylactic shock. Other medications, such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators, may be prescribed to manage chronic inflammation and asthma. • Immunotherapy: Desensitization, or immunotherapy, involves gradually exposing the body to small amounts of the allergen to increase tolerance. This can reduce the severity of allergic reactions in the long term, particularly for respiratory allergies.

Holistic Approach

Allergies are often linked to long-lasting immunological stress and an imbalance of the immune system. Intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by increased intestinal permeability, may promote the development of allergies, particularly by allowing unwanted antigens to penetrate. The link between the gut and the immune system is well established, and a compromised gut can play a key role in the manifestation of allergies. It is therefore essential to consider gut health and maintain good digestive health to prevent or alleviate allergic symptoms. Diet plays a central role in this balance, particularly the consumption of omega-3-rich foods, which promote inflammation reduction, and antioxidants, which protect cells against oxidative stress. Micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium, can also play a role in supporting the immune response and reducing allergic reactions. Studies have shown that zinc is necessary for the synthesis of serum thymic factor, which promotes T-cell differentiation. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the severity of asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis. Trace elements can also be used orally to strengthen the body. Manganese and copper, for example, can help modulate the immune response.

Prevention

In terms of prevention, it is recommended to avoid known allergens and adopt strategies to reduce allergen exposure, like regularly airing your indoor space and maintaining suitable hygiene to limit allergies. In children, prevention relies on exclusive breastfeeding during the first 4 to 6 months, cautious food diversification introduced between the 17th and 24th weeks with iron-rich foods (eggs, meat) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (eggs, fatty fish), and gradual introduction of gluten between 4 and 7 months to reduce the risk of wheat allergy, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.