MB Approach to Inhalant Allergies
It is well-known that inhalant allergies can cause a range of symptoms, including a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy skin, and irritated eyes. These symptoms can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors, including natural substances like trees, plants, dust, and mold, as well as man-made pollutants in the air.
The prevalence of inhalant allergies varies depending on location, with estimates ranging from 10% to 40%. In recent decades, there have been significant changes in our environment that may contribute to the increasing prevalence of these allergies.
Acute Immune Mechanism
In allergic rhinitis, the immune system becomes sensitized to an allergen through exposure and interaction with various immune cells, including antigen presenting cells, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes. This leads to the production of allergen-specific T cells and allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Upon subsequent exposure to the allergen, the IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and trigger the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, causing symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing. This is followed by a secondary allergic inflammatory response, characterized by the infiltration of Th2 lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils into the nasal mucosa, which leads to a late allergic response
Risk Factors
Chronic Immune Dysfunction
Long-term allergies, including allergic rhinitis, are often associated with a chronic elevation of Thelper 2 (Th2) cells. This persistent Th2 response is a common immune imbalance in chronic allergy sufferers. Inflammation, particularly in hollow organs like the intestines and lungs, can also lead to an increase in Thelper 17 (Th17) cells and a decrease in T regulatory (Treg) cells. The combination of an increase in Th17 cells and a decrease in Th1 cells can result in the development of autoimmune disease.
Hygiene Hypothesis
One explanation for the increase in allergies is that children are exposed to fewer infectious diseases, leading to a decrease in Th1 immune responses that help fight infections. This decrease in Th1 responses may result in a shift towards an increase in Th2 immune responses, which are associated with allergic diseases.
Abnormal Microbiome
Several studies have examined the types of bacteria present in the intestinal microbiome of people with allergies and have found a reduced diversity in this population. An altered microbiome is linked to chronic illness and immune system imbalance, and it is therefore not surprising that it is also associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis and other atopic diseases.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues
The microbiome of a pregnant woman can affect her immune system and subsequently increase her infant's risk of allergies. This influence begins early in pregnancy and continues through to delivery. The maternal microbiome helps to shape the developing foetal immune system by balancing maternal and infant regulatory immune responses. In utero, the transfer of microbial metabolites and IgG antibodies across the placenta can also impact the development of an allergy-prone immune phenotype in the infant.
Maternal allergies can also influence an infant's allergy potential. Pregnancy is characterized by a natural downregulation of Th2 responses to allergens later in pregnancy. However, pregnant women with allergies tend to have higher Th2 responses to begin with, and do not experience this natural downregulation. The mode of delivery can also impact the infant's microbiome, as a natural vaginal delivery allows the newborn to acquire beneficial microbes that may be altered by a cesarean section. Breastfeeding is another important factor in establishing an infant's microbiome, and a lack of breastfeeding has been linked to an increased risk of allergies due to an altered microbiome. A woman's diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding can also affect her child's allergy potential.
Pollution
Air pollution, such as ozone, nitric oxide, diesel exhaust, and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), has increased. When inhaled, these pollutants can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased permeability in the airways, which can facilitate the uptake of allergens. Additionally, these pollutants can bind to pollens and other allergens in the air, increasing their uptake by the body.
Genetics
Allergic diseases are thought to be polygenic, meaning that they are influenced by multiple genes rather than a single gene. While research has identified a few specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may be associated with allergic conditions, such as IL1, TNFa, and IL1B, the search for specific genes has not yet yielded many clear results. As a result, it is believed that epigenetic changes - modifications to the way genes are expressed through mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modification - may play a larger role in the development of allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis. These epigenetic changes can be influenced by environmental exposures, such as air pollution, and may contribute to the increasing prevalence of allergies.
Hair Tissue Mineral Patterns
Elevated Toxic Metals
Toxic metals such as copper, mercury and lead can weaken the adrenal glands, cause imbalances in the oxidation rate and four lows pattern, and lead to allergic reactions due to their harmful effects on body tissues. These metals can also replace vital minerals in enzyme binding sites, causing reduced energy and various types of damage, as well as damage to body structures like cell membranes, mucus membranes and skin. They can also damage and kill immune cells, leading to a compromised immune response and increased allergies. It is believed that everyone has excessive amounts of toxic metals in their body, even if they are not detected through tests, and that babies are born with these metals due to their presence in food, air, water, vaccines and medical drugs.
Sodium/Potassium Ratio
High Sodium/Potassium (Na/K) ratio, especially greater than 10 is characterized by an imbalance in the levels of adrenalin relative to cortisone and cortisol is often linked to allergies. This is a pro-inflammatory pattern that can disrupt the immune system and increase the risk of allergies. Maintaining an ideal ratio of 2.5 can help reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions.
When there is a low Sodium/Potassium (Na/K) ratio, hair mineral pattern, the body is not able to properly respond to stress, leading to an increased risk of allergies. The pattern is characterized by weak adrenal glands, fatigue, chronic stress, blood sugar imbalances, and emotional issues such as frustration, hostility, and resentment. These factors can all contribute to the development of allergies, which in this case are often chronic rather than acute. The immune response is compromised, leading to ongoing allergic reactions even though histamine levels may be low.
Sympathetic Dominance
Sympathetic Dominance is a common hair analysis pattern that is associated with autonomic dysregulation of the adrenal and thyroid glands. It can contribute to allergic symptoms, since it very often indicates a prolonged stress response, and found alongside Slow Oxidation (see below) or a Fast Oxidiser with a low Na/K.
Four High’s Pattern
Four High’s (elevated four macrominerals) is a pattern that indicates inflammation, but not as prominent as the elevated Na/K or Fast Oxidization. However, it can be found alongside these patterns. For example, a person could be a Fast Oxidiser, with an elevated Na/K and having elevated calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.
Amigo’s
This pattern indicates typically oxide forms of iron, manganese, aluminum, and perhaps others. They may not always be visible on an initial Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis but may reveal themselves later as elevations.
The amigos can cause inflammation and oxidant damage to various body tissues and structures, including cell membranes, connective tissue, skin, and mucus membranes. This can lead to allergic reactions. It can be difficult to remove these minerals from the body, but Mineral Balancing is one method that is quite effective. When people experience an "amigo dump" or elimination of these minerals, they may temporarily experience an allergy flare-up, but this will generally pass quickly and should not be a cause for concern.
Metabolic Types
Allergies and Fast Oxidation
People with a fast oxidation rate are prone to severe and acute allergic reactions. They are histadelic, meaning that they have generally have elevated levels of histamine.
This is because fast oxidizers often have overactive adrenal glands, so their reserves are generally low, along with high cell permeability due to low calcium levels. They also often exist in an inflammatory state characterized by high histamine levels. Allergies, which involve inflammation and histamine release, can be more prominent for these individuals.
To address these issues, fast oxidizers may benefit from a diet that includes more fat and additional copper, zinc, and vitamin A. Copper and zinc are essential for making and breaking down histamine, while vitamin A is important for the health of mucus membranes. A Mineral Balancing program may also be helpful in identifying and correcting fast oxidation, reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Allergies and Slow Oxidation
Individuals with a slow oxidation rate are more prone to chronic, constant allergies. They tend to have weak adrenal glands, which makes them less able to defend against allergic reactions. They may benefit from higher levels of vitamin C and may also have copper burdens and/or toxicity that weakens their capillaries, increasing their risk of certain types of allergies. These individuals are typically histapenic, which is characterised as a situation with low blood histamine.
Four Low’s Pattern
Allergies are a common symptom of a metabolic type called four lows, which is identified by a particular pattern on a hair mineral test. People in Four Low’s patterns are generally characterized by an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, weak adrenal glands, an abnormal stress response, copper burden/toxicity, and often elevations of other heavy metals or chemicals. They are similar to the Fast Oxidizer in that they have high cell permeability due to their low calcium levels, while also being similar to the Slow Oxidiser because of their weak adrenal glands.
Mineral Balancing Approach
Transfer Factors: Immune Balancing
One way to help balance the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and other chronic diseases is through the use of transfer factors. These small proteins, which contain DNA and are produced by activated Thelper cells, help boost cell-mediated immunity, which is important for fighting viruses. Transfer factors are similar to antibodies but are smaller and can help strengthen cell-mediated immunity, leading to an increase in Th1 immunity. As a result, the levels of Th17 and Th2 cells may decrease. Elevated Th2 levels are associated with an increase in allergic rhinitis and atopic diseases, so lowering Th2 levels can help balance the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies.
Probiotics: Improving the Microbiome
Research has demonstrated that probiotics can modulate the immune system and reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis, as well as its symptoms. Probiotics appear to exert this effect through multiple mechanisms, including the modulation of gut flora and the alteration of specific IgE levels. Animal studies have also shown that probiotics can increase Th1 and Treg cells, and decrease the Th2 response associated with allergies.
Flavonoids
Certain phytonutrients, such as flavonoids, have anti-allergenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in managing allergies. These compounds generally work by inhibiting the IgE-mediated activation of mast cells, which prevents the release of histamine and other mediators such as cytokines. Flavonoids like quercetin and luteolin have been found to be particularly effective at blocking mast cell degranulation and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, TNFa, IL-6, IL-1B, and IL-8.
Fisetin and perilla are less well-known flavonoids that have also been shown to inhibit mast cell activation and reduce allergic disease. Fisetin has been found to decrease the interaction between mast cells and activated T cells, while perilla, which contains over 271 chemical components including rosmarinic acid, has been shown to decrease the migration of polymorphonuclear cells into nasal tissue and display other immune-modulating effects.
Natural Histamine Receptor Blockers
Over-the-counter antihistamines, which block histamine receptor 1 (H1), are commonly used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioca) has also been shown to act as a natural H1 blocker and has anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrated by its ability to reduce cytokines and prostaglandins.
Flare-up’s
It is not uncommon for a person to experience a temporary flare-up of allergies during a development program. There are a few potential reasons for this:
An improvement in overall vitality may lead to more powerful stress responses to environmental toxins. Once the body adjusts to these stressors, the symptoms usually disappear.
The removal of a toxin, such as a metal or chemical, can cause a temporary reaction in the body.
An increase in the oxidation rate or the sodium/potassium ratio may be associated with an increased inflammatory state in the body.
Summary
A comprehensive Mineral Balancing program is the most effective way to permanently resolve allergies. While it requires more effort and time than just using a couple of supplements, it offers long-lasting results and has many additional health benefits, such as increased energy and resistance to illness. Mineral Balancing involves gradually replenishing 30 to 40 different minerals, improving circulation, oxygenation, and hydration of the body, reducing the body's load of toxic metals and chemicals, and eliminating chronic infections.
It also focuses on eliminating on eliminating many substances such as rancid fats and metal burdens that can weaken the immune response and contribute to allergic reactions. In most cases, the program includes strengthening the adrenal glands and improving digestion and liver function.
In addition to a healthy diet high in alkaline reserve minerals, the program may involve using 6 to 8 different nutritional supplements and undergoing detoxification techniques such as sauna therapy, foot reflexology and others which are listed in our “Free Program”. Chiropractic care may also be helpful in correcting structural and energetic imbalances. The Mineral Balancing is not a cookie-cutter approach to health since it is tailored to an individual's needs based on a hair mineral analysis and may require several years of diligence and detoxification procedures. However, the benefits of eliminating allergy problems permanently make it well worth the effort.
I find that using inhibitors of mast cell activation, such as flavonoids, as well as natural H1 blockers like stinging nettle to be helpful. A product such as Hyperimmune Egg is a helpful way to modulate the immune system away from an elevated Th2 response that promotes allergies.
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of allergic rhinitis, so I may recommend measuring and supporting vitamin D levels as well. This is best done in conjunction with an HTMA since vitamin D has noticeable effects of raising calcium and potentially lowering potassium. So, it is not always indicated for every pattern, especially if there aren’t nutrients to antagonise the effects of vitamin D on the person’s hair mineral pattern.
I have found Endo-Met’s Pro-Antho formula and BioMedica’s Oxygaurd to be helpful since they combine multiple flavonoids and which are helpful for lowering the inflammatory response. Stinging Nettles can also be helpful, especially for Fast Oxidisers since it is a natural H1 inhibitor.
Finally, nasal irrigation can be useful for cleaning the nasal cavities of allergens like air pollution and dust. Saline solution, and even a probiotic spore-based nasal spray can be helpful to lower the histamine reaction.