The Optimum Health Allergy Arsenal
When it comes to recommendations for seasonal allergies, I do what I have always done, which is to rely on my experience of what works to produce desired results, and to back them up with science, (even if it sometimes takes a while arrive.) This includes probiotic strains that I have used, ever since I started consulting in 1993, herbal substances such as resveratrol, quercetin and nettle. and raising levels of master molecules like glutathione and vitamin D. A good natural approach is not only going to be aimed at directly reducing histamine, but also supporting the liver and making sure you are not constipated. Below, I cover these issues in the order I would for someone walking in with itchy eyes, plugged sinuses, sneezing, and fatigue.
DDS-1 Probiotics: Minutes-to-Relief
Regarding probiotics that help with allergies, it is important to remember how strain-specific different formulas can be. Just like different breeds of dogs that are all the same species but vary drastically in their attributes, you can have two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus that are suited for completely different challenges. What strains you use, and how good they are for the job at hand is actually MUCH more important than the number on the label. (For example, there are some strains studied for different applications that are effective at 100 million...not billion!)
For reducing / interrupting histamine production and helping allergic reactions, (or food sensitivities, or yeast overgrowth), no other probiotic strains I have found even come close to being as effective as Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1® and Bifidobacterium strains UABla-12™ (B. lactis), UABl-14™ (B. longum), and UABb-10™ (B. bifidum).
After using them for over 20 years under a different brand, the company finally agreed to produce them for us, and we had the good fortune of getting these exact strains incorporated into our supplement line as Opti-Elite Probiotics.
I have always recommended 2-3 capsules taken on an empty stomach, one to three times per day, according to need. (With food is beneficial, but it doesn't work anywhere near as well for this purpose.) For quicker action, bite one of the capsules to get the powder into your mouth / under the tongue. I have found that this can help the itching and plugged sinuses within minutes. It can be use preventatively too, to help offset, (not necessarily erase), expected reactions like before mowing the lawn, or being around pets.
Consider the Liver and Bowels!
Allergies also often manifest in the colon, or as skin conditions. A recent study found some of the above probiotic strains to be helpful for both. [1] Probiotics can also lessen liver burden for normal histamine clearance by preventing constipation and helping move toxins out via colon. The wrong gut bacteria promotes reabsorption of toxins, which can then backup the liver. Since the liver breaks down histamine, if your liver is congested histamine builds up, worsening allergies. [2]
So, not surprisingly, it is a wise move for sufferers to begin the Spring with a colon flush, and follow it with liver support. Opti-Colon Cleanse with Hibiscus offers a gently stimulating and bulking effect. Opti-Liv Extra is our well-known liver support product. It contains a full 250mg milk thistle per capsule, plus NAC, schisandra, alpha lipoic acid, and selenium to boost glutathione for both Phase I & II liver detox—thus ensuring toxins are properly processed and "packaged" for safe exit from the body.
Radical Defense Synergy: A Polyphenol Powerhouse!
Designed with allergies in mind, the popularity of Radical Defense Synergy (formerly Optimized Resveratrol), which contains resveratrol, quercetin, nettle root, grapeseed extract, pomegranate, acai surges in the Spring.
It delivers broad-spectrum polyphenols (flavanols, anthocyanins) that cut inflammatory compounds tied to allergies/asthma. [4]
Even though it is better known for other things, Resveratrol slashes mast cell degranulation and histamine release—sometimes outperforming drugs. [5] Quercetin, the top-researched flavanol, inhibits allergies/asthma, lowers histamine, and widely modulates immunity/inflammation. [6] Nettle blocks histamine receptors, halts inflammatory cascades; its also balances Th1/Th2 immunity. [7] Grapeseed's OPCs, plus pomegranate/acai polyphenols (flavones, proanthocyanidins), boost mucosal integrity and tame reactivity. [8][9] Though this formula can certainly be applied as a broad-spectrum antioxidant, in my experience combatting allergies and reactivity is where it really shines.
Opti-Immune Basics: NAC plus Quercetin & Zinc
Back in the day, Quercetin was only popular for allergies. Yet, when the research emerged on its additional immune benefits during Covid, along with other master molecules like glutathione from NAC, and also zinc, we decided to put the benefits of all three into one capsule, and Opti-Immune Basics was born. If your immune concerns are more generalized, raising glutathione with NAC will not only help your liver detoxification, but your immunity and lungs as well.
If you're interested in learning more about the importance of glutathione in liver health and immune response, check out our blog on The Power of Glutathione.
Also, remember Vitamin D!
As many are aware, in Canada we don't start producing vitamin D from the sun until somewhere around mid-May, and for many who suffer with Spring allergies, this is too late. One of the final words I will put in for those who suffer is to remember your vitamin D! Increasing it during times of reactivity can be extremely helpful.
Until next time,
Be well!
John
References:
1. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Targeted-probiotics-Lactobacillus-acidophilus-and-Lazebnik/2d9babcf82dc8e5992a26ca3bb16ea0937f3c496
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1408954/pdf/annsurg00930-0127.pdf the liver metabolises histamine
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4652315/
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738975/
5. http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=26273#.VT-3eGTBzGc
6. https://altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v3-2-140.pdf
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19140159
8. https://altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v8-4-442.pdf
9. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03773.x/full
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your physician.