Introduction to allergy

Introduction to Allergy

Karen Archer
Naturopath – Herbalist – Iridologist
The Complete Health & Wellness Centre

What will be covered?

 Session 1
 Statistics on allergy
 Type of allergy – environmental, ingested, contact, injected.
 What the body is doing in allergic reaction
 Common causes
 Session 2
 Medical treatment
 Naturopathic treatment
 Food and nutrients to address allergy and intolerance
 Other strategies to improve the problem

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10/09/2012 Allergy Workshop Karen Archer - Naturopath - Mob: 0432978688

Welcome to Spring!!!!!!

 Most of us love spring –
except for those who suffer
from allergy.
 For allergy sufferers spring is
misery...
 We will discuss spring fever
but other allergy also.

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What is allergy?

 Allergy is defined as an immune-mediated, hypersensitive
inflammatory response to an allergen in an individual that may be
harmless in other individuals.
 Allergens include food, pollen, perfume. What else?
 Australia has one of the highest allergy prevalence in the world.

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Allergy or Intolerance?

 We need to careful about using the term ‘allergy’ because in some
people we are talking about ‘intolerance’ rather than allergy.
There are important differences between the two and treating
them effectively requires different strategies.

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Symptoms

 Allergy  GI Pain/Discomfort
 Swelling  Diarrhoea
 Breathing difficulty  Mucous
 Hives  Hyperactivity
 Sneezing  Mood swings
 Sinusitis  Fatigue
 Mucous  Dark circles under eyes
 Rash

 Intolerance
 Bloating

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Causes of Allergy

 Foods – dairy, nuts, salicylates
 Dust
 Pollen
 Mould
 Grasses
 Chemicals – SLS, toluene

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What happens in allergy?

 When the allergen is ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed, the
body recognises the object as a foreign body and enacts a
defence.
 This is a natural protection but in allergy/intolerance the defence
mechanism overreacts and creates havoc in the body.
 Inflammation, swelling, pain which is inappropriate for the
situation

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The Immune System
 Protects us from disease. Without an
immune system we would be overcome
and die.
 To function properly our immunity must
be highly adaptable, as pathogens can
quickly change to avoid detection by
our immune cells. Therefore immunity
is complex
 We are born with innate immunity and
develop acquired immunity.
 Both innate and acquired immunity
depend on the ability to differentiate
between self and non-self.

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Innate vs Adaptive Immunity

Innate immune system Adaptive immune system

Pathogen and antigen specific
Response is non-specific
response
Exposure leads to immediate Lag time between exposure and
maximal response maximal response
Cell-mediated and humoral Cell-mediated and humoral
components components
Exposure leads to immunological
No immunological memory
memory
Found in nearly all forms of life Found only in jawed vertebrates

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Immunity flowchart

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How do we develop immunity?

 During pregnancy immune cells are transferred via the placenta
 During birth, babies are covered in immune cells as they pass
through the birth canal
 During breastfeeding, colostrum and mothers milk provide
immune cells
 Coming into contact with microbes develops immunity

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Difference between Allergy & Intolerance…

 There are 4 types of allergic reaction:
 Type 1 – Anaphylactic reactions are associated with IgE
hypersensitivity reactions. This occurs when cells have come into
contact with the allergen and become sensitised, no observable
reaction occurs at this point. But when the allergen is encountered a
second time, this is when the anaphylaxis occurs and can be very
frightening for the patient and observers. Peanut allergy is an
example.
 Type 2 – Cytotoxic occurs when IgG and IgM antibodies react to a
person’s own tissue and cells.
 Type 3 - Immune complex involves IgG and IgA reactions and is seen
in food intolerances.
 Type 4 – Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions occurs when 12-72 hours
passes before the observable reaction is noted. This makes it very
hard to identify the allergen.

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Ig?

Antigens

 Immunoglobulin (Ig) is another name
for an antibody Y shaped
Antibody

 Made when a foreign body is detected
by the immune system
 There are specific to particular foreign
bodies
 Diff: shape of the arm

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IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG
Immunoglobulin Isotypes/classes of Mammals

IgA Found in mucosal areas, such as the gut,
respiratory tract, urogenital tract, saliva,
tears, and breast milk and prevents
colonization by pathogens.
IgD Functions mainly as an antigen receptor on
B cells that have not been exposed to
antigens. It has been shown to activate
basophils and mast cells to produce
antimicrobial factors.
IgE Binds to allergens and triggers histamine
release from mast cells and basophils, and
is involved in allergy.
IgG In its four forms, provides the majority of
antibody-based immunity against invading
pathogens. The only antibody capable of
crossing the placenta to give passive
immunity to the foetus.
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How else are we protected?

 Skin barrier
 Tear
 Urine
 White Mucous
 GI flora
 Stomach Acid

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Statistics
 Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) currently affects
 1/10 children aged 6-7 years
 2/5 adults

 Asthma currently affects
 1/5 children
 1/10 adults

 Eczema currently affects
 1/14 adults

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Statistics

 Allergy expert Prof Katie Allen says Australian children have the
highest recorded rate of food allergies in the world and warns the
statistics could translate into a wave of chronic diseases.
 1:10 children have a food allergy.

 Why? Any theories?

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Possible reasons:

 Medical:
 Food proteins
 Non food proteins
 Toxins
 Genetics
 Hygiene theory
 Environmental factors

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Possible reasons:

 Dietary change
 Modern farming practices
 Modern living standards
 Heredity
 Hygiene theory
 Overuse of Antibiotics
 Lack of breastfeeding and vaginal birth
 Low stomach acid, poor GI function and
wrong intestinal bacteria

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SESSION 2

 Medical treatment
 Diagnostic methods
 Medication
 Naturopathic treatment
 Diagnostic methods
 Food and nutrients to address allergy and intolerance
 Other strategies to improve the problem

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Medical Approach
- Diagnostic Methods

 Only deal with Allergy – not interested in intolerance
 Symptoms
 Medical History
 Testing
 Full Blood Count
 White Cell Count
 Skin prick test
 Coeliac testing

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Medical Approach
- Medication & Treatment
 Antihistamines relieves itch and redness
 Antibiotics kill bacteria
 Cortisone (Prednisone) is an immunosuppressant, calming the
overactive immune response to allergens and anti-inflammatory.
 Ventolin relieves bronchospasm
 Seretide/Symbicort is a combination corticosteroid and
bronchospasm reliever
 Dynastat – Cox 2 inhibitor used to calm inflammation, pain and
swelling (urticaria, asthma)
 Ibuprofen/Aspirin – NSAID for pain relief and reduce swelling.
 Epinephrine – EPI pen – relieves anaphylaxis

 CoQ10 should be given with corticosteroids to avoid corticosteroid induced myopathy. Some risk of Oestoporosis also
exists.

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Naturopathic Approach
- Diagnostic methods

 Symptoms
 Family and Medical History
 Pathology and Functional Testing
 IgG Food tests
 Iridology
 Live blood analysis *
 Kinesiology *
 Identify the CAUSE
 Treat the CAUSE…

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Check the Gut

 Regardless of the allergic/intolerant picture, I always check the
gut…
 80% of our immunity cells are in our gut, therefore any immune
dysfunction must address problems there
 Poor digestion, bloating, wind/burping, constipation, diarrhoea,
food cravings…

25 Karen Archer - Naturopath - Mob: 0432978688 10/09/2012 Allergy Workshop

Naturopathic - Treatment Options
Asthma - Prevention
 Remove allergens  Support immunity
 Phthalates and other organic  guard against colds/flus 
bronchial asthma
compounds ie paint ie
carpet, dust, bedding, curtains,  Nutritionally adequate diet

 keeping areas dander and dust
free, pets,
 Smoke including passive
 insects ie
cockroaches, perfumes and
cosmetics,
 Some foods:
 Sulphites, Dairy

 cold air/cold liquids, sport,

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Asthma
 Apply castor oil packs to the promotes bronchospasm Note:
back, lung and kidney areas Western diets are low in Mg
 Apply mullein oil to unplug the  Flavonoids (quercetin) reduces
bronchial tubes histamine release
 Vitamin C reduces wheezing –  High strength B complex – anti
kiwi fruit, citrus stress and support the immune
fruits, guava, berries system . Studies show that
some B’s have an inhibitory
 Licorice tea – relieves bronchial
effect on mast cells
irritation
 COQ10 – see medication note
 Omega 3 fats reduces
inflammation
 Magnesium 400mg/d
antagonises Calcium, which

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Asthma
 Other:  Adhatoda
 Avoid triggers  Albizia
 Support immunity  Marshmallow
 Reduce stress  Coleus
 Moderate physical exertion – Yoga  Drosera
esp breathing exercises
 Euphorbia
 Correct & Support digestive function
 Licorice
 Avoid food additives for their link to
allergy/intolerance  Grindelia
 Diaphragm can push into the lung  Picchoriza
cavity, eat lightly, reduce gas  Ginkgo
producing foods, avoid overeating
and excessive weight.  Baical skullcap

 Herbs:

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Naturopathic – Treatment Options
Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis

 Affects 12% of the population, predominantly in children but does
continue into adulthood. Many things contribute to this condition
which is not life threatening but reduces QOL.
 Many things can contribute: FH, Stress, Food intol, intestinal
dysbiosis, candida overgrowth, poor digestive function

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 Consider Food intolerance  In all cases we do gut healing
testing (take a test result) IgG work and boost the good
test bacteria in the large intestine.
Slippery Elm, Glutamine, Aloe
 But as first start Dairy and GF
vera, Turmeric, Quercetin
until arrives
 Otherwise exclude for 3m and
then move to the next suspect
food
 Or low reactive diet –
pear, rice, lamb and most vege
for 3m

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 Reduce AA – red meat and dairy  Stress can be a major factor in
causing flare ups but is not the
 Increase Omega 3 intake – fish, flax initiating factor. Develop stress
 Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, busting techniques – breathing, yoga,
Zinc, EFAs, changing jobs, changing partner,
exercise, nervous system support
 Probiotics – Lactobacillis sp. (B’s, herbs, neurotransmitters,
 Herbs: depuratives, immune herbs magnesium)
but not the focus
 Topicals
 AVOID External chemicals –  Chickweed
perfumes, cosmetics, skin topicals,
clothes detergents and softeners.  Calenda
Soap is not a good idea b/c it strips  German chamomile
the acidic mantle of the skin. Liquid
body wash is better but in a SLS free  Manuka honey
formula.  Vitamin E

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Hayfever/Allergic rhinitis
 Determine the cause via a skin  Drink lots of water to flush out
prick test or RAST; AND the body, reduces inflammation
REMOVE IF POSSIBLE and thins the mucous
 Prepare for spring: By starting  Identifying any underlying GI
early with disorders such as poor
supplements, removing dairy digestion which causes
from the diet because of the systemic inflammation and
mucous forming element. bowel flora imbalance. Urine
test can identify this.
 Saline spray/Neti pot –
antibacterial and cleanses the  Adequate sleep, rest and
nasal passages exposure to fresh air.
 Steam bath containing  Apply hot packs to the mucous
eucalyptus/tea tree/thyme oil membranes, volatile oils

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Hayfever/Allergic rhinitis
 Proteolytic enzymes  Highly nutritious but easily
digested diet ie. Soups, cooked
 Zinc
foods eg porridge instead of
 Horseradish muesli. Steamed vege instead
of salad.
 Garlic
 Reduce sugar as it interferes
 Nettle
with the immune system
 Marshmallow
 Warming drinks
 Echinacea
 Albizia
 Reishi & Shiitake Mushrooms
 Antioxidants

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Hives/Chronic Urticaria
 Allergic component, candida
 Caused by Th1/Th2 balance. Mast cell degranulation.
 Herbs: Perilla, Baical skullcap, Feverfew, Ginger

 Dietary aspect
 Low reactive diet
 Anti-Candida diet
 IgG food intolerance testing

 Inspect GI health and bowel flora
 In all cases we do gut healing work and boost the good bacteria in
the large intestine. Slippery Elm, Glutamine, Aloe vera, Turmeric,
Quercetin

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Naturopathic Treatment Options
Sinusitis

 Very similar to Hayfever except when Chronic
 Colloidal silver – antibacterial, good for infection in boney spaces
 Herbs for immune support
 Water for flushing

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Food Allergy & Intolerance

 Food Allergy – can improve over time
 Food Intolerance – definitely improves over time
 Foods contain a huge range of substances that we can be
allergic/intolerant to
 Proteins
 Amines
 Salicylates
 Additives

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 Consider Food intolerance testing (IgG test)
 But as first start Dairy and GF until test result arrives
 Otherwise exclude for 3m and then move to the next suspect food
 Or low reactive diet – pear, rice, lamb and most vege for 3m

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 In all cases we do gut healing work and boost the good bacteria
in the large intestine. Slippery Elm, Glutamine, Aloe
Vera, Turmeric, Quercetin

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 Cross reactivity
 Some children who are allergic to cow's milk protein also show a
cross sensitivity to soy-based products.
 People with latex allergy often also develop allergies to
bananas, kiwi, avocados, and some other foods

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Final note:

 More than one allergy can contribute to symptoms and then food
intolerances can further complicate the picture.
 I try to be a detective when it comes to allergic symptoms
because there can be no complete improvement without
addressing the whole picture.

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Thanks for attending!

The Complete Health & Wellness Centre
Shop 2, 5 Murray Street
PORT MACQUARIE
Mob: 0432 978 688
Email: contact@karenarcher.com.au
Website: karenarcher.com.au

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Introduction to allergy

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