Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) contains compounds known as proanthocyanidins as well as vitamin E, flavonoids and linoleic acid which act in the body as potent anti-oxidants and have many therapeutic benefits. Anti-oxidants are able to scavenge free radicals in the body that damage cells and create inflammation. Grape seed extract is often confused with Grapefruit seed extract as both may be abbreviated as GSE, but grapefruit seed is used mostly as an anti-microbial and should not be used long term. Grape seed extract on the other hand may be used long term as it can help reduce inflammation and LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol known to be associated with atherosclerosis. Grape seed has also been shown to protect normal cells during certain chemotherapies and can be toxic to cancer cells therefore increasing the effect of the cancer treatment while reducing side effects. The anti-oxidant properties of grape seed can also help to reduce the symptoms of both asthma and seasonal allergies.

Grape seed supplements come in many different forms and it is important to get a high quality product that has been standardized to the proanthocyanidins and contains a high enough dose to achieve a therapeutic benefit.

Everyone’s immune system is unique and always changing as we contact antigens in the environment.  Antigens being anything from microbes to dust to the proteins found in dairy that cause a response from the immune system.  When an antigen comes into contact with the immune system different immune responses can occur depending on the type of antigen. 

Hypersensitivity reactions are what commonly occur to foods which there are four types.  The peanut allergy is caused by a type I reaction mediated by IgE.  Peanuts in general are highly allergenic because of their chemical composition, some people’s immune systems will react and others won’t because of the variance in our immune systems.  So using the peanut example what commonly happens is the person is exposed to peanuts 1 or 2 times before the reaction becomes anaphylactic.  The peanut is ingested for the first few times and the body becomes sensitized to the antigen (peanut) and starts to produce an antibody known as IgE against it.  IgE binds to receptors on mast cells which cause them to degranulate releasing histamine causing a variety of reactions ie. Shortness breath.  Lots of IgE is formed against the peanuts after 1-2 times of exposure and the next time you consume it will cause a large anaphylactic reaction since it will bind to many mast cells. 

With other foods like dairy the body reacts to the protein called casein in it causing IgG to form which is a type 3 immune reaction.  IgG is a delayed response so symptoms are more subtle like gas, bloating, skin reactions, mucus formation, etc.  (This is not the same as lactose intolerance which is lack of the enzyme lactase causing the inability to break down dairy.)

Some foods are just more commonly recognized by the body as foreign and really it just depends on the person and their immune system.

Allergies are usually associated with symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and sore throat or the more dangerous anaphylactic reactions. However, it is not commonly known that there are different types of allergic reactions and the ones that we are most aware of are not the only allergies that many people suffer from. The common allergies are known as Type 1 or IgE reactions and they are what your Medical Doctor or allergist test for when they do the skin prick test.  IgE reactions are typically those that occur immediately after being exposed to the offending substance and cause a more severe reaction.  The peanut allergy is the most common example of this reaction. These tests do not measure your body’s reaction to certain foods and are only utilized to assess for the common allergy symptoms, anaphylactic or IgE reactions.

Food allergies or more accurately, food sensitivities are known as Type 3, IgG or delayed reactions. This refers to the specific antibody that the immune system sends out to create the reactions that we feel as symptoms. It is thought that the immune system incorrectly flags the food as an invader. The interesting feature of IgG reactions is that they can occur anywhere between a few minutes to several days after the food or allergen has been introduced to the body. Also, there are a variety of symptoms that may occur depending on the individual including, but not limited, to abdominal pain or bloating, fatigue or fogginess, joint pain, skin rash or irritations or mucous formation in the nose or throat.

There are many options when testing for food sensitivities, but we believe that the most accurate and easiest way to test is through the blood. Other tests include electro-dermal testing through the skin (VEGA) and elimination (hypoallergenic) diet testing. The blood test is the only one that directly measures the amount of IgG antibody that your body produces against approximately 100 different food sources. This provides an objective measure in order to remove the offending foods from the diet and requires only a few drops of blood via finger prick. Electrical impulse testing relies on the experience and expertise of the practitioner, VEGA machine and energy testing.  The elimination diet on the other hand, requires a conscious effort to keep many foods out of the diet for one month and systematically introducing each food one at a time. While this can be a great indication of the culprits, it requires more time and effort to provide only a subjective answer. We believe that a combination of blood testing and a modified elimination diet after the results are obtained is the best way to identify and remove symptoms caused by food allergens.

Food Sensitivity Test Options

1. IgG Blood Test

Pros
- objective results
- no commitment to diet required while waiting for results
- easy to obtain results

Cons
- higher cost

2. Elimination Diet

Pros
- less cost
- may feel better immediately on diet
- can detoxify your liver at the same time

Cons
- time consuming
- subjective results
- requires commitment to a temporary lifestyle change

3. Electro-dermal Testing

Pros
- easy to obtain results

Cons
- subjective results as could vary between practitioners and machine
- higher cost

The identification and elimination of your food sensitivities is very important as keeping these foods in the diet can cause unwanted symptoms and inflammation in the body.  The good news is that once you know what your food sensitivity is, avoidance is easy.  The even better news is that once the food is identified and eliminated for a period of time typically the immune system readjusts and you may be able to enjoy this food again!  As all testing comes with pros and cons we suggest using whatever method suits you the best in order to eliminate your food sensitivities as soon as possible.

What are allergies?

Allergies are a reaction from your body’s immune system to a nonthreatening foreign substance (ie. grass, dust, pollen) causing annoying and sometimes life threatening physical symptoms. There are different types of allergies or immune reactions and in this newsletter we will only be covering the seasonal allergies that are mediated by a substance from your immune system known as IgE. The body releases IgE in response to the foreign material leading to a release of histamine from mast cells ultimately causing those familiar symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat and blocked sinuses.

Note: Anaphylactic reactions can be fatal and if you are experiencing any difficulty breathing or feeling of the throat closing seek immediate medical attention.  

What can you do to reduce allergy symptoms?

The following ideas may help reduce the symptoms you experience during the allergy season and are in no particular order. Always consult a health professional before beginning any supplement regime.

1.       Local Honey – It has been theorized that a spoonful of local honey will contain most, if not all of the local pollens in minute doses. Taking a few spoonfuls of this honey may desensitize the body to the pollens leading to a reduction of symptoms. Also, it is delicious.

2.       Quercetin – A compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as black and green teas. It acts as a mast cell stabilizer to limit the release of histamine and lessen the severity of the allergic reaction. It is best if taken every day starting a few weeks before the beginning of the allergy season and throughout. Food sources high in Quercetin:
-          Apples
-          Citrus fruits
-          Onions
-          Parsley
-          Green or Black tea
-          Beans
-          Blueberries or Blackberries
-          Leafy green vegetables

3.       Vitamin C – Helps regulate the immune system and decrease its overreaction to non-harmful substances. Below is a list of the best sources of Vitamin C:
-          Papaya
-          Bell Peppers
-          Strawberries
-          Broccoli
-          Pineapple
-          Brussels Sprouts
-          Kiwi fruit
-          Oranges
-          Cantaloupe
-          Kale

4.       Nasal Rinse/Neti Pot – This will help keep your sinuses clear and avoid the accumulation of allergic materials in the nasal passages.  Ensure you use filtered water with saline.

5.       Bromelain – Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and is often paired with quercetin to increase absorption and effect. The most common source of bromelain comes from the stem of pineapple.

6.       Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) – Taken in the form of a tea or tincture, this herb has great anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity. It is also very nourishing to the body.

7.       Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) – Has been shown to reduce allergic symptoms without causing the sedative effects of anti-histamines.

8.       Probiotics – Multiple “friendly” bacterial strains and adequate dosing of probiotics will help regulate immune function.

9.       Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid which has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity.  It is also a great anti-oxidant and the spice can be easily added into any meal.

10.   Avoidance – By far the most effective treatment, but not always possible.

Trying these simple steps at home may help you in your quest to combat those irritating allergy symptoms during the peak season. It is always a good idea to consult your local health care provider for further treatment and support and to ensure that you are taking the proper doses of the right supplements for your individual case. Now it is time to step away from the computer and support your body’s immune system so you can get outside and enjoy nature to its fullest.