Mild allergy relief and immune support: targeting hyperactive responses

Allergies can be a major inconvenience and disruption to daily life, meaning you may have to avoid the outdoors or ensure you take measures to reduce symptoms when exposed to allergens outdoors. According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA),¹ mild allergies are increasing in Australia and New Zealand and affect around one in five people. While you can try to avoid the allergens, and treatments are available, understanding the immune system's role in allergies can also help you support a healthy immune system and relieve symptoms of mild allergies. 

According to ASCIA, an allergy occurs when a person's immune system reacts to environmental substances that are harmless to most people. These substances, called allergens, include pollen, house dust mites, moulds, foods, medicines and animals. 

The immune system has an effective process for protecting the body from invaders and pathogens. 

The ASCIA describes how white blood cells recognise germs and tell the immune system to act. They may also kill invaders or produce antibodies. Antibodies recognise germs or harmful substances so the immune system can destroy them. 

However, in some instances, the immune system creates an excessive response to proteins in substances, otherwise known as allergens. 

The immune system confuses something safe to be harmful and tries to protect the body. 

The ASCIA² describes how the allergen triggers an antibody reaction when it enters the body. The antibodies attach to mast cells, a type of white blood cell, which respond by releasing histamine. This leads to inflammation with uncomfortable and irritating symptoms. 

As the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research³ explains, allergies are caused by a hyperactive immune system mistakenly responding to external substances. 

For example, as the UNSW reports, food allergies are hypersensitive reactions to a specific food antigen, and most people develop them at a very young age.

There is increasing awareness and research into the relationship between gut health and immune health.

Research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW)⁴ suggests that poor gut health can lead to an increased risk of food hypersensitivity to certain proteins. It could also mean the body lacks the types of colonies in the microbiome that are crucial for a healthy digestive system. 

There are billions of microorganisms in the intestinal tract that support digestion, absorption, and utilisation of nutrients and make up 70 per cent of the immune system.      The Cleveland Clinic⁵ states that keeping the gut flora healthy can help support the immune system.

The release of histamines as part of the immune response causes irritating allergic symptoms. Histamine is mainly stored in mast cells and the white blood cells in tissues. 

The Cleveland Clinic⁶ notes that some supplements may help reduce inflammation accompanying mild allergic reactions.

Quercetin is a polyphenol, a compound from plants. Its main natural sources are vegetables such as onions and broccoli, fruits such as apples and grapes; some herbs; tea; and wine. A 2016 review of studies in the Molecules Journal⁷ found that quercetin has antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit histamine release. The plant extract of quercetin is the main ingredient of many potential anti-allergic supplements.

Bromelain is a combination of enzymes from the stem and juice of the pineapple. It has traditionally been used to reduce inflammation. According to Mount Sinai Hospital⁸, bromelain may help relieve swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever, although the studies are inconclusive.

It is mostly found in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. According to a 2022 review paper published in the Heliyon Journal,⁹  its leaves are full of antioxidants and are used to treat allergic rhinitis. The paper discusses how stinging nettle has been shown to alleviate allergic symptoms with its antihistamine properties, including blocking of histamine H1 receptors.

Conclusion

Allergies can be a major disruptor to life’s daily activities. While treatments are available, and avoiding the outdoors and potential allergens is an option, it’s worth understanding the role the immune system plays in the process. As it tries to protect the body from harmful invaders, it can sometimes respond excessively to external substances that may not be harmful. The release of histamines causes the uncomfortable symptoms, and natural antihistamines are available that may alleviate these.

With increasing research on the impact of gut health on a healthy immune system, looking after the gut may also assist with managing mild allergies.