Allergies: the most effective dietary supplements

Allergies refer to a set of hypersensitivity reactions in which the immune system reacts excessively to substances that are normally harmless, called allergens. These allergens can include foods, airborne particles (pollen, dust mites, animal dander), medications, or insect stings.

Mechanisms of Allergies

Allergies can occur by two main mechanisms: • Immediate hypersensitivity (IgE-dependent): This mechanism is responsible for most respiratory and food allergies. During the first contact with an allergen, the immune system produces specific antibodies called IgE. These IgE bind to immune cells such as mast cells and basophils. Upon a second contact, the allergen is captured by the IgE, causing the release of mediators like histamine, which are responsible for immediate allergic symptoms such as hives, rhinitis, and asthma attacks. • Delayed hypersensitivity (T cell–mediated): This mechanism is often involved in skin allergies like contact eczema. After the first contact, the allergen penetrates the skin and is taken up by Langerhans cells located in the epidermal layer. Upon re-exposure to that allergen, activated T cells trigger a localized inflammatory reaction, leading to skin lesions such as redness, itching, or blisters.

Symptoms

In general, signs are early or even immediate. They occur at the latest four hours after ingestion of the food in the case of a food allergy (such as an anaphylactic reaction, angioedema/Quincke's edema, or severe laryngeal edema). Apart from delayed digestive forms and eczema where symptoms can be persistent, respiratory signs are another frequent manifestation of allergy, including breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, rhinitis, or rhinoconjunctivitis. Skin manifestations include eczema (severe in young children), pruritus, rashes, localized or generalized urticaria, and swelling. Digestive signs such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are common but nonspecific. The term anaphylactic shock is used when two organ systems are affected (skin and/or mucous membranes, respiratory system, tachycardia, digestive disturbances).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis may not be obvious and depends on the manifestations of the allergy and the allergens involved. It is based on the precise identification of the responsible allergens through a dietary investigation and various allergological explorations, such as the oral food challenge, skin "prick" tests, atopy patch tests, measurement of specific IgE, and multi-allergen tests.

Treatment

Treatment of allergy combines several strategies: • Avoidance of the allergen: The first step of treatment is to limit exposure to the responsible allergen, although this can be difficult for environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites. • Medications: Antihistamines are used to relieve immediate symptoms by blocking the action of histamine. In the case of a severe reaction, epinephrine is administered to rapidly counteract the effects of anaphylactic shock. Other medications, such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators, may be prescribed to manage chronic inflammation and asthma. • Immunotherapy: Desensitization, or immunotherapy, involves gradually exposing the body to small amounts of the allergen to increase tolerance. This can reduce the severity of allergic reactions over the long term, particularly for respiratory allergies.

Holistic Approach

Allergies are often linked to prolonged immune stress and an imbalance of the immune system. Intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by increased intestinal permeability, can promote the development of allergies, notably by allowing undesirable antigens to pass through. The connection between the gut and the immune system is well established, and an unhealthy gut can play a key role in the manifestation of allergies. It is therefore essential to consider the condition of the gut and to maintain good digestive health to prevent or alleviate allergic symptoms. Diet plays a central role in this balance, particularly consuming foods rich in omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation, and antioxidants, which protect cells against oxidative stress. Micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium can also play a role in supporting the immune response and reducing allergic reactions. Studies have shown that zinc is necessary for the synthesis of serum thymic factor, which promotes T cell differentiation. Vitamin C, for its part, is a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the severity of asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis. Trace elements can also be used orally to strengthen the body's condition. Manganese and copper, for example, may help modulate the immune response.

Prevention

In terms of prevention, it is recommended to avoid the relevant allergens and to adopt strategies to reduce exposure, such as regularly ventilating the home and maintaining appropriate hygiene to limit allergies. In children, prevention is based on exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4 to 6 months, cautious food diversification introduced between the 17th and 24th week, with iron-rich foods (eggs, meat) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (eggs, oily fish), and the gradual introduction of gluten between 4 and 7 months to reduce the risk of wheat allergy, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.