The correlation between immune response and hormonal status has been
documented. For example, research shows that DHEA levels have an impact
on immune-cell function (Bauer ME 2005; Tabata N et al 1997; Kos-Kudla
B et al 2001). Also, the imbalance of adrenal hormones under stressful
conditions may weaken the immune response (Elenkov IJ et al 2005). See
the chapters on “Female Hormone Restoration” or “Male Hormone
Restoration” for more details.
Vitamin Depot Online.com Foundation Recommendations
Whenever possible, the best therapy for an allergic problem is to
avoid the offending substance or substances. For food allergies, this
means avoiding the allergen and being vigilant about reading food
labels. Nuts in particular are found in many foods in which people
might not expect them.
For environmental allergies, the environment should be kept as free
of known and potential allergens as possible. Allergy-proof and
mite-proof covers should be used on all pillows, mattresses, and box
springs in the sleeping area, and all bedding should be washed weekly
in very hot (135°F) water. Removal of carpet and other dust collectors
in the sleeping area may also help cut down exposure to insect
droppings and tiny pieces of insects. Mold exposure can be avoided by
eliminating moisture-laden growth areas, and any new growth must be
removed promptly. Mold-inhibiting substances are available and should
be used freely on mold-prone surfaces. Pets should be kept out of the
sleeping area, and cats and dogs should be bathed frequently to reduce
the amount of surface allergens on their bodies. HEPA air filters at
home and work may decrease allergens. Avoiding cigarette smoke is also
important. Always introduce new foods and medications gradually to
assess whether an allergic reaction may develop.
In addition, numerous nutrients have been shown to reduce allergy
symptoms by affecting the biochemical pathways that are activated
during allergic outbreaks. People with allergies may want to consider
the following supplements:
Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) or fructooligosaccharides, as directed on label
For modulation of hormones:
DHEA—a suggested starting dose is 15 to 75 mg. Blood testing should be performed.
Pregnenolone and other hormones—blood testing is recommended. For more information on hormone blood testing, call Vitamin Depot Online.com at 1-800-544-4440.
Allergy Safety Caveats
An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be
launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of
the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects.
These include:
Coenzyme Q10
See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if
you take CoQ10 and have diabetes. Several clinical reports suggest that
taking CoQ10 may improve glycemic control and the function of beta
cells in people who have type 2 diabetes.
Statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin) are known to decrease CoQ10 levels.
DHEA
Do not take DHEA if you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or could have prostate, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
EPA/DHA
Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin
(Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of
bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
GLA
Consult your doctor before taking GLA if you take warfarin
(Coumadin). Taking GLA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using GLA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
GLA can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Green Tea
Consult your doctor before taking green tea extract if you take
aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking green tea extract and aspirin or
warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using green tea extract 2 weeks before any surgical procedure. Green tea extract may decrease platelet aggregation.
Green tea extract contains caffeine, which may produce a
variety of symptoms including restlessness, nausea, headache, muscle
tension, sleep disturbances, and rapid heartbeat.
Magnesium
Do not take magnesium if you have kidney failure or myasthenia gravis.
NAC
NAC clearance is reduced in people who have chronic liver disease.
Do not take NAC if you have a history of kidney stones (particularly cystine stones).
NAC can produce a false-positive result in the nitroprusside test for ketone bodies used to detect diabetes.
Consult your doctor before taking NAC if you have a history of
peptic ulcer disease. Mucolytic agents may disrupt the gastric mucosal
barrier.
NAC can cause headache (especially when used along with nitrates) and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Vitamin C
Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of
kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater
than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than
30 milliliters per minute.
Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C
if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle
cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these
conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.
Vitamin E
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a
history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic
stroke, or hemophilia.
Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure.
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