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References

Hormone Modulation

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.

Life Extension 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:

Rosmarinic Acid Extract—100 to 200 mg (with 4 to 8 mg of luteolin) in the morning
EPA/DHA—700 to 2100 mg of EPA and 500 to 1500 mg of DHA daily with food
GLA—285 to 1425 mg daily
Vitamin C—1 to 3 g daily in divided doses
Vitamin E—400 to 800 IU daily
NAC—600 to 1800 mg daily (along with vitamin C)
Green tea extract—725 mg daily
Nettle leaf extract—100 to 200 mg daily
CoQ10—30 to 100 mg daily
Magnesium—150 to 300 mg daily

To enhance digestive tract function:

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 Life Extension 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.

For more information see the Safety Appendix