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Probiotics for Allergy Relief |
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Clinical and Experimental Allergy June 2008
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Vitamin D May Offer Asthma and Allergy Protection
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American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Published by Mosby, Inc. June 2007 Augusto A. Litonjua MD, MPH and Scott T. Weiss MD, MS
Harvard Medical School
In the 1960s, the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases began to increase worldwide. Currently, the burden of the disease is more than 300 million people affected. We hypothesize that as populations grow more prosperous, more time is spent indoors, and there is less exposure to sunlight, leading to decreased cutaneous vitamin D production. Coupled with inadequate intake from foods and supplements, this then leads to vitamin D deficiency, particularly in pregnant women, resulting in more asthma and allergy in their offspring. Vitamin D has been linked to immune system and lung development in utero, and our epidemiologic studies show that higher vitamin D intake by pregnant mothers reduces asthma risk by as much as 40% in children 3 to 5 years old. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with obesity, African American race (particularly in urban, inner-city settings), and recent immigrants to westernized countries, thus reflecting the epidemiologic patterns observed in the asthma epidemic. Providing adequate vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy may lead to significant decreases in asthma incidence in young children. |
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| Quercetin, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Bromelain
Quercetin
The next time you browse through the produce department in your local supermarket, take a closer look at some of those fruits and vegetables. They contain substances called bioflavonoids. These flavonoids play a
Bioflavonoids have long been known to possess anti-allergic effects. As early as the 1950s, studies showed that flavonoids could prevent the release of histamines and inhibit anaphylaxis.(Clark W, Mackay E. Effect of flavonoid substances on histamine toxicity, anaphylactic shock and histamine-enhanced capilary permeability to dye. J Allergy 21: 133-47, 1950).
Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, its appearance: yellow needle like crystal has been shown to block the initial histamine release from mast cells. An allergic reaction is caused by a rapid release of histamine from mast cells (immune cells) and starts the chain of events which eventually leads to the familiar symptoms of allergy: nasal discharge, stinging and watery eyes, itching, and hives.
There are numerous medications available, both by prescription and over the counter, to give relief to the allergy sufferer. However, most, if not all, produce unpleasant side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, and drowsiness. These medications work by blocking the histamine receptors on other cells, not by blocking the initial release of the histamine itself.
Stinging Nettle Leaf
The stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, is found across Asia, Europe and North America. Stinging nettle has long been used as a medicinal herb with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Stinging nettle reduces levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body and interferes with pain signals sent from the brain, reducing pain levels. It also contains antihistamines.
Bromelain
Bromelain has proven mucolytic properties. As such, bromelain supports normal mucosal tissue function and enhances the absorption of quercetin.
The bromelains are a group of naturally occurring protein-digestive (proteolytic) enzymes. They are found in the stem of the pineapple. Other components of the stem, including various enzymes and calcium, are also present in commercial bromelain preparations. Besides being used as a protein digestive aid, the enzymes in bromelain inhibit inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. The anti-inflammatory effect has been studied for its effectiveness in inflammatory conditions like arthritis and sinusitis.
In order to get substantial amounts of bromelain from pineapple you must eat the fibrous stem, therefore it is much easier to use a supplement form. |
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Dr Eisenstein’s Comment:
ProDh is the newest addition to our ProLine products. The ProLine products are synergistic Nutraceuticals* with the addition of our special blend of Probiotics to enhance potency and absorption.
This synergistic combination of Vitamin D, Probiotics, Quercetin, Stinging Nettle, and Bromelain in ProDh brings relief, without the side-effects of antihistamines, to many people who suffer from allergies.
The Vitamin D and the Probiotic blend brings allergy relief by themselves as well as additional health benefits.
*Nutraceuticals is a term that comes from the combination of nutrition and pharmaceutical. The word is meant to describe natural food-based (nutrition) substances that have pharmacological (healing) effects on the human body. Nutraceutical refers to any food product, supplement or dietary substance that has peoven health and medical benefits.
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