Glenys Collings explores why allergies are becoming more commonplace and what we can do about it.
What is allergy?
Allergy may present as asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, anaphylaxis, as well as multi-system symptoms and frequently seemingly unrelated symptoms as recognised in food intolerance. In fact, the definition of allergy can be debated, but the common factor in all these presentations is an immunological response and inflammation. In reviewing the incidence of allergy (1), it is widely accepted that there is a global increase in the worsening or frequency of symptoms in previously sensitized individuals, and increase in sensitization in atopic individuals, recognising the genomic effect.
Air Pollution
Epidemiological evidence shows that allergic disease varies widely, and suggests that environment and lifestyle are predisposing factors (2). The increase of allergic respiratory symptoms in urbanised areas has been shown to be related to exposure to air pollution, from exhaust fumes, industrial and incinerator waste. 21st century lifestyle also characterises more time spent indoors, where there is greater exposure to house dust mite, mould, animal dander, and cigarette smoke.
Synthetic Chemicals
In the last 25 years, individuals are also being exposed to unprecedented levels of synthetic chemicals (3), such as organochlorides, organophosphates, carbamates, toxic metals, solvents and plastics, These chemicals are found in cosmetic, domestic , horticultural, technological and construction products which are ingested through food, water, and the skin.
Pollution of the sea has led to contamination of the food chain with heavy metals and organo-chlorines, and processed food contains preservatives, colouring and artificial flavours which increase the toxic burden. Agriculture, over the last 25 years, led to increased use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and antibiotics, all of which contaminate foods.
Even the childhood vaccination programme, which in concept makes sense, exposes babies to hidden chemical additives such as mercury, aluminium, formaldehyde, sulphites, and monosodium glutamate which add to the overall chemical burden. Similarly, the widespread prescribing of pharmaceutical drugs has caused allergic drug reactions.
Diet
Dietary changes over the last 25 years, with excessive consumption of refined and processed food can also be considered a likely factor in the inflammation associated with allergy. Inadequate levels of anti-oxidants found in fruit and vegetables, such as selenium, vitamins A, C, E and zinc, contribute to impaired immunity. Modern farming, leading to degradation of the soil has been considered a factor in nutrient deficient food (5).
Adequate levels of vitamin D, which has an immune enhancing and immunosuppressive effect, effecting gut permeability, are essential to protect an increasingly allergic population.
The increased consumption of processed food and animal fats, with inadequate ratios of EPA and DHA, found in fish oils, contributes inflammation, associated with allergy.
The relationship between gut flora, inflammation and immunity also appears to be a likely factor in the incidence of allergy. It has been shown that infants born by caesarean section have profoundly different micro flora, with differences remaining at 7 years, suggesting an increased risk of allergy (5).
Stress
The effect of stress, as a cause of inflammation, measured as levels of cytokines, is also being considered in the clinical application of allergy. It has been shown that stress will exacerbate symptoms of asthma in atopic individuals (6). However, behavioural changes due to psychological coping mechanisms, such as diet, alcohol, smoking, exercise, and medication compliance will also influence onset of allergic symptoms.
21st Century Management of Allergy
So, although, any of these factors in 21st century environmental change, such as exposure to air pollutants, synthetic chemicals, nutritional deficiencies and stress may affect allergy, it is the cumulative effect in atopic individuals, which reaches a threshhold at which symptoms appear (7).
A 21st century approach to allergy, considers an alternative to pharmaceutical intervention. Elimination of toxic exposure is essential. Simply choosing natural products for all aspects of daily life will significantly reduce exposure. A natural whole food diet, rich with anti oxidants, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins will protect against an increasingly toxic environment. Stress management and relaxation techniques need to be incorporated into increasingly demanding 21st century lifestyles.
References
1. Pawankar, R., et al, 2008. State of World Allergy Report 2008: Allergy and Chronic Respiratory Diseases. World Allergy Organisation Journal, S4-S17
2. Janson, C. et al, 2001. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey: what are the main results so far? European Community Respiratory Health Survey 11. European Respiratory Journal 18(3) pp598-611
3. Ballie-Hamilton, P., ed, 2005. Stop the 21st Century Killing You. Vermillion
4. Worthington, V., 1998. Effect of agricultural methods on nutritional quality: a comparison of organic with conventional crops. Alternative Therapies 4(1) pp58-69
5. Macie, R.I. et al, 1999. Development of microbial ecology of the gastro- intestinal tract. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1035S-1045S
6. Montoro, J. et al, 2009. Stress and Allergy. Journal Investigative Allergic Clinical Immunology. 19(1): 40-47
7. Seton, A., 1994. Increase in Asthma: a more toxic environment or a more susceptible population? Thorax, 49 pp171-174
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