Spring, allergies and the immune system

It’s true that, due to various circumstances, allergies reach major peaks during the spring. And it can have a decisive influence on our quality of life if no solutions are found. SHA Wellness Clinic proposes several solutions, starting with promoting a strong immune system.

Allergies are nothing more than the immune system’s exaggerated response to agents called allergens. “The most common is the so-called immediate hypersensitivity, which is generally manifested by a release of histamine with its consequent manifestations, such as vasodilatation, erythema, urticaria, increased secretions, coughing, oedema, etc.”, explains Dr. Óscar Mayorga, head of the Regenerative Medicine department at SHA Wellness Clinic.

Types of allergies

Some allergic conditions are caused by an atopic reaction or previous susceptibility with a genetic component. “But not all allergies have this component, since many can be acquired”, says Dr Óscar Mayorga.

There are different types of allergies, depending on the cause:

• External allergies, such as environmental and seasonal allergies.
• Indoor allergies: mites, dust, inhalants, etc.
• Allergies to animal hair.
• Food allergies.
• Allergies to medicines.

“Allergies are mainly a pathological manifestation of the immune system, in which other systems—nervous, digestive, hormonal, etc.—play a part”, adds the SHA Wellness Clinic expert.

Likewise, the relationship between the right microbiota or microorganisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa, as well as diet and the integrity of the mucous membranes, among other factors, have been reported as favouring the development of various types of food intolerances and allergies.

Allergies, nutrition and the SHA method

One of the cornerstones of the SHA method is how it impacts the immune system in its quest to protect and strengthen it. It is possible to manage allergies with a strong immune system, starting with maintaining a fully functioning microbiota.

There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve gut health and alleviate bronchial inflammation and allergic disease. Likewise, probiotics and prebiotics are essential for gut health. Their consumption is widely recommended by SHA Wellness Clinic for good gut health.

“The first is the right nutrition, which is achieved with a diet restrictive in pro-inflammatory or allergenic foods such as chocolate, eggs, dairy or sugars, for example”, explains Dr. Óscar Mayorga.

On the other hand, treatments such as ozone therapy or immunotherapy also contribute to proper desensitisation and immunomodulation.