Allergies in Graves' Disease and What Can Help
Aug
2
Written by:
8/2/2011
Several major studies have shown how allergic reactions worsen symptoms in autoimmune thyroid disorders. The allergic response causes an increase in immunoglobulin E (IGE), making IgE a marker of allergic sensitivity. Previous studies show that patients with Graves' disease who have a rise in IgE experience a worsening of symptoms. In Japan, allergies to cedar pollen are the most common cause of Graves' disease.
Canadian researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 60 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who were allergic to birch tree pollen. Test subjects were given 50 mg of the antioxidant supplement pycnogenol or placebo twice daily 3-8 weeks before the onset of birch pollen season. The subjects taking pycnogenol only experienced a 19% rise in IgE compared to the subjects using the placebo, who experienced a 32% increase in IgE. Reducing IgE production lowers the risk of flares in Graves' disease.
Other dietary supplements commonly used to help reduce allergic reactions to pollen including stinging nettle, bromelain, quercetin and vitamin C.
Reference: D. Wilson, M. Evans, N. Guthrie, et al. A randominzed, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of Pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Phyotherapy Research, 2010.
8/2/2011
Written and Copyrighted by Elaine Moore ©2011