Allergies, Ambrotose and Glyconutrients
The key to understanding allergies is immunoglobulin E (IgE), one of five major antibodies, the others being: IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgD. While IgE, along with the other four antibodies in this class, is a glycoprotein, it behaves differently from the other four: the other antibodies. An allergic reaction follows a chain of events.
Firstly the allergen comes into the body. Allergens enter our body by being inhaled (grass pollen, house dust), by being ingested (foods), or by coming into contact with the skin. Symptoms may include runny nose, sinusitis, earache, or runny eyes, itching skin, eczema and shortness of breath. Allergens tend to be protein molecules, but sometimes molecules other than protein, called haptens, are allergens. When the allergen enters the body it is detected by the B cells, which are specialised immune cells, capable of producing antibodies. These antibodies are also protein molecules and they have the capacity to neutralise allergens. Every B cell produces its own, specific antibody, depending on the type of intruder it needs to respond to.
There are five main categories of antibodies, which the body releases under different circumstances (eg to fight off various infections). Most antibodies will bind to the appropriate damaging substance and neutralise it. IgE, however, attaches one of its 'legs' to one of the body's numerous mast cells. It then uses the other leg to hold on to the allergen. This action signals the mast cells to begin disintegrating, thereby releasing histamine. Histamine is a chemical substance that causes many of the complaints which arise during allergic reactions.
People with allergies are different to people without allergies! People with allergies produce IgE in response to such harmless things as house dust or pollen. The non-allergic person produces IgG or IgM antibodies against these substances.
One solution is to avoid the allergen, but many times the allergens are linked to the essentials of life. At other times there are too many allergens to avoid. Many people have found that when taking glyconutrients, allergies diminish and in some cases are completely eradicated. There is substantial evidence that some glyconutrients, such as those in Ambrotose, can reduce the amount of IgE in the blood thereby diminishing symptoms caused by over production of IgE. Other glyconutrients can help fight the overproduction of histamine.
For all people not just those with allergies, glyconutrients form the basic cellular language of all cells. Cells require adequate amounts of glyconutrients to allow cells to communicate 'correctly'. These nutrients are known to improve the immune system function, organ function and improve basic body physiology. If cells cannot communicate correctly they cannot function correctly or stay healthy. Glyconutrients in Ambrotose for cell communication are pivotal no matter what other supplements you decide to take.
Resources and Links on Allergies and Glyconutrients
www.immune.com - discussion group on all types of human allergies - how allergies influence our health and lifestyles, treatments for allergies from the consumer perspective and experience, self-help prevention of allergy symptoms, allergy self-care, and support systems.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this medical condition section is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders, consult your health care professional.
Copyright 2005 Glyconutrients Reference - Last Updated May 2005
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