Allergies

This article is based on Mayo Clinic’s content.

Allergies

Allergies are hypersensitive reactions triggered by a particular immune defence mechanism in response to substances that would not normally induce reactions in the majority of people.

Depending on the organ or system affected, allergies can exhibit themselves in a variety of ways. The skin and respiratory system are the two organs that are most affected by allergies, with the primary symptoms being rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma.

The most common allergen is pollen, but mould, dust mites and animals are also common irritants. Allergic reactions can also be triggered by foods, medications or insect bites and stings.

Our immune system is in homeostasis when there is a constant movement and exchange between the TH1 and TH2 immune pathways, as the two systems of both inhibit and complement each other.

In a skin wound, for example, the presence of foreign substances leads to the dominance of the TH2 proinflammatory pathway. The immune system can remain stuck in a TH2 dominant state when this pathway does not amend itself and return to equilibrium. Allergies and asthma are considered TH2 dominant conditions.

Do you want to know more about allergies?

We recommend that you read the Disease and Conditions page of the Mayo Clinic for public information.

Which mushrooms have useful properties for allergies?

Champiñón del sol

Improves immune response, has anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties and used in development of allergies.

Results from various studies indicate that the Sun Agaricus ( also known as the Sun Mushroom) is an excellent immune modulator as it improves balance between Th1 and Th2 status. Various studies showed the capacity of this mushroom to reduce the response to antibodies when that number is too high.

Sun Mushroom can be used as a prevention to developing allergies, as well as reducing the symptoms of allergic flare-ups as the general anti-inflammatory effect.

Reishi

Contains anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties

Reishi is the ultimate anti-inflammatory mushroom. Reishi extract contains triterpenes that have antioxidant, anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties, mainly having a stabilising effect on the immune system. It does so by inhibiting the secretion of histamines, as well as regulating the release of cells that increase inflammation.

The modulating function of beta-glucans is also critical to the Reishi’s ability to shift the immune system from a TH2 dominant state (proinflammatory and overactive immune response) toward a balance between TH1 and TH2.

References

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