Allergy Solutions – You Need to Know About Innate vs. Adaptive Immune Response
This blog is PART 2 of our 4-part April Allergy Series, where we dive into the causes, symptoms, and natural solutions for seasonal allergies. Be sure to check out the other posts in the series to learn how Functional Medicine can help you breathe easier this season!
When allergy season rolls around, do you find yourself reaching for tissues, battling itchy eyes, and dealing with persistent congestion? For many people, allergies are an unfortunate part of life—something to endure until the seasons change. But what if we told you that these symptoms are not just random occurrences?
In reality, your allergy symptoms are a sign that your immune system is working overtime. Whether it’s pollen, pet dander, or certain foods triggering your allergies, these substances activate a sophisticated immune response that aims to protect your body. But when this response becomes overly reactive or dysregulated, it can lead to chronic inflammation, worsening allergy symptoms, and even autoimmune conditions.
In this post, we’ll explore the difference between innate and adaptive immune responses and discuss how Functional Medicine approaches allergies by addressing the root cause—not just masking the symptoms. We’ll also share supplement recommendations to help you better manage histamines and immune system balance.
Understanding Your Immune System: Two Lines of Defense
The immune system is a complex network that protects the body from harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. It operates through two primary systems: the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response. Understanding how these systems function is essential for identifying the root cause of allergies and taking steps to restore balance.
1. Innate Immune Response: The First Line of Defense
The innate immune system is your body’s immediate defense mechanism. It acts as a first responder, providing a broad, non-specific defense against pathogens and allergens. This system includes:
- Physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes that prevent pathogens from entering the body.
- Chemical barriers including stomach acid, enzymes, and antimicrobial proteins that neutralize invaders.
- Cellular defenses such as macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells that identify and eliminate threats.
When an allergen enters the body, the innate immune system works quickly to neutralize it, preventing further spread. However, if the innate response is insufficient, the immune system progresses to the adaptive immune response.
2. Adaptive Immune Response: The Second Line of Defense
If the innate immune system is unable to stop the threat, the adaptive immune system steps in. Also known as acquired immunity, this system is more specialized and develops targeted antibodies to combat specific invaders.
The adaptive immune system relies on:
- B cells, which produce antibodies that neutralize allergens.
- T cells, which destroy infected or damaged cells.
While the adaptive immune system is highly effective, it takes time to activate—typically several days after initial exposure. Unfortunately, in some cases, the adaptive immune system misidentifies harmless substances (like pollen or pet dander) as dangerous, leading to hypersensitivity reactions. This misfire is what triggers allergy symptoms.
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When Chronic Inflammation Becomes a Problem
The transition from an innate to an adaptive immune response is a natural process. But when this process becomes chronic—due to repeated exposure to allergens or unresolved inflammation—your body remains in a state of heightened immune activation.
Think of your body like a cup holding water, where the water represents inflammation. As long as the water is draining from the bottom at the same rate it’s being poured in, the cup stays balanced. But if inflammation builds up faster than your body can clear it, the cup overflows—leading to persistent allergy symptoms, chronic inflammation, and immune dysregulation.
Lifestyle and Supplements to Support Immune Balance
While addressing acute allergy responses is essential, it’s equally important to address chronic inflammation and restore balance to the immune system. Functional Medicine takes a comprehensive approach by focusing on lifestyle factors and recommending targeted supplements that reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response.
The 6 Lifestyle Pillars of Functional Medicine
To prevent immune dysregulation and reduce allergy symptoms, we focus on these foundational lifestyle pillars:
- Physical Activity: Regular movement enhances circulation, improves lymphatic drainage, and boosts immune resilience.
- Healthy Eating: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber supports a balanced immune response.
- Restorative Sleep: Poor sleep weakens immune defenses and increases inflammation. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can weaken the immune system over time. Practices like meditation and deep breathing help balance stress hormones.
- Avoiding Risky Substances: Reducing exposure to environmental toxins, alcohol, and processed foods helps minimize inflammation.
- Social Connection: Strong social bonds enhance immune function and reduce inflammatory responses.
Supplements to Manage Histamines and Support Immune Function
In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements and homeopathics can help reduce histamine levels, modulate immune responses, and alleviate allergy symptoms.
We carry these supplements in our office to support your allergy needs, making it easy for you to take control of your health and reduce persistent symptoms.
- HistDAO for Food Histamines
If you experience allergy-like reactions after consuming high-histamine foods (such as fermented foods, aged cheeses, or wine), HistDAO can help. HistDAO contains diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme that breaks down histamine in the digestive tract, preventing it from accumulating and triggering symptoms.
- Quercetin
A powerful flavonoid antioxidant, quercetin stabilizes mast cells, preventing them from releasing histamine and other inflammatory chemicals.
- Stinging Nettles
Stinging nettles possess natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. They block histamine receptors and reduce inflammation.
- Burbur Extract
Burbur extract supports the liver and kidneys—two critical organs involved in detoxification and clearing inflammatory byproducts. By enhancing detoxification, burbur extract helps reduce the overall burden on the immune system.
- Mangosteen
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit rich in xanthones, compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. Studies in BioMed Research International highlight that mangosteen suppresses inflammatory cytokines and supports immune balance.
- Turmeric (Curcumin)
Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps regulate immune function and reduces histamine release. Research published in Molecules confirms that curcumin can reduce airway inflammation and alleviate allergy symptoms by modulating immune cell activity.
- ProAller Homeopathic
We also recommend ProAller, a homeopathic remedy that stimulates hepatic and renal function to cleanse the blood and eliminate toxins. By improving detoxification pathways, ProAller helps the body excrete harmful substances that contribute to chronic inflammation and allergy development.
Scientific Insight: How Supplements and Lifestyle Impact Immune Regulation
Scientific research reinforces the profound impact that lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation have on immune balance and inflammation management:
- A study published by Cambridge University found that regular physical activity enhances immune function and reduces the frequency and severity of allergic responses.
- Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients lowers inflammation and modulates immune responses.
- Studies emphasize that improving gut health through diet and probiotics can regulate immune responses and reduce hypersensitivity.
By integrating these lifestyle principles with targeted supplements, you not only reduce allergy symptoms but also protect your body from long-term immune dysregulation.
Ready to Take Control of Your Allergy Symptoms?
If you’re tired of depending on over-the-counter antihistamines or feeling like allergies are something you just have to endure, it’s time to take a different approach. At Back On Track 2 Wellness, we focus on addressing the root cause of allergies through Functional Medicine principles—helping you achieve lasting relief and optimal health.
We carry the supplements mentioned in this post in our office to support your allergy needs. Stop by during your next visit or call us to learn more about how these natural solutions can help you breathe easier this allergy season!
What's Next?
Stay tuned for our next blog post in the April Allergy Series, where we’ll dive into histamines and their surprising impact on your overall health. You’ll discover how histamine intolerance can lead to a variety of symptoms beyond seasonal allergies—including headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue.
Ready to Uncover the Root Cause of Your Allergy Symptoms?
Don’t wait another season to take control of your health. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or severe reactions, lasting relief is possible when you address the root cause. Schedule your consultation today.
Schedule Your Telehealth Consultation
We would love to sit down with you and chat about your experiences and current health complaints.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
By Dr. Todd W. Bunning
Dr. Todd W. Bunning’s Chiropractic and Functional Medicine services reach far beyond the local Roseville area, with webcam consultations available for patients in any location. With over 21+ years of Private Practice experience, Dr. Todd continues to focus on the individual: science-based methods to address whole-body health factors.
Dr. Todd’s education didn’t stop when he graduated from Life West Chiropractic College in 2003. Today, he’s continuing to receive training and is chipping away on numerous post-graduate degree programs. This unique blend of clinical health investigation and Lifestyle Medicine application helps people of all ages find the underlying factors that result in chronic disease.