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metals, an imbalanced oxidation rate and imbalances causing fatigue are common hair analysis
indicators for a tendency for allergies.
Allergies in Slow Oxidizers
We define slow oxidation as a condition in which the thyroid and adrenal glands are
underactive. This is based on the hair calcium/potassium ratio and the hair sodium/magnesium
ratio. Chronic allergies are common in slow oxidizers.
The adrenal glands produce epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and cortisone. These
hormones help control allergic reactions. Insufficient production of these hormones results in the
body's inability to respond adequately to allergens. This causes a tendency for all types of
environmental allergies in slow oxidizers.
According to research by Dr. Paul Eck, hair analysis indicators for adrenal insufficiency
include low hair levels of sodium and potassium, a ratio of sodium to magnesium less than 4.17:1,
and/or a ratio of sodium to potassium less than 2.5:1.
Food reactions are also common in slow oxidizers. One reason is that digestive dysfunctions
are common in slow oxidizers. These include low levels of digestive enzymes, particularly
hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Partially digested food may ferment or putrefy, producing toxic
chemicals that cause reactions.
Also, slow oxidizers are prone to improper gut flora, such as an overgrowth of candida
albicans. This too interferes with normal digestion and produces toxic substances including
alcohol and acetaldehyde. Slow oxidizers generally have sluggish elimination, including
constipation. More toxic substances are reabsorbed due to a longer bowel transit time, and the
body is less able to eliminate toxins through the liver, kidneys, bowel and skin.
Allergic Reactions in Fast Oxidizers
Fast oxidizers often experience acute allergic reactions such as severe asthma attacks. While
slow oxidizers cannot respond adequately to allergic challenges, fast oxidizers may overreact
with excessive production of histamine, a chemical that is responsible for many allergic
symptoms. Fast oxidizers tend to produce more adrenal hormones, but their reserves for
emergencies may not be adequate.
Also, fast oxidizers tend to have greater cell permeability. Calcium and magnesium tend to
stabilize cell membranes, while high tissue levels of sodium and potassium tend to increase cell
permeability. Excessive permeability causes foreign proteins and other allergens to be absorbed
more easily into the cells, leading to more extreme allergic phenomena.
What are called 'true fast oxidizers' in general experience fewer reactions, especially food
sensitivities, because their digestion is often better than that of slow oxidizers. We define true or
healthy fast oxidizers as those with good ratios of calcium to magnesium and sodium to
potassium. However, many fast oxidizers are 'temporary fast oxidizers' or 'slow oxidizers
under stress'. These people often have symptoms similar to slow oxidizers.
Fatigue and Allergies
Fatigue and allergies often combine to create a vicious cycle. Fatigue reduces adrenal gland
activity. This increases the tendency for allergies, which in turn contributes to fatigue. Hay fever,
itching and other allergies interfere with rest and sleep. Adequate rest is most helpful for allergy
sufferers. This may mean installing air purifiers or other equipment to help one get adequate rest.
Environmental Factors
Allergic symptoms occur when a critical stress threshold has been exceeded. Dust, molds,
pollens, toxic chemicals, food additives and other irritants contribute to the toxic load the body
must cope with. Reducing the toxic load requires a review, or better, a visit to a person's home
or work environment. Indoor air pollution from dust, molds, dirty air ducts, and chemical
exposure from furniture, carpets, office equipment and cleaning products is far worse than most
outdoor pollution. Fortunately, there are many methods and products available to help clean up
indoor air pollution.
Chemicals found in foods, and foods to which one is sensitive, also contribute to the toxic
load. Improving food quality, eliminating problem foods and reducing one's intake of
chemical-laden foods can alone often make a huge difference in allergy cases.
Nutritional Correction
Occasionally, nutritional correction of allergies is a simple process. Symptomatic remedies
for slow oxidizers with allergies include nutrients that support the adrenals. These include vitamins
A, C and E, manganese, pantothenic acid and adrenal glandular substance. Higher than normal
doses may be needed, at least initially.
High histamine individuals and fast oxidizers often need calcium, magnesium, zinc and other
nutrients to reduce their sensitivity level. Bioflavonoids in high doses, such as found in the product
Endo-AC, may help reduce capillary permeability. Selenium, a precursor to glutathione, may also
be helpful for allergies.
Other natural remedies include bee pollen and freeze-dried nettles. Homeopathic remedies
may be helpful for some people. Various desensitization procedures sometimes help.
Conventional desensitization includes the use of allergy shots, while newer methods include
NAET, a kinesiological desensitization procedure.
When allergies are chronic, a more complete approach is better. This includes 1)
environmental cleanup, 2) lifestyle correction, including diet, rest and sleep, 3) several months to
several years on a corrective nutrition program and 4) other natural therapies as needed to
correct longstanding adrenal weakness and other imbalances that contribute to allergies.
Copyright © 2001
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
