One theory of immune regulation involves homeostasis between T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) activity.
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Th1/Th2 dominance refers to the balance or imbalance between two subsets of T-helper cells, Th1 and Th2, which are crucial for immune system function. These cells help coordinate the immune response by producing different cytokines, and their dominance determines the type of immune response the body mounts. This hypothesis has major inconsistencies but it may have value for you. Read further to see if your symptoms match one of the 2 patterns.
Supplements that are used to correct a Th1/Th2 balance are shown here. A more complete explanation follows.
To Rebalance if Th1 Dominant:
- Apex Energetics X-Viromin Formulated to stimulate Th2 pathways. $42.00/90 caps. Please Register, then Contact Us or call us at 714-886-9026 to purchase!
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) – Suppresses Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12) and promotes Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), beneficial for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
- Glutamine – Supports gut health and increases IL-10 (anti-inflammatory), promoting a shift toward Th2 dominance.
- Resveratrol – Reduces Th1 cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ) and enhances Th2-related responses, beneficial for inflammatory conditions.
- Hesperidin – Flavonoid that reduces Th1 cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ) and increases Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), making it a useful Th2 promoter and anti-inflammatory compound. Found in citrus fruits and commonly used for allergies and vascular health.
- Peony – Strong immunomodulator that reduces Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12) while increasing Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). Commonly used in autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) to reduce excessive Th1-driven inflammation.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus – Can modulate gut immunity to promote a Th2 response, but effects depend on microbiome balance.
To Rebalance if Th2 Dominant:
- Apex Energetics X-FLM Formulated to stimulate Th1 pathways. $63.00/90 caps. Please Register, then Contact Us or call us at 714-886-9026 to purchase!
- Astragalus – One of the most potent Th1 boosters, stimulates macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells, increasing IL-12 and IFN-γ while suppressing Th2 cytokines.
- Reishi Mushroom – Enhances Th1 response, promotes IFN-γ, and reduces Th2-driven allergic responses.
- Berberine – Strong anti-inflammatory that increases Th1 cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ) while suppressing Th2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-5.
- Black Cumin Seed – Increases IFN-γ and reduces Th2-related cytokines, beneficial for asthma and allergies.
Symptoms of Th1 Dominance
Th1 dominance occurs when the immune system skews toward cell-mediated immunity, with an overactivation of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells. This is often seen in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Here are common symptoms and conditions associated with Th1 dominance:
Autoimmune Symptoms
- Chronic inflammation in affected tissues (e.g., joints, thyroid, skin)
- Fatigue due to excessive immune activity
- Joint pain and stiffness (common in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis)
- Muscle weakness
- Organ-specific dysfunction (e.g., hypothyroidism in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
Neurological Symptoms
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Mood disorders (e.g., depression or irritability)
Skin Issues
- Dry, scaly skin (e.g., associated with psoriasis)
- Rashes or localized skin inflammation
Digestive Symptoms
- Chronic digestive inflammation (e.g., Crohn’s disease or celiac disease)
- Bloating, abdominal pain, or irregular bowel movements
Hormonal Symptoms
- Imbalance in hormones due to inflammation in endocrine organs (e.g., thyroid)
Generalized Symptoms
- Low-grade fevers
- Persistent low-level infections (because of reduced antibody production)
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight
- Poor wound healing (as Th1 dominance can suppress Th2’s role in healing)
Medical Conditions Associated with Th1 Dominance
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- Autoimmune thyroid diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Psoriasis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Sarcoidosis
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Foods to Avoid with Th1 Dominance:
- Nightshade Vegetables: Tomatoes, Potatoes, Eggplants, Peppers (bell peppers, chili peppers)
- Gluten-Containing Foods: Wheat, barley, rye, and products made with them, Processed foods with hidden gluten (e.g., sauces, dressings, soups)
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, butter, cream
- Refined Sugars and Carbohydrates: Table sugar, pastries, candies, White bread, pasta, and processed baked goods, Sweetened beverages (soda, fruit juices with added sugar)
- Trans Fats and Hydrogenated Oils: Margarine, shortening, and processed baked goods, Fried foods and fast food
- Highly Processed Foods: Packaged snacks (chips, crackers), Frozen meals and processed meats (sausages, hot dogs)
- High Omega-6 Oils (imbalance with omega-3 can worsen inflammation): Soybean oil, Corn oil, Canola oil
- Foods That Trigger Immune Reactivity: Soy products, Peanuts and tree nuts, Shellfish
- Lectin-Rich Foods (in sensitive individuals, lectins can aggravate immune responses): Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts), Grains (wheat, corn, rice), Certain seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
- Caffeine: Can overstimulate the immune system and stress response, worsening Th1 overactivity. Found in coffee, energy drinks, and some teas.
- Alcohol: Promotes inflammation and disrupts gut health, which can worsen autoimmune symptoms.
- Artificial Additives: Preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and flavor enhancers: Aspartame, MSG, and other artificial chemicals can aggravate immune dysregulation.
Symptoms of Th2 Dominance
Th2 dominance occurs when the immune system skews toward humoral immunity, emphasizing antibody production and responses against extracellular pathogens like parasites and allergens. This imbalance often results in allergic and hypersensitivity reactions, chronic inflammation, and difficulty fighting intracellular infections. Below are common symptoms and associated conditions:
Allergy and Hypersensitivity Symptoms
- Frequent allergic reactions (e.g., hay fever, allergic rhinitis, food allergies)
- Itchy skin or hives (urticaria)
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis
- Asthma or other respiratory issues (e.g., wheezing, shortness of breath)
- Sensitivity to environmental triggers (e.g., pollen, dust, mold, animal dander)
- Chronic Infections
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Chronic ear infections
- Difficulty clearing viral infections due to reduced Th1 activity
Inflammatory Symptoms
- Chronic inflammation in tissues with little relief
- Swelling and irritation in mucosal tissues (eyes, throat, nasal passages)
Digestive Symptoms
- Food sensitivities or intolerances
- Bloating, cramping, or other signs of gut inflammation
- Imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis), often favoring opportunistic pathogens
Skin Symptoms
- Chronic rashes or red patches (eczema-like conditions)
- Swelling and puffiness, especially after exposure to allergens
- Rosacea or other hypersensitivity-related skin issues
Neurological and Behavioral Symptoms
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating (linked to systemic inflammation)
- Mood disorders, including anxiety or emotional sensitivity
Hormonal Symptoms
- Dysregulated hormones caused by inflammation (e.g., worsened PMS or hormonal acne)
Medical Conditions Associated with Th2 Dominance
- Allergic diseases (e.g., hay fever, allergic rhinitis)
- Asthma
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Chronic urticaria (hives)
- Histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
- Chronic sinusitis
- Candida overgrowth or fungal infections
- Autoimmune conditions with a Th2 skew, such as:
- Lupus (SLE)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Scleroderma
Certain cancers (e.g., those associated with chronic inflammation or antibody overproduction)
Foods to Avoid with Th1 Dominance:
- Aged and Fermented Foods: Aged cheeses (e.g., blue cheese, Parmesan), Fermented vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi), Cured meats (e.g., salami, prosciutto), Fermented drinks (e.g., kombucha, beer, wine)
- Smoked or Preserved Meats: Bacon, sausages, smoked fish
- Certain Fruits and Vegetables: , Tomatoes, Eggplants, Spinach, Avocados
- Other High-Histamine Foods: Shellfish, Vinegar-containing foods (e.g., pickles, dressings), Leftover foods (histamine levels increase as food sits in the fridge)
- Refined Sugar and Processed Carbohydrates Candies, cakes, pastries, Sweetened beverages (e.g., soda, sweetened teas, fruit juices), Processed cereals and snacks
- Pro-Inflammatory Fats: Vegetable oils (e.g., soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil), Fried foods and processed snacks, Margarine and shortening
- Allergenic Foods: Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter), Wheat (gluten), Soy, Peanuts and tree nuts, Eggs (especially egg whites), Shellfish,
- Lectin-Rich Foods: Grains (e.g., wheat, corn, rice), Legumes (e.g., beans, lentils, peanuts), Nightshade vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, eggplants)
- Alcohol: Disrupts gut microbiota, promotes inflammation, and can increase Th2 activity.
- Caffeine: Overstimulates the nervous system, potentially worsening inflammation.
- Additives and Preservatives: Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose), Flavor enhancers (e.g., MSG), Food colorings and preservatives
Statements contained on this website are based in science, referenced to accepted scientific journals. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease outside of our licensed ability to practice. Information provided by CHS is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Any information given is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from scientific world literature. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your own research of the subject and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.