Can Berberine Help Manage Autoimmune Diseases and Allergies?

Berberine as a Natural Immunomodulator of B Lymphocytes

Berberine is a natural compound found in certain plants, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects. This review explores how berberine affects B cells, which are immune cells responsible for producing antibodies to fight infections but can also contribute to diseases like allergies, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.

Key Points in Simple Terms:

- What Are B Cells? B cells are part of your immune system. They make antibodies to protect you from infections, but when they go haywire, they can cause problems like allergies (producing IgE antibodies) or autoimmune diseases (producing harmful IgG/IgA antibodies).

- How Does Berberine Help?

  - Reducing Harmful B Cell Activity: Berberine can calm down overactive B cells in conditions like allergies or autoimmune diseases. It reduces the number of B cells that produce harmful antibodies by affecting key signaling pathways (like NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and PI3K) and proteins that control B cell behavior (like STAT6, GATA3, and Blimp-1).

  - Boosting Helpful B Cells: In infections, berberine can actually help B cells produce protective antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG) to fight off germs.

  - Fighting B Cell Cancers: Berberine shows promise in treating B cell-related cancers (like lymphoma) by causing DNA damage, stopping cancer cell growth, and triggering cancer cell death. It affects pathways like c-Myc/CD47, ROS/JNK, and proteins like CDK4, CDK6, and Bcl-2.

  - Mixed Effects with Other Treatments: Berberine’s interaction with standard cancer treatments (like rituximab) can be tricky, sometimes helping and sometimes interfering, so more research is needed.

Why Does This Matter?

Berberine could be a natural way to balance the immune system, especially for conditions involving problematic B cells. It might help reduce symptoms in autoimmune diseases, allergies, or even some cancers, but its effects need to be carefully studied, especially when combined with other treatments.

In Summary:

The berberine review suggests that this natural compound could be a promising tool for managing immune-related disorders by targeting B cells, but more research is needed to fully understand its potential and limitations.

Berberine is a natural compound found in certain plants and is available as a dietary supplement. Based on the information from the provided review and web sources, here’s how you can obtain berberine in simple terms:

1. Purchasing Berberine Supplements

• Where to Buy:
  • Online Retailers: Berberine supplements are widely available on websites like:
    • Amazon (e.g., Luma Nutrition Berberine Supplement, 1200 mg per serving, 60 capsules)
    • Walmart (e.g., Ultra Berberine 500 mg, Health Thru Nutrition Berberine HCl 500 mg).
    • Target (offers various herbal supplements, including berberine).
    • Health Food Stores and Pharmacies: Many local health food stores, pharmacies, or supplement retailers carry berberine supplements. 
• Forms Available:
  • Capsules/Tablets: Most common, typically ranging from 500 mg to 1200 mg per serving (e.g., 1–3 capsules daily).
  • Powder: Available for those who prefer mixing into water, juice, or smoothies.
  • Gummies or Other Forms: Less common but available from some brands.
• What to Look For:
  • Choose high-quality, third-party tested products to ensure purity and potency (e.g., non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan options like Luma Nutrition or Double Wood)
  • Check for enhanced absorption formulations (e.g., with MCT oil or phytosome technology) for better bioavailability, as berberine has low natural absorption.
  • Common dosages are 500–1500 mg daily, often taken before meals (e.g., 500 mg 2–3 times daily) according to MedlinePlus. 

2. Natural Sources (Plants Containing Berberine)

• Berberine is found in plants like:
  • Barberry (Berberis aristata, Indian Barberry)
  • Goldenseal
  • Oregon Grape
  • Goldthread
  • Phellodendron
  • Tree Turmeric
• These plants have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, but consuming them directly (e.g., as teas or extracts) may not provide consistent or high enough doses of berberine compared to supplements according to WebMD.
• You might find herbal teas or tinctures containing these plants in health food stores, but they are less common and less potent than supplements.

3. Important Considerations Before Getting Berberine

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always talk to a doctor before starting berberine, especially if you:
  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 (berberine may be unsafe in these cases).
  • Take medications, as berberine can interact with drugs like metformin, statins, blood thinners, or cyclosporine.
  • Have conditions like diabetes, liver issues, or heart disease, as berberine can affect blood sugar, blood pressure, or liver function.
• Side Effects: Berberine is generally safe but may cause mild side effects like digestive upset. Rarely, it may cause liver toxicity or heart rhythm issues at high doses.
• Dosage: Typical doses are 500–1500 mg daily, taken in divided doses before meals. Avoid taking with food for best absorption. (Ohio State Health).
• Quality and Safety: Since supplements are not strictly regulated by the FDA, choose reputable brands with third-party testing (e.g., NSF, Underwriters Laboratories).

4. Why You Might Want Berberine

• Based on the review, berberine can influence B cells, which are part of the immune system. It may:
  • Reduce harmful B cell activity in autoimmune diseases or allergies by lowering antibody production (e.g., IgE, IgG, IgA).
  • Support B cell activity during infections by boosting protective antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG).
  • Show anti-cancer effects against B cell malignancies by inducing cell death and DNA damage.
• Other benefits include supporting blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, weight loss, and heart health, though evidence for weight loss is not conclusive.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate and there is one product in this post - Berberine Supplements -  with a link to Amazon. If you do end up purchasing at Amazon I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Have you tried Berberine and has it helped your symptoms? I would love to hear about it in the comments. 

Understanding coeliac disease

Whether you call it celiac disease or coeliac disease it is the same thing.

Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know about coeliac disease, from its symptoms to the necessity of a gluten free diet.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues when gluten is eaten. 

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. 

This immune response damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to poor nutrient absorption and various digestive and non-digestive symptoms.

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Symptoms can vary from person to person but commonly include:

• Digestive symptoms: Diarrhea, bloating, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, and gas

• Nutritional deficiencies: Due to poor absorption of nutrients, leading to anemia, osteoporosis, and weight loss

• Other symptoms: Fatigue, skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), headaches, joint pain, infertility, and neurological issues like numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Causes & Triggers

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is linked to genetic and environmental factors. It is more common in people with a family history of the condition and those with other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis involves:

• Blood tests to check for specific antibodies

• Endoscopy with a biopsy to assess damage in the small intestine

The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and cause long-term damage.

Foods to Avoid (Contain Gluten)

🚫 Wheat-Based Foods

• Bread, pasta, cereals, crackers, and baked goods

• Wheat flour, whole wheat, wheat bran, and wheat starch

🚫 Other Gluten-Containing Grains

• Barley (including malt, malt vinegar, malt extract)

• Rye

• Triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye)

• Some oats (unless labeled gluten-free, due to cross-contamination)

🚫 Processed Foods That May Contain Hidden Gluten

• Soy sauce, salad dressings, marinades

• Some soups, sauces, and gravies (thickened with flour)

• Flavored chips, fries, or seasonings

• Beer and some alcoholic beverages

• Processed meats (sausages, deli meats)

• Some chocolates, candies, and ice creams

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Safe Gluten-Free Foods

✅ Naturally Gluten-Free Grains & Starches

• Rice (white, brown, wild)

• Quinoa

• Corn & cornmeal

• Buckwheat

• Millet

• Sorghum

• Certified gluten-free oats

✅ Protein Sources

• Fresh meat, poultry, fish (unprocessed)

• Eggs

• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)

• Nuts and seeds

✅ Dairy Products

• Milk, yogurt, cheese (check for additives)

✅ Fruits & Vegetables

• All fresh fruits and vegetables

✅ Gluten-Free Alternatives

• Gluten-free bread, pasta, and cereals (labeled "gluten-free")

• Gluten-free flour (almond, coconut, chickpea, rice flour)

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Important Tips for a Gluten-Free Diet

🔹 Read Labels Carefully – Gluten can hide in unexpected places like sauces, seasonings, and processed foods. Always check for “gluten-free” certification.
🔹 Avoid Cross-Contamination – Use separate utensils, toasters, and cooking areas to prevent gluten exposure.
🔹 Dine Out Cautiously – Ask about gluten-free preparation when eating at restaurants.
🔹 Supplements & Medications – Some contain gluten; check labels or consult a pharmacist.

🍽 Gluten-Free Meal Ideas

🥞 Breakfast

✅ Gluten-Free Oatmeal – Certified gluten-free oats with almond milk, banana, and honey
✅ Egg & Avocado Toast – Scrambled eggs on gluten-free bread with avocado and tomato
✅ Smoothie Bowl – Blended banana, berries, and yogurt topped with nuts and seeds
✅ Chia Pudding – Chia seeds soaked in coconut milk with maple syrup and berries
✅ Gluten-Free Pancakes – Made with almond or rice flour

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🥗 Lunch

✅ Grilled Chicken Salad – Mixed greens, grilled chicken, avocado, nuts, and a gluten-free dressing
✅ Quinoa & Veggie Bowl – Quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and a lemon dressing
✅ Rice Paper Wraps – Stuffed with shrimp, veggies, and a gluten-free peanut sauce
✅ Gluten-Free Sandwich – Turkey, cheese, and spinach on gluten-free bread
✅ Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with ground turkey, rice, and spices

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🍲 Dinner

✅ Grilled Salmon & Roasted Veggies – With olive oil and herbs
✅ Gluten-Free Pasta – Made from brown rice or chickpeas, with marinara sauce and veggies
✅ Taco Bowls – Corn tortillas or a bowl with ground beef, salsa, and avocado
✅ Stir-Fry – Chicken or tofu with veggies over rice (use gluten-free soy sauce)
✅ Shepherd’s Pie – Mashed potatoes over seasoned beef and veggies

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🍪 Snacks & Desserts

✅ Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter & Banana
✅ Hummus with Carrot & Cucumber Sticks
✅ Popcorn with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
✅ Yogurt with Gluten-Free Granola
✅ Dark Chocolate & Almonds
✅ Gluten-Free Brownies (made with almond flour)

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🛒 Recommended Gluten-Free Brands & Products

Here are some trusted brands that make certified gluten-free products:

🥖 Bread & Baking

• Udi’s – Gluten-free bread, muffins, bagels

• Canyon Bakehouse – Sandwich bread, burger buns

• King Arthur – Gluten-free flour and baking mixes

• Bob’s Red Mill – Almond, rice, and oat flour

🍝 Pasta & Grains

• Barilla Gluten-Free Pasta

• Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta

• Banza Chickpea Pasta

• Ancient Harvest Quinoa

🥣 Cereal & Snacks

• Chex Cereal (Rice & Corn)

• Kind Bars

• LÄRABAR (most flavors)

• Enjoy Life Cookies & Snacks

🌮 Sauces & Condiments

• Tamari (Gluten-Free Soy Sauce) – San-J brand

• Annie’s Naturals – Gluten-free salad dressings

• Sir Kensington’s Ketchup & Mayo

🍻 Beverages

• Gluten-Free Beer – Omission, New Grist

• Hard Ciders – Angry Orchard, Strongbow

• Safe Alcohols – Wine, tequila, rum, and most vodkas

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✨ Final Tips

✔ Meal Prep – Plan ahead to avoid gluten exposure
✔ Grocery Shop Smart – Look for "Certified Gluten-Free" labels
✔ Experiment – Try different gluten-free flours and grains to find your favorites.

More reliable sources of information about coeliac disease: with evidence based and up to date resources:

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🌍 International Organizations & Medical Sources

1️⃣ Coeliac UK – A leading charity in the UK providing research, support, and dietary guidance.

2️⃣ Celiac Disease Foundation (USA) – Offers education, gluten-free diet advice, and the latest research updates.

3️⃣ Beyond Celiac – Focuses on accelerating research for a cure and provides practical gluten-free living tips.

4️⃣ The Mayo Clinic – A trusted medical source with a clear explanation of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

5️⃣ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – A branch of the U.S. government offering research-based information.

6️⃣ The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University – Provides research findings and medical guidance from experts in the field.

7️⃣ World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) – Offers global guidelines on coeliac disease diagnosis and management.

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📚 Scientific Research & Journals

If you're interested in scientific studies, you can find peer-reviewed articles here:
🔹 PubMed – Database of medical research studies
🔹 Google Scholar – Search for academic papers on coeliac disease
🔹 The American Journal of Gastroenterology – Publishes research on digestive diseases, including coeliac disease

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🏥 Patient Support & Online Communities

If you're looking for practical tips, recipes, and community support, check out:
✔ r/Celiac – A Reddit community for coeliac discussions
✔ Facebook Groups – Search for "Coeliac Disease Support" groups
✔ Gluten-Free Watchdog – Monitors gluten levels in products

What can you eat on the elimination diet?

 Many people ask me what I eat on a daily basis when living with food reactions? So today I am answering that question in the hope that it can help many others understand how to simplify this process and find out what they can eat. 

Probiotics to reduce hay fever symptoms

Probiotics have been shown to improve quality of life in individuals with seasonal allergies. This was in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial done at the University of Florida.

The probiotics are Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1, and Bifidobacterium longum MM-
Rhinoconjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergy combined with rhinitis. The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.
Quality of life is often reduced during seasonal Rhinoconjunctivitis. The Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MRQLQ) is used to measure the quality of life in people experiencing allergies.
In the results of the survey the probiotic group reported an improvement in the MRQLQ score when compared with the placebo group.

Conclusions: This combination probiotic improved rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life during allergy season for healthy individuals with self-reported seasonal allergies.

Full Article is at The American Journal of CLINICAL NUTRITION
Probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1, and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2) improve rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life in individuals with seasonal allergies
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2017; 105 (3): 758 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.140012

Allergies and Multiple Sclerosis

Allergies Are Associated with Increased Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis
This study found that patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who have food allergies have a more active disease than those without allergies. There suggestions were for exploration of the allergy-associated immune mechanisms that modulates the MS disease course.
Patients enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) study completed a self-administered questionnaire on environmental, drug and food allergies.

This study was done by Camilo Diaz-Cruz,
Alicia Chua,
Brian Healy,
Neda Sattarnezhad,
Bonnie Glanz,
Howard Weiner and
Tanuja Chitnis.

Published: Neurology April 5, 2016 vol. 86 no. 16 Supplement P2.187

Read more:
American Academy of Neurology
FirstWord Pharma


Related articles: Hayfever Hope

Aiding the immune system - Vitamin C

Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid ) is probably the most well known vitamin.

It aids collagen and connective tissues production. It helps speed wound healing because of its relationship with the formation of connective tissue.

It is a powerful antioxidant which means that it fights oxidative stress which are changes seen in response to excessive levels of cytotoxic oxidants and free radicals - free radicals cause inflammation. Vitamin C aids immune function.

A deficiency of most vitamins may impair immune system function.

It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which explains its usefulness in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions.

Eating fruits and vegetables to naturally get the recommended doses of vitamin C is encouraged.

One of the best things we can do is eat a well-balanced diet, this is especially true for those with an autoimmune disease. When suffering with an autoimmune disease it is important to eat foods that aid the immune system.

Foods that contain vitamin C are crucial for proper immune functioning and include oranges, tangerines, guava, peppers, papaya, parsley, rosehips, thyme, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kiwi fruit, cherries, strawberries and cress. I think that if we can add fresh parsley to many of our meals we would get the many benefits of Vitamin C easily. Parsley helps not only because it is high in vitamin C it is also high in the antioxidants vitamin A, and E, which can help soothe inflammation.

Research into Vitamin C:

• Deficiency of vitamin C impairs phagocyte function and cellular immunity (Chandra, 1986). This includes inhibition of neutrophil mobility which, in turn, inhibits the formation of inflammatory reactions (Beisel, 1987)


• A report in the 'Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases' says that eating foods high in vitamin C protects against inflammatory polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints. This study involved more than 23,000 participants.


• Some research shows that diets low in vitamin C may cause increased risk of cataracts, stomach, throat and lung cancer and heart disease.
  

RESOURCES:

• US Government Office of Dietary Supplements Vitamin C Fact Sheet


• Linus Pauling Institute on Vitamin C


• Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids

RELATED ARTICLES:

Antioxidant Therapies: A New Boost in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Turmeric's benefits

Vitamin D and marine omega 3 and autoimmune disease Research

Pomegranate extract may reduce arthritis symptoms

The oldest diet around

The paleolithic diet is simple - based on foods humans ate prior to agriculture. It includes red meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, some nuts, seeds, vegetables, roots, fruit and mushrooms. It is based on the premise that humans are adapted to the diet of their ancestors in cave man times.
Proponents believe it eliminates allergies and food intolerances especially as it contains no dairy products or grains which are the 2 main causes of food sensitivities in our times. It also eliminates potatoes which are thought to aggrevate arthritis.
SBS Food Investigators program is running a trial diet which shows how a modern couple progress on this ancient diet.
Geraldine Georgeou is a dietician who bases her healthy eating plan on the Paleo diet. It includes recipes and a shopping list.
Interestingly it is also the foods, now often recommended, to introduce to your baby when they commence eating solids - starting with the vegetables.

Gluten intolerance

I have wheat intolerance which was diagnosed with an elimination diet through the Royal Prince Alfred Allergy Clinic in Sydney, Australia. I often wonder if this means I should avoid all gluten as oats upsets me too. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats.
On Daily Strength forums I read of a lady with an autoimmune condition that is in remission - she believes this is due to avoidance of all gluten. She follows a diet designed for celiacs. She also avoids all dairy. This may be difficult but is worth a try if it can improve symptoms. Take the Gluten-Free Challenge which will help you with recipes.
Associated Conditions to Celiac Disease CD
"For the patient who may have had active, untreated celiac disease for a number of months or even years, there may be associated immune-related conditions. There is an established association between CD and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and with thyroid disease." Celiac Sprue Association/United States of America, Inc. (CSA)
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder.
LINKS:
Celiac disease at Medline Plus
Gluten Intolerance Group
Celiac Disease Foundation
Julia's Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
Julia's Simple Gluten Free Brownie Mix Muffins
Celiac.com

Allergy Link

For myself I have always thought there was an allergy connection to my autoimmune conditions. Many people who suffer from autoimmune conditions report an intolerance to cow's milk or wheat. I have done the elimination diet many years ago through the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Allergy Clinic and definately discovered intolerance to wheat and dairy.
I will try and post links relating to this here
IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN IGAN AND ALLERGIES
GLUTEN SENSITIVITY from Gluten Intolerance Group
Could Gluten Be Causing Your Health Problems? from Gluten Intolerance Group