Spring is in the air…for many this means that pesky seasonal allergies are about to begin, if they haven’t already. Runny nose, itchy eyes, endless sneezing bouts are a few symptoms that allergy sufferers experience. Typical options include avoiding being outdoors or taking anti-histamines to alleviate symptoms. There are other options! Naturopathic Medicine provides great solutions for seasonal allergies and immune system balance.
Allergies are a state of hypersensitivity induced by exposure to a substance (allergen) that results in harmful immunologic reactions in the body. Common allergens that trigger such reactions include: pollen, grass, ragweed, pet dander, dust, mold and even some foods. These triggers result in an IgE (immediate hypersensitivity) response which leads to mast cells releasing histamines and leukotrienes, subsequently leading to inflammation and allergy symptoms.
You can identify potential triggers based on the time of year you are most affected. In Ontario, common onset is as follows:
- Tree pollen: March to June
- Grass: May to July
- Ragweed: August to September
If you are noticing allergy symptoms year round, it is more than likely that you are reacting to something other than the above allergens. Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander or food sensitivities may be the culprit. Identifying the cause is half the battle!
There are other factors that can contribute to the allergic response. These include genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices (overuse of sugar & dairy, unresolved food sensitivities) and the environment (overburdened by toxicity, chronic exposure to polluted air).
What can you do to minimize allergic symptoms? Try some of the natural solutions that we recommend:
- Uncover food sensitivities
- A side note on food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can either be immediate reactions (mediated by IgE antibodies) or delayed hypersensitivity reactions (mediated by IgG antibodies). Continued exposure to these foods can lead to gastrointestinal damage, leaky gut symptoms, malabsorption, chronic inflammation and even dysregulation of the immune system. Identifying and removing food sensitivities can help heal the gut lining, where at least 70% of your immune system resides. Paying attention to your body and getting in touch with food sensitivities will most definitely help in bringing your immune system back in balance. You can uncover food sensitivities one of two ways:
- Hypoallergenic diet – remove the most common inflammatory foods for a period of time and then re-introduce them one at a time and make note of any reactions (minimize sugar, alcohol, processed foods)
- IgG food sensitivity test – Finger prick blood test done in office byone of our Naturopathic Doctors (a typical panel tests either 96 or 184 foods)
- Remove the cause in your home & sinuses
- Refer to our Health in the Home Blog
- Remove shoes at the door to minimize tracking dirt around
- Keep plants around the house
- Avoid toxic cleaning products
- Neti Pot or sinus rinse squeeze bottle – saline nasal lavage for the sinuses to physically remove allergens from the sinuses
- Immune Support (balance your immune system)
- Vitamin D – Immune system modulator year round (increased need during the winter months but also beneficial during the summer months)
- Probiotics – Professional grade human strain probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to support the immune system and build & repopulate existing flora
- Support Elimination organs (Liver, Kidneys & Bowels)
- Lemon and warm water on waking. This activates the liver & gall bladder and initiates digestion
- Eating plenty of fibre to maintain regular bowel movements
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding sugary beverages
- Supplements to support liver & kidney (we typically use herbal combinations, phytonutrients, and/or biotherapeutic drainage remedies)
- Symptomatic Support
- There are some great remedies that we use in our clinic as non-suppressive support for your allergies. These are typically complex homeopathics to be taken orally on their own or in combination with mesotherapy injections
- Local honey is a great way to prime your immune system with pollen. The small amounts of pollen in honey act to desensitize your immune system.
- Vitamin C and Quercetin are supplements that can be used to stabilize your mast cells and decrease the release of histamines in your body
As you can see, there are plenty of options. If you are unsure of where to begin the best place to start is to see a Naturopathic Doctor for an individualized treatment plan and support.
Yours in health,
Aliyah Alibhai ND & Sarah Oulahen ND
