Dealing with Allergies Naturally

Finally Spring is here!

The weather is gradually getting warmer, birds are returning, and pretty soon the winter jackets can be put away for another year. The downside for some of us, with these seasonal changes comes allergies! Yes, all the fun you can have sneezing, congested, blurry eyed and unable to breath. However, what if you could do things differently and get them under control naturally?

The Stats
 
In the US:
·  Number of people in the U.S. who have either allergy or asthma symptoms: 1 in 5.
·  Percentage of the U.S. population that tests positive to one or more allergens: 55%.
 
Internationally:
The prevalence of asthma in different countries varies widely, but the disparity is narrowing due to rising prevalence in low and middle income countries and plateauing in high income countries.

Common Symptoms:
 

• Postnasal drip
• Sniffling
• Dark circles under eyes (allergic shiners)
• Puffiness beneath the eyes
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Headaches
• Behavioural problems such as irritability, hyperactivity, poor concentration, whining, and pickiness about food
  

Why are they more common?
There is no one theory that currently accounts for the rise in allergies/sensitivities. Some of the proposed causes are as follows:
 
Hygiene Hypothesis: Many children do not get sufficient exposure to a wide variety of microbes, and as result of growing up in an extremely clean environment the body does not learn how to modulate the immune response effectively. There seems to be some credibility for this theory since the significant increase in individuals suffering from allergies has been in the western hemisphere, and we have not seen a corresponding increase in other parts of the globe at the same rate.

Inflammation/Leaky Gut: Chronic inflammation in the body and the gut lining is unable to heal and permits certain food particles to pass through and interact with the immune system. These particles are tagged as ‘non-self’ by the immune system, and it will react to the presence of these particles every time they are re-introduced to the system. Leading to a cycle of continuous inflammation and slow/no healing of the gut lining.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)/packaged foods: We have altered certain foods in our food supply so much that our bodies have difficulty recognizing it and breaking it down as ‘food’.  There is also a corresponding increase in exposure to preservatives and pesticides that are mixed in or put on these foods.

What Can We Do?
General recommendations:

• Remove environmental irritants: Rid the home of common irritants such as dust, perfumes and scented products.
• Improve immune response: There are many things that can be done to help optimize the immune system. Eating a balanced diet of whole foods, including sources of omega 3s and fermented foods for probiotics.
• Promote rest and relaxation: learning to relax can help decrease tension, and getting to sleep at a reasonable and consistent hour each night can help promote better immune function.
  

Dietary recommendations:

• Identify Food sensitivities:  food allergens (eg. peanuts or diary), and chemicals, additives, or oils in processed foods can cause allergies to be worse
• Foods rich in Vitamin A and Beta-carotene: the orange and yellow vegetables and fruits tend to be the richest sources
  
• Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Fish, flaxseeds, eggs, and evening primrose oil all contain EFAs which are essential to health of cells and decreasing allergic symptoms
  

Supplemental recommendations:
The following nutritional supplements can improve allergy problems in several ways: boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and enhance intestinal health.

• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B complex
  

Herbal recommendations:

• Astragalus: immune system enhancing herb that is a tonic for the upper respiratory passages. Can be directly beneficial for those with a tendency towards atopic conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, commonly occurring in those with allergy problems.
• Nettle: stimulates lymphatic function, decreasing swollen lymph nodes. In its freeze-dried form, nettle is used to stabilize the inflammatory substance histamine produced by our bodies, thus decreasing allergic response.
• Elder: This herb has a flower rich in flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immune-stimulating. This combination helps reduce allergic response and improve immune function.
  

Asian Medicine and Acupuncture
 

• Chinese medicine considers an allergic reaction to be a manifestation of the body's failure to adjust to its environment.
• According to the concept of the organs and their functions, weaknesses of the "Lung” or "Liver” could explain these allergic reactions.
• By stimulating the energy of the "Lung" and by regulating the "Liver" the acupuncture treatment aims to calm the exaggerated response. This can be done both preventatively as well as acutely.
  

Suffering from allergies can be a very irritating experience. If you or your child is suffering from allergies, it is best to take them to a Naturopathic Doctor who can perform a proper assessment and form a treatment plan that will address your/your child’s needs. Always speak to your health care provider before beginning any new medications or supplements.






References:
Allergy Statistics and Facts. WebMD. Reviewed by Johnson, K. (2012). http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-statistics
Asthma Statistics. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/asthma-statistics.aspx
Romm, A. 2003. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health. Celestial Arts.
Skowron, JM. 2009. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. CCNM Press. Print.