What’s Up With Allergies?

For many people, the seasons of spring and fall are marked by terrible allergies. Just like clockwork, when the seasons change, the noses start running, the eyes watering and the stuffy head congestion starts up. What’s going on here? Why are immune issues like allergies and asthma on the rise? According to the CDC allergies, to foods and environmental irritants are the 6th leading cause of chronic illnesses in the U.S. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.

What Triggers Allergies?

There are a few theories as to what is triggering this crazy imbalance in our immune systems and most hinge around our continual disconnect from natural living. What do I mean by that? Well, one of the theories is called the “hygiene hypothesis” and although some experts feel that the name is misleading, and it shows that in our attempt to rid ourselves of all germs, we’ve actually taken away the triggers that train our immune systems. In other words, just like our muscles get strong when we lift weights, our immune systems get strong when they are exposed to microbes in our environment. Although the intentions of abundant antibiotics, hand sanitizers, and Clorox wipes were good it looks like we went overboard.

Solutions for Acute Symptoms

Sinus Rinse

Using a sinus rinse bottle or Neti Pot during allergy season is an effective way to relieve nasal congestion and to flush out mucus and inhaled pollen particles. This can be done twice daily.

Use the salt solution packs that are sold with the sinus rinse or Neti Pot, you can also add a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus calms congestion, helps reduce infection, and boosts the immune system.

Here’s a link to our favorite Sinus Rinse Kit

Here’s a link to our favorite Eucalyptus Essential oil. (Use Coupon Code: DUGGAR for 10% off)

Supplements

Our favorite multi-system support supplement for acute histamine reactions is called HistaEze. Link here.

It is a synergistic blend of nutrients and herb that naturally support and balance the immune system. HistaEze contains the powerful flavanoid quercitin which has been shown to suppress histamine production.

It also contains vitamin C which is noted for its ability to enhance breakdown of histamine in the body by increasing the activity of a specific enzyme called diamine oxidase which is responsible for clearing histamine.

Two powerful immune balancing herbs, Nettle extract, and Tinospora regulate the activity of mast cells and lower inflammation and the addition of bicarbonate salts round out the formulas histamine balancing effects.

Lifestyle Suggestions

Stay hydrated: Hydration will help you eliminate the increased mucus that may accompany allergy symptoms.

Limit your exposure: Stay indoors during high pollen days, change your furnace filters regularly and keep your windows and doors closed on high pollen count days or windy days.

Shower before bed: This will clean off any pollen that may be stuck to hair, skin, and clothing.

Long-term Solutions

Dietary Changes

Avoid foods that can make allergy symptoms worse. These foods include alcohol, caffeine, dairy, chocolate, peanuts, sugar, gluten, citrus, chocolate, and highly processed foods.

We specifically recommend our allergy suffers strongly start here.

Supplemental Support

In addition to dietary changes, there are several key supplements that will assist in healing from allergies:

Probiotics

Any time we are discussing the immune system, we need to consider the role of the gut. Most people aren’t aware that one of the keys to a balanced immune system is actually found in the health of the digestive tract. Over 80% of your immune system resides in and around the gut. Think about it. Isn’t that where we get exposed to the vast majority of bacteria and other pathogens? So how, do we help the gut?

Taking a high-quality probiotic supplement can help reset the gut microbial environment. Probiotics have a powerful effect on increasing the immune system’s ability to kill harmful microbes as well as minimizing the “overreaction” allergy response.

Vitamin D

Another cause of immune dysfunctions like allergy, asthma, and autoimmune disease is related to our general lack of healthy sun exposure. Vitamin D from the sun is one of the most powerful regulators of the immune system that we know of. Virtually all of my patients who aren’t supplementing on a daily basis are deficient in Vitamin D. Without it, there is no way you will have a strong and balanced immune system.

Low vitamin D is very common in people with allergies that affect the respiratory tract. Vitamin D is a powerful regulator of the immune system so that it doesn’t over-react. Studies typically use ranges between 1,000 to 5,000 IU per day to address allergies.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The omega-3 fats found in fish oil have been well known for their ability to influence broad body inflammation for many years now. Allergy sufferers tend to have higher levels of “pro-inflammatory” omega-6 fats relative to their amounts of “anti-inflammatory” omega-3 fats. Most studies show the beneficial effects of fish oils really kick into high gear at around 3,000 mg per day.

Here is a link that will take you to our protocols page on our virtual dispensary.

If you or someone you know is suffering from allergies, help is here! Please speak with a member of our office for more detailed information about how we can help.