Allergy Relief by a Naturopath

Seasonal allergy symptoms can strike with a sudden ferocity when certain trees and grasses begin to pollinate, releasing allergens into the environment. For many people the immune system responds by rapidly producing antibodies which attach to allergens and result in immune cells, called mast cells, releasing histamine. Histamine is an endogenous chemical that irritates and inflames mucus membrane linings of the nose, eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.

Most patients who present in their healthcare practitioner’s office with seasonal allergies are all too familiar with the often cyclical manifestation of symptoms of seasonal allergies:

• Rhinitis (causing sneezing and runny nose)
  Sinusitis (causing headaches)
  Conjunctivitis (causing itchy, watery eyes)
  Throat irritation

In more severe cases, cough, wheezing, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, and even mood disturbance can result from the chronic discomfort and localized inflammation from the immune system’s overreaction to pollen in the air.

While the primary intention should always be to address allergen burden and the underlying cause of disease, a holistic treatment approach towards seasonal allergies can and should involve a strategy for prevention while aiming to reduce symptoms as much as possible. A proactive and preventative approach to addressing seasonal allergies is ideal and can begin months or weeks in advance of symptom onset.

However, when it is necessary to address symptoms more acutely, we also offer our AirNieu Nasal Spray,  AirNieu Sinus roll-on and Colloidal Silver.

Please note that we always recommend a full consultation, however these products are a good start to treat seasonal allergies.

First things First – Strengthen the immune barriers

Strengthening immune barriers such as the mucus membranes of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts and supporting the microbiota has the potential to modulate immune responses in allergic disease, especially in the context of imbalance in the gut microbial community that is associated with disease.

Our AllerG Drops contain Olive Leaf and Nettle to help control histamine. Echinacea, Sutherlandia and Olive Leaf strengthen the immune system. Eyebright and Cayenne decreases hypersensitivity. Plantain provides soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. These herbs also have antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties.

Establishing an optimal balance in the Th1/Th2 immune response can also help to calm an over-reactive immune system and help mitigate allergy symptoms.  Th1 and Th2 are two types of T cells, distinguished from each other by the different types of cytokines they produce. Cytokines are chemical messengers of the immune system playing a role in the initiation of important immune processes, such as inflammation during the innate immune response.

The immune supportive effects of Echinacea root are well known and may play a role in preventing seasonal allergy symptoms beyond reducing symptoms such as pharyngitis and runny nose during infection. Echinacea is perhaps best employed as an immunomodulator, causing selective induction of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and helping the immune system restore Th1/Th2

Second – An Immune Over reaction (Allergy) is most likely triggered by an overburdened liver.

Your liver is essential to good health.  At the end of the day stress probably have the biggest impact on the liver along with poor diet and the use of chronic medication or chemical products.  The liver produces and stores allergy-specific antibodies called immunoglobulins. These antibodies set off a reaction, and the release of too many inflammatory chemicals or hormones called histamines causes an allergic reaction, with a host of physical symptoms. 

Our LivR RiSTORE Capsules helps to detoxify the liver to limit the chances of it sending the wrong signals and thus causing an allergic reaction.  Cayenne improves blood circulation. Lipoic Acid detoxifies the liver. Dandelion supports liver health. Taurine is a potent tonic for the liver. Milk Thistle detoxifies the liver and aids in ridding the body of harmful toxins. Q10 protects against free radical damage. Red Clover is especially helpful in treating liver disease and protecting against cancer.

Last but not least is our Magnesium Supplements that has natural antihistamine abilities.

Magnesium is a mineral that relieves the constriction of the airways in the lungs. It's been found that magnesium deficiency can cause an increase in histamine levels in the blood after being exposed to allergens.  In this combination you will get our MSM Magnesium Liquid which is an oral supplement along with our AirNieu Spray that is a topical supplement to be applied directly on the skin.    Added benefit to our Magnesium supplement is the MSM – Don’t overlook MSM!!  The use of MSM was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). It improves the frequency of upper respiratory signs and symptoms such as runny nose, nasal obstruction, and paroxysmal sneezing after a week of oral intake.