A Functional Approach to Seasonal Allergies

 April showers bring May flowers as the saying goes – and for many people the warmer weather means allergy season is back! Allergens or pollen in our environment trigger the body’s immune system to produce IgE antibodies. These antibodies cause the release of histamines and other allergy-mediated molecules in the body which then turn-on the symptoms in the allergy prone person.
Classic symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, hives, itchy skin, and/or rash; however, there are unrecognized symptoms of allergies you should also know. These include aches and pains, frequent sinus infections, loss of smell, fatigue, and gastrointestinal damage. All of this can impact one’s quality of life leading to missed work or school, loss of sleep, poor concentration, restricted outdoor activities, decreased energy, and poor self-esteem.
For those people with pollen allergies, it is important to be aware you may also experience an increase in allergic symptoms when you eat certain nuts, fruits and vegetables. This is because the body cannot tell the difference between the substances in pollen causing allergy and similar substances in foods. This is called cross-reaction or cross allergy. An uncomfortable itching and a slight swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat are the most common symptoms when people react to foods that are cross-reacting with pollen. A common cross-reaction occurs with birch or elm trees and soy, apple, apricot, cherry, peach, pear, tomato, and peanut. Certain grasses can cross-react with melon, orange, tomato, pea, and peanut.
There are many natural steps you can take to reduce your allergy symptoms. A functional whole-body approach would be to first reduce exposure as much as reasonably possible. Ways to do this could be to use a HEPA -filter in the home, taking a shower before bed, and/or nasal irrigation. Your diet can have an incredible benefit in controlling your allergy symptoms. Eat a “clean” diet avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and food additives. Try avoiding high inflammatory foods such as dairy. Eat foods known to have an anti-inflammatory effect such as an abundance of colorful vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like wild caught salmon, flax seeds, or chia seeds as these foods can also lower inflammation. It is also very important to keep hydrated as it can reduce histamine response. And the final important consideration is stress. Research has shown perceived stress can drive allergy flare-ups. So, examine how you think about the stress in your life and look for ways to balance your stress by using breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and having supportive relationships.
For more information, call Compassionate Healthcare Associates, 661-295-7777.