Allergies

Overcoming Allergies Naturally

By Mitch Kennedy, ND

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system. People who have allergies have a hyper-alert immune system that overreacts to a substance in the environment called an allergen. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance, such as pollen, causes the immune system to react as if the substance is harmful. Allergies effect two out of every ten adults, and five out of ten children.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?

Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe (life threatening). Mild symptoms include everything from itchy watery eyes, congestion of the nose and sinuses, rashes, hives, Urticaria (itchy skin), dermatitis, asthma, fuzzy headedness, drowsiness, muscle cramps and headaches. More severe symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, difficulty breathing, rapid swelling of a part of the body such as the lips, eyelids, or throat, and drops in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe reaction by the body which becomes life threatening within minutes.

What are the usual treatments?

The first line of treatment (from both natural and conventional perspectives) is avoidance of the allergen, whether it is a contact allergens a contact allergens such as nickel or latex, and inhaled allergens such as dust, pollen or mold. This would include avoidance of foods containing the suspected food allergen. The most common food allergens (in order of prevalence) are: Dairy products (cheese, milk, cream, butter, sour cream, yogurt, ice cream, etc...), Wheat, Soy, Corn, Nuts, Shellfish, Berries (Strawberries, Blackberries, Elderberries), and Artificial Preservatives, Colorings, and Flavorings (Red Dye #4, Yellow # 3, Nitrates, Nitrites).

Avoidance is very important for any severe allergies as each new reaction tends to become more severe, and potentially life threatening. A person with a history of anaphylaxis should be carrying an Epi-Pen with them at all times to avert life threatening complications. If one is not available, leave liquid Benedryl in the car and medicine cabinets so it is quickly available in an emergency, then call for help.

From a conventional medical perspective, second line treatments include over-the-counter antihistamines (Sudafed for example), prescription second generation antihistamines (Claritin, clarinex), inhaled nasal steroids (Flonase, Vancenase) and desensitization injections (immunotherapy). Each of these therapies has specific benefits, and limitations. For example over-the-counter antihistamines offer short term relief of itchiness but often produce drowsiness and fatigue, second generation antihistamines may relieve the same itchy symptoms without the drowsiness, but cause headaches, abdominal distress or react with other prescription medications. Inhaled nasal steroids offer short term decongestion and symptom relief but suppress symptoms without treating the underlying cause. Long term use of inhaled steroids can also thin the nasal bones and mucosa. It is common to have to increase the dose of all these medications over time, thus increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions.

The Natural Approach

That from a natural medicine perspective allergies are result not only of external substances interacting with the immune system, but inflammation within the body that inhibits the absorption of nutrients and function of the internal-gut related immune system. A lack of vitality, or Qi as it is called in Chinese medicine, due to extended periods of high stress, and poor stress-coping skills also weakens the body’s ability to detect self and non-self (allergens).

Natural therapies are therefore aimed at:

Decreasing sensitivity of the body cells to this allergen

Decreasing the release of inflammatory products (histamine, IL-2, cytokines)

Improving the function of the digestive system

Boosting vitality

Coping constructively with daily stressors

Here are several natural remedies you can try safely at home.

Quercetin – this the substance is derived from the tannins found in oak leaves, onions and other brown skin vegetables. Quercetin acts by blocking mast cells degranulation, thus inhibiting the release of histamine. Histamine creates localized inflammation and results in many of the symptoms of inhaled allergies such as burning, itching, sneezing, puffiness, watery eyes, and runny nose. The usual dose is 500 mg /day for average weight and height person. While safe at higher doses, it is best to start lower.

Urtica Dioica - Stinging nettles have been used for number of years in treatment of allergies The main benefit being stabilizing mast cells so they do not release histamine. The usual dose is the same as for Quercetin, 500 mg per day for an adult. Both can be safely increased if results are not achieved.

Vitamin C - present in almost all fruits and some vegetables, is key to the control of allergies. Mixed with Bioflavinoids, it organizes white blood cells, strengthens mucous linings so they are not easily irritated by dusts and pollens, assists with the regeneration of gut tissues, and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties too. Most people have to start low (500 mg per day) and work up larger doses which are more therapeutic (2,000 mg once or twice per day).

Ashawaganda – an Ayurvedic herb from the medical traditions of India, is now gaining popularity in the West as an energy enhancer and “Qi tonic”. By increasing the energy or Qi of the person, the body has more resources to react to allergens.

Neti Pot – Another Ayurvedic tradition, known as nasal washing can be remarkably effective and alleviating allergic symptoms and also strengthening Anton defined in nasal mucosa. Neti Pots are shaped like small teapots into which a warm, saline solution is placed and the nozzle of the pot is directed upward into the nose. This warm salty water here Gates the sinus passages, flushing out accumulated pollens dusts, molds. While initially a unique experience, most Neti Pot users swear by them for consistent relief of allergy symptoms and improved ability to breathe through their nose.

My Favorites

When I treat patients for allergies I use a mix of therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, diet , lifestyle changes and of course nutritional supplements. For example Isopathic desensitization can be used if we know what substance a person has become sensitive to. Coupled with building their Qi and resolving the Chinese patterns of “phlegm damp” and “wind” can provide lasting relief. I also like Proanthrocyanidins because the function a lot like Quercetin and Nettles but taste much better. Finally, it is always satisfying to teach patients how to handle their stress better and work with them to find tools that fit their lifestyle.

Success Rates

Certain types of allergic responses such as an anaphylactic reaction to shellfish will never resolve and the best one can hope for is to avoid contact and ingestion, make others aware of the allergy ( wear a bracelet or pendant stating this allergy) and be wary of situations where ingredients or products are carefully labeled.

Other type of allergies or sensitivities can be completely controlled, and sometimes eliminated. It is common for people to lose their antibodies to a certain food or substance if it can be strictly avoided for 3 - 6 months.

Please call our Avon office (860) 673-9954 if you are interested in seeing Dr. Kennedy for your allergies.

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