Taking the Sting out of Spring
It’s that time of year again, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, sore throat, cough, and congestion, the pollen has arrived. I feel like every time I turn on the TV there is another commercial for a new allergy medication that claims to treat more symptoms for longer but do they actually work? Over the counter medications unfortunately only treat the symptom and not the root cause of the allergic reaction. Additionally, these medications can hinder the body’s natural immune process and alter pH levels. Luckily, there is a way to reach the root cause of pollen allergies and stop the reaction before it starts.
Allergies are due to a process in the body that releases a chemical called histamine – this is why you see “anti-histamine” written on allergy medications. Histamines set off a cascade of immune reactions in the body, which ultimately release IgE antibodies that are the cause of allergic reactions and specifically seasonal allergies. In severe cases like food and drug allergies, IgE is the same antibody responsible for anaphylactic shock. Symptoms from IgE antibodies range from swelling, itching, gastrointestinal discomfort, coughing, and lightheadedness. Treatments vary from over the counter medications, nose sprays, eye drops, and anti-itch creams. However, these treatments simply cover up symptoms and do not focus on why the body is reacting to the pollen antigen and why the natural defense system is not responding appropriately. So, what can you do to keep yourself breathing easy this pollen season? Below are a few great natural treatments that will support a proper immune response and decrease the release of histamine.
Enzymes– These are my favorite allergy reducer. Enzymes help break down proteins, starch and mucus that help to fuel the common allergy symptoms.
Probiotics– Probiotic foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, and kombucha help to populate our gut microbiome, which help to modulate our immune system and lower inflammation. This may support your body’s reaction to pollen as well as keep inflammation in the sinuses at bay.
Stinging Nettle Tea– This herb dates back to medieval times and can be used for an array of ailments. It is very useful in lowering the allergic response to pollen and hay fever. This is because nettle helps to control the release of histamine.
Vitamin C– We all think of taking vitamin C for the treatment of colds and flu. In addition to supporting the immune system, it is also a natural anti-histamine, which together have been shown to reduce the allergic reaction to pollen.
Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercitrin– Similar to vitamin C, alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin prevents the release of histamine. For seasonal allergies it is best to take Isoquercitin as a supplement. Additionally it can be obtained through many foods like broccoli, cauliflower, onions, shallots, green tea, and citrus.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)– This amino acid supplement is a wonderful natural decongestant and can be supplemented daily. It has been shown to improve airflow during asthma attacks and loosen mucus in individuals with cystic fibrosis.
PEMF Machine– The electromagnetic pulses emitted from the PEMF machine have been shown to reduce inflammation and open airwaves in individuals with both asthma and allergies. This works by improving blood flow to the inflamed areas, which reduces swelling and opens passages. Give us a call to learn more or schedule an appointment on one of our two machines!
Allergy Alleviating Recipes:
Allergy Tea
8oz brewed Stinging Nettle tea
Juice of one lemon
1 tsp Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbs Raw Local Honey, we love East End Apiaries
Brew nettle tea covered for 12 minutes. Mix in warm water, drink daily.
Lemon– Known to boost immune function and is a good source of vitamin C.
Apple Cider Vinegar– ACV dates back to Hippocrates, “the Father of Medicine” and is still used to treat many ailments from stomach aches to acne.
Raw Local Honey– 1 tbs per day can help build immunity to the local pollen. In a study published by the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, it was shown that those who consumed 1 Tbs of local honey per day saw a 60% reduction in symptom severity and 50% fewer days with symptoms (Saarinen et al., 2011).
Doterra Allergy Bomb
2 drops Doterra Lemon
2 drops Doterra Lavender
2 drops Doterra Peppermint
Mix in 4 oz of water and drink 2-6 times daily.
All of the supplements, teas and essential oils mentioned in this post can be purchased here at STANDwellness. Feel free to give us a call to discuss options and what combinations may work best for you.