A Naturopathic Approach to Seasonal Allergies

This month’s Promo Code good for the entire month of April: ALLERGY10

(Note: promotional code can only be used for online orders not for orders placed directly through the office. Also, HSA and FSA cards can NOT be used for online orders)
Coronavirus or Seasonal Allergies?

I know this past month has been really crazy with people working from home, social distancing, and just an overall anxiety about catching the Coronavirus. It appears that this is going to continue at least through the entire month of April. 

If you are like me, you are just waiting for the nice spring weather to come so you can start doing more outdoor activities as we wait for this pandemic to pass. For some of us not only does the spring bring nicer weather, but also those dreaded spring time allergies. In last month’s newsletter I discussed some of the symptoms of the Coronavirus as well as ways to stay healthy through proper diet and supplementation.

This month I’d like to briefly highlight the differences between the Coronavirus symptoms and those of seasonal allergies and then move on to my naturopathic approach to successfully deal with seasonal allergies.

A Naturopathic Approach to Seasonal Allergies

In simple terms, an allergy is an over-reactive response of the im­mune system to certain substances that are foreign to our bodies, called allergens. We acquire our aller­gies throughout our life, and some people are more susceptible than others. One must have at least one contact with a substance to become allergic to it.

Conventional allergy treatment is most commonly directed to block the immune response, or in more severe cases, to suppress the entire immune function with steroids. While this approach can provide symptomatic relief, it does nothing to address the underlying cause of the problem. Patients often become dependent on their medication, suf­fer from numerous side effects, and even worsen their overall health by constantly suppressing their immune system.

A holistic approach to allergy re­lief is based on identifying and elimi­nating the underlying cause of the disease rather than masking its symp­toms. I’ve found that most people who suffer from seasonal allergies also have some underlying food allergies or sensitivities. Normally they don’t notice many symptoms from the food allergies or sensitivities, but coupled with allergens from the environment, the body becomes over­loaded, and symptoms occur.

The first obvious step is to change the person’s diet and remove the most allergenic/sensitive foods through an elimina­tion diet. In most cases, I will run specific blood tests for food allergies and food sensitivities as well as environmental allergies such as pollen, grass, dust and mold, among others.

Many times I’ll see dramatic results when patients have food allergies or sensitivities, and I do things to re­pair the integrity of the intestinal bar­rier through the use of various herbs and multi-strain, high potency probiotics.To help strengthen the respiratory barriers in the nose and lungs, I may recommend a variety of different nutrients and herbs.
The first supple­ments I use are vitamin C and bio­flavonoids. Both act to improve the integrity of the respiratory mucous membrane barriers. Vitamin C has the added benefit of helping the body break down the histamine molecule, which is released by the body in response to allergens. A specific bioflavonoid called quer­cetin actually works like a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory and is extremely effective. I also rec­ommend an herb called stinging nettles leaf extract, which can lead to significant symptom re­lief.

Finally, for more severe, immediate reaction allergies I have found that the use of an enzyme called amylase that our body naturally produces to break down starch, when taken on an empty stomach, can also breakdown excess blood histamine and result in fairly quick symptomatic improvement.

When I know exactly what the pa­tient is allergic to, I will often use de­sensitizing homeopathic drops made from the actual allergen in a diluted form.

So, if you’re dreading this spring due to seasonal allergies, check out some of our very effective products below and if you think foods may be a contributing factor, set up an appointment with me to discuss food allergy and sensitivity testing.  

Aller-Relief

Aller-Relief – this product contains the very important anti-allergy ingredients: quercetin and stinging nettle leaf extract combined with enzymes and NAC. Most patients will take 2 capsules up to 3 times a day throughout allergy season.

Aller-Zyme

Aller-Zyme– contains the histamine degrading enzyme amylase. Patients typically combine this product with the Aller-Relief for more acute allergy symptoms. It is best taken on an empty stomach at a dose of 2-3 pills at the first sign of allergic symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes, eczema or congestion) and dosed again as needed throughout the day if symptoms return. It will often halt these issues very quickly. 

Ultra Flora Complete

Ultra Flora Complete – maintaining optimal levels of beneficial digestive tract flora is extremely important for good immune system health. Ultra Flora complete is a high potency probiotic supplement that contains multiple strains of beneficial bacteria as well as an immune enhancing pre-biotic fiber. Having a healthy balance of flora is essential to maintaining gut membrane integrity which can result in less food allergies and sensitivities. 1-2 capsules before bed is a standard dose.

Real C

Real C – vitamin C has been shown to aid in the body’s ability to degrade histamine. Dr. Aieta’s Real C product contains a food based form of vitamin C along with a mixture of flavonoids to help strengthen the integrity of the mucus membranes, in particular those in the lungs and sinus cavity. Ideal dosing is 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day with food.
April Featured Products

For the month of April we are offering 10% OFF this month’s highlighted supplement products when ordered through our website.

Use the discount code at check out: ALLERGY10

(Note: promotional code can only be used for online orders not for orders placed directly through the office. Also, HSA and FSA cards can NOT be used for online orders)

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