Win allergy season!
Allergy season may be only part of the year for some but taking care of our immune system is 365 days of work. This prepares us to take on allergy season with less symptoms and reactions.
What are allergies?
Allergies are immune system responses to substances that are typically harmless but are perceived as threats by the immune system. The root cause of allergies lies in an overactive immune response. The immune system's primary role is to defend the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. However, in the case of allergies, the immune system overreacts to substances known as allergens, triggering an allergic response.
Allergies are typically triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that over stimulate the immune system. Factors contributing to the development of allergies include:
Immune System Dysregulation:
Imbalances or dysregulation in the immune system can contribute to allergic reactions.
Genetics:
If a person has a family history of allergies, they may be more predisposed to developing allergic reactions.
Environmental Exposure:
Early and frequent exposure to certain allergens during childhood may contribute to the development of allergies.
Hygiene Hypothesis: This hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to infections and microbes in early childhood may lead to an overactive immune response and an increased risk of allergies.
Common allergens include:
Pollen: From trees, grasses, and weeds.
Dust mites: Tiny insects that live in house dust.
Pet dander: Skin flakes, saliva, and urine from animals.
Mold spores: Fungi that can be found indoors and outdoors.
Certain foods: Such as nuts, shellfish, dairy, and eggs.
Insect stings and bites: Venom from bee stings or ant bites.
Medications: Some individuals may be allergic to certain drugs.
Functional support to allergies
It's important to note that the development of allergies is complex, and multiple factors are likely involved. Allergies can manifest in various forms, including hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, eczema, and food allergies, among others.
Understanding the specific triggers and managing symptoms through various approaches, as mentioned in the previous response, is crucial for individuals with allergies.
Here are some elements of an integrative approach to allergies:
Nutrition and Diet: If you're looking for foods that may help alleviate allergy symptoms or have anti-allergic properties, consider incorporating the following into your diet.
Quercetin-Rich Foods:
Sources: Apples, berries, onions, citrus fruits, broccoli, and leafy greens.
Benefits: Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help stabilize mast cells, which release histamine during allergic reactions.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Rich Foods:
Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation associated with allergic responses.
Probiotic-Rich Foods:
Sources: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods.
Benefits: Probiotics contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to immune system regulation. They may help modulate the immune response and potentially reduce allergic reactions.
Note: Probiotics can make histamine symptoms worse for some, if that is such there are supplement options available.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods:
Sources: Bell peppers, citrus fruits, berries, cruciferous veggies, leafy greens, kiwis and potatoes.
Benefits: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce the histamine response that occurs with allergies.
Turmeric:
Benefits: Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help alleviate symptoms associated with allergic reactions.
While these foods may offer some potential benefits, it's crucial to maintain a well-balanced and varied diet that meets your nutritional needs. Additionally, individuals with food allergies should strictly avoid known allergens and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Mind-Body Techniques:
Stress Reduction: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress, which may impact allergy symptoms.
Breathing exercises: Techniques such as deep breathing and nasal breathing exercises may help manage respiratory symptoms.
Environmental Modifications:
Air Purifiers: Help remove allergens from indoor air.
Allergen-Proofing: Minimize exposure to allergens by using dust mite covers, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, etc.
Herbs/Supplements*:
Quercetin: A flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables that may have anti-allergic properties.
Butterbur: Some studies suggest it may be helpful for allergic rhinitis.
Stinging Nettle: Believed to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Vitamin C: May have antihistamine properties.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, may have anti-inflammatory effects.
*It's essential to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating new supplements, especially if you are already on prescribed medications. An integrative approach should be personalized based on individual health conditions and preferences.
You don’t have to dread the annual allergy season. By making a few lifestyle changes that suit your unique body, we can regulate the immune systems and let allergies be a thing of the past.
We are founded on the belief that in everything we do, we are all craving happiness and joy, and feeling great in your body is the best way to achieve it.
NOTE: the information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice