Understanding allergies
With the warmer weather upon us, the outdoors beckons. But, for approximately 20% of Canadians – about seven million adults and children – venturing outdoors in the summer months isn’t fun. For those with year-round or perennial allergies (about 40% of people with allergies), both outdoor and indoor environments may trigger allergic reactions.
Allergies are caused by a host of substances: house dust, mould and fungal spores, fabric fibres, animal dander, insect bites and dust mites, household chemicals and air pollution. In spring and summer, tree, grass or flower pollen is the primary culprit for hay fever. Whether your Achilles heel is indoor or outdoor allergens, the longer you spend in that particular environment, the worse your allergy symptoms become. For allergic people, their bodies respond to otherwise harmless substances as invaders, much the same way they would respond to viral or bacterial agents. The immune system overreacts to harmless substances by releasing a chemical called histamine in an attempt to trap and flush out the offending particles. This overactive immune response causes itchy eyes and mouth, runny nose, skin rashes, hives, and swollen or irritated throat.
In some cases, allergies may also be caused by a lack of mucus in the nasal tract. The nasal tract is normally protected by a sticky mucus coat that lies on top of hair cells and rhythmically moves to sweep tissues clean of incoming pollens, viruses, fungi and bacteria. If the mucus defence system becomes compromised, some of the billions of airborne particles that enter the nasal tract daily may enter the lungs and even the circulatory system, triggering inflammation, breathing problems, or even a skin rash.
Currently, the most common rescue medications for allergies are antihistamines or decongestants. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, whereas decongestants constrict blood vessels to reduce swelling of the mucosa. However, these rescue medications may cause side effects ranging from drowsiness, nervousness, headaches and dry mouth to increased risk of high blood pressure, and should not be used in young children or pregnant women. Lifestyle factors to address
1 Stress causes a jump in the stress hormone cortisol and can depress immune system function. Help yourself by developing strategies to deal with excess stress.
2 Regular exercise helps reduce stress and supports healthy immune function.
3 Clean house. Home is truly a sanctuary for those with allergies.
• Clean regularly. Reduce dust-attracting items. Consider blinds over draperies; ceramic or hardwood over carpet; leather furniture over upholstered furniture
• Switch to hypo-allergenic pillows, bedding and linens
• Reduce humidity in the home with an air conditioner. Humidity breeds dust mites
• Consider a high-efficiency air filter. Although they don’t impact allergy symptoms, they’re a helpful preventive measure
• Choose organic, allergen-free household and pet cleaners
• Don’t let pets sleep in bedrooms. Bathe your pet regularly. Spice up your diet
The foods you eat will make a significant difference in your allergic response. Avoid mucus-producing foods, such as fried or processed foods, dairy products and refined flours. To reduce inflammation, reduce your intake of red meat, eggs, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant.
| Reduce white sugar intake as it hampers immune function. Increase your intake of mucus-thinning spices such as cayenne, ginger, fenugreek, onion, garlic and wasabi (Japanese horseradish) as well as fruits and vegetables, which are rich in immune-supporting antioxidants. If you suspect food allergies, consider an elimination diet. Common food allergens include wheat, eggs, peanuts, shellfish and strawberries. Reach for bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are plant substances with antioxidant and antihistamine properties. They are found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and available in supplements. Quercetin and grape seed extract are two bioflavonoids that have shown benefits for allergies in preliminary research. Quercetin is the most active bioflavonoid, found in cabbage, cranberries, apples, spinach, onions and garlic.
Supplements help
• A daily multivitamin/mineral complex ensures that you get sufficient quantities of immune-enhancing antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, zinc and selenium
• Aged garlic extract is not only an immune-booster but may significantly inhibit the release of histamine. Take once a day with meals • Plant sterols, such as Moducare® can help balance an overactive immune system. Studies found that it reduces the immune response that triggers mast cells to release histamine. Take two or three times a day between meals.
Herbal help and homeopathy
Clinical studies show that stinging nettle is an effective herbal treatment for allergies and hay fever. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may act as a natural antihistamine.
Homeopathic medicines are free of side effects and may be taken safely by children and adults. To self-treat mild to moderate allergy symptoms consider Sinusalia, a homeopathic medicine for sinus congestion or Sabadil for hayfever relief (from Bioron®).
Drug-free allergy treatment
New in the Canadian market is an allergy-breakthrough from the UK. Nasaleze®, an all-natural nasal allergy treatment that contains plant cellulose. Plant cellulose is organic, making it safe for both adults and children, and free of potential side effects and drug interactions. It creates an additional mucus barrier in the nose that acts like fly paper to trap allergens, thereby increasing the body’s natural ability to filter out germs, dust and allergens.
3 step allergy prescription
1 Make lifestyle and diet changes that reduce allergens in your environment and diet.
2 Supplement your diet with nutrients that support a healthy immune-system.
3 When allergy season is in full swing, consider natural antihistamines and drug-free preventive measures. Although rescue medications do have an important role in the temporary relief of allergy symptoms, taking a holistic approach that works to stop an allergic response before it starts may offer more long-lasting relief. H&L Jean-Yves Dionne is a pharmacist in Rawdon, QU; co-author of Herbs: Everyday Reference for Health Professionals. Jean-Yves specializes in complementary and alternative medicines as part of his pharmacy practice. |
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