Holistic Tips for Allergies
When someone deals with allergies it increases the inflammatory process on the body and it isn’t wise to just “ignore” these symptoms. It can put one at risk for other ailments. There are many options available to help control allergies, but one of the biggest is looking to the gut. Many times when this is addressed, the allergies improve as well.
When there is an allergic response histamine is the chemical mediator that causes the symptoms you know well, such as itchy/runny nose, sneezing, watering/itchy eyes and just feeling crummy. Some histamine is beneficial, but too much causes problems. Some microbes are capable of producing histamine as well and with a leaky gut it can travel outside to other areas of your body.
Here are some tips to help with allergies. Keep in mind there are tips that are conflicting. This isn’t to confuse you, but to remind you that everything needs to be tailored to an individual and working with a practitioner can help immensely.
First, gut health is of utmost importance! Then comes, environment control (dust, vacuum, air purifier), avoidance if possible. Last, is supplements.
Consider taking probiotics or eat fermented foods - Fermented foods and probiotics can help bring the microbiota and your immune system back into balance. If you are sensitive to histamine, consider histamine-degrading strains such as Bifidobacteria infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum. And, be cautious as fermented foods are high in histamine which may cause issues.
Eat plenty of fermentable fiber - Complex fibers like plantains, cassava, or sweet potatoes are fermented by gut bacteria, resulting in the formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, acetate, and propionate that regulate the immune system.
Get tested for sensitivities and avoid inflammatory foods - Continuing to eat foods you are sensitive to can cause low-grade inflammation and impair gut healing.
Try a low-histamine diet - A low-histamine diet can often reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Foods high in histamine include fermented foods, aged cheese, citrus fruits, fish, shellfish, avocados, spinach, cocoa, and leftover meat, to name a few.
Consider taking quercetin (a natural antihistamine) or diamine oxidase (the enzyme responsible for breakdown of histamine) in supplement form, and use antihistamine herbs like thyme and holy basil in cooking. I love the supplement D-Hist/D-Hist Jr. as it contains quercetin that stabilizes mast cells, preventing release of histamine. Also contains Nettle Leaf that blocks the body’s ability to produce histamine.
Try local raw honey for seasonal allergies - Raw honey contains both beneficial bacteria and trace amounts of pollen picked up by the bees from local plants. Consuming raw honey produced in your area can help to “educate” your immune system to tolerate these local pollens.
Allergena - homeopathic remedy that offers allergy relief that is tailored to meet the needs of individuals with allergies in each of the nine geographic zones in the United States.
Saline nasal rinse to flush the pollen from the nasal passages.
Xlear Nasal Spray - xylitol nasal spray that helps cleanse and moisturize the nasal passages.
Allergy eye drops - Similisan makes a homeopathy version for adults and kids.
Bee Keepers Naturals throat spray for throat irritation.
FULLSCRIPT ALLERGY SUPPLEMENTS
As, always please check with your medical provider before starting any supplements.