Allergies And Immune System Treatment In San Diego
Many people experience different forms of allergies, including itchy eyes, a stuffed nose and sneezing. Some allergies are caused by ingesting certain things, while others are caused by exposure to dust or pollen particles. Whatever the cause, allergies can be severe and significantly diminish one’s quality of life.
Let’s dive into the reasons why the immune system responds to allergens and shares useful strategies to minimize allergy symptoms.
Symptoms of allergies:
- Watery eyes
- Congestion
- Nasal discharge
- Rash
- Wheezing
- Itchy skin
- Itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Tingling sensation of the mouth or lips
- Vomiting or nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- In severe cases, a loss of consciousness
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as mold, pet dander, specific foods or pollen. In order to tackle the allergen, the body produces histamine which results in allergy symptoms. Additionally, the immune system also elicits allergic reactions by producing antibodies known as immunoglobulins (Ig) that can lead to more systemic responses.
Different immunoglobulins can lead to varied reactions in the body. IgE reactions are generally faster and more intense, while those caused by IgG, IgM, or IgA may take up to several days to manifest and tend to be milder.
Types of Allergies:
- Certain Foods – common food allergies include:
- Dairy, gluten, nuts, eggs, shellfish, soy
- Certain Medications
- Seasonal
- Mold
- Dus
- Latex
- Animal fur or pet dander
- Pollen from grass or plants
- Fragranced beauty or personal care products
Mechanisms:
Environmentally-triggered allergies attach to IgE antibodies located on mast cells, which release inflammatory mediators such as histamine. By doing this, it causes an array of reactions throughout the body like increased capillary permeability, blood vessel dilation, and contractions of smooth muscles – all resulting in common allergy symptoms like stuffy noses, watery eyes and nasal discharge. IgG based allergies have a similar reaction but take longer to manifest.
Conventional Treatment
- Over the counter decongestants
- Antihistamine medications
- Tylenol
- Eye drops
- Corticosteroids
- Immunotherapy medications
- Skin creams (steroid or antihistamine)
- Epipen (for anaphylactic reactions)
Testing for allergies:
- IgE (Immunoglobulin E)
- IgG (Immunoglobulin G)
- IgA (Immunoglobulin A)
Naturopathic Approach to Allergies:
We can make our immune system less overactive by making adjustments to our diet and lifestyle. Even though the immune system is complex, there are many simple steps we can take to ensure that it stays up to speed.
The health of our immune system is closely connected to the health of our digestive tract.
Most of the immune system is actually located in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, which means that what we eat can influence how susceptible we are to allergies.
Keeping a healthy digestive system also helps us absorb key nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium, which are all crucial for a strong immune system.
Our mental state also has an effect on our immune system. Stress can cause the immune system to become unbalanced, leading to more frequent allergies.
Taking care of our physical and mental health is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Natural approaches to supporting the immune system:
There are many natural approaches to supporting the immune system while also decreasing allergy symptoms:
- Stress Reduction – Practicing stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or tai chi can make a big difference in our immune system. When we manage stress better, our T-reg cells are able to do their job properly, which helps keep the immune system from becoming overly sensitive.
- Elimination Diet – An elimination diet is the best way to identify which foods may be causing issues. Cutting out problem foods can have a significant impact. Blood testing can also provide a more precise understanding of which specific foods your body is reacting to.
- 8 Foods account for about 90% of all allergic food reactions. These foods are
- Wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, soybeans
- Vitamin D, Glutathione, Omega-3 Fish Oil – All of these play a role in the health of our T-reg cells, which are responsible for balancing our immune system. Most people are deficient in all three of these nutrients.
- Omega-3 fish oil – can be taken orally.
- Vitmain D – can be taken orally.
- Glutathione – is not well absorbed, but it can be taken in its liposomal form for better absorption, or via IV infusion for maximum abosorption.
- Vitamin C – Supplementing with vitamin C has been found to curb histamine production. Studies suggest that taking 2 grams of vitamin C orally reduces histamine levels by about 38%. Taking 7.5 grams intravenously can result in an even higher decrease, with a 50% reduction in histamine.
- Quercetin – Quercetin is known for its antioxidant and anti-allergic properties, as well as its ability to inhibit histamine release and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin 4 (IL-4). Its anti-inflammatory effects help to regulate the immune system.
- Nettle – Studies have shown that nettle has an inhibitory effect on several inflammatory mediators associated with seasonal allergies. It has been found to reduce the activity of histamine and stifle mast cell degranulation, as well as blocking the release of pro-inflammatory messengers.
- Hepa Air filter – Installing a premium air filter can be beneficial for people who suffer from allergies due to airborne allergens, as it filters them out and keeps your environment clean.
