What are Allergies?
Allergens are any substance (antigen) that can be inhaled, digested or directly contacted, that is recognized by the immune system and causes and allergic reaction. Common allergens include dust, pollen and pet dander but it is possible to be allergic to anything. Sensitivities vary from person to person and it is possible to be allergic to an extraordinary range of substances.
What are Food Allergies?
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that can occur soon after eating a certain type of food. Even the smallest amount can trigger symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways.
What is food intolerance? Food intolerance is a serious reaction, which is often delayed, to a particular food, drink, additive, or compound that is found in foods that produce symptoms in one or more body systems. Sometimes food intolerance is confused with, or can even be mislabeled as a food allergy.
What is the difference?
Food intolerances involve the digestive system. Food allergies involve the immune system.
How Stress Makes Allergies Worse…
Some studies have shown that there can be an enhancement of allergic inflammatory response correlated with stress. It has also been shown that this stress can cause persistent increases in nervous system activity (i.e.: increased blood pressure, heart rate hormone secretion and platelet aggregation) all of which are associated with immune alterations and cardiovascular disease.
In short, stress can actually make your allergies or histamine sensitivity worse!
Essential Oils for Allergies
With a number of essential oils available, these are a great natural and safe way to support a healthy immune system response, as well as a natural way to help treat allergy symptoms.
Young Living Essential Oils for Allergies…
Peppermint: topically/diffuse, promote respiratory health
Lavender: topically/diffuse, helps reduce inflammation
Basil: topically/ helps reduce bacteria
Eucalyptus: topically/diffuse, helps reduce inflammation
Lemon: diffuse/ingest, helps reduce inflammation
Tea Tree: diffuse/ helps reduce allergens
Chamomile: topically/diffuse/skin rash/helps reduce inflammation
Foods that help with Allergies
For natural allergy relief, seek out foods that are high in:
Vitamin C - such as guava, red bell peppers, green sweet peppers, kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mango, strawberries, kiwi, melons, and citrus fruits.
Flavonoids – are a group of plant pigments that are largely responsible for the color of fruits and vegetables; these same flavonoids also help stabilize mast cells to prevent both the manufacture and release of histamines. Foods high in flavonoids include; citrus fruits, apples, berries, tomatoes, onions, broccoli, romaine lettuce, almonds, garbanzo beans and watermelon.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – have shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega 3s can be found in a number of foods such as; cold water fish (like salmon), flaxseed or flaxseed oil, canola oil, grass-fed meats and walnuts. (Avoid tree nuts, i.e. peanuts, cashews, etc.)
Natural Supplements for Allergies
Vitamin C: has the ability to act as an effective antihistamine, by preventing histamine production, unlike common pharmaceuticals, which block histamines from binding to receptor sites instead of eliminating the production.
Recommended dose: 500mg: 5 times daily or more for symptom relief.
Quercetin: is an antioxidant that can be found naturally in apples (as well as purchased in a supplement form). Quercetin helps by lessening the respiratory side effects caused by inflammation. Try eating 3 apples a day to help relieve symptoms.
Bromelain: is an enzyme that can be found naturally in pineapple (can be purchased in supplement form) that aides in reducing inflammation or swelling of the sinuses and can aide in decrease of mucus.
Recommended Dose: 400-500mg daily.
Ginger: helps support a healthy immune system as well as respiratory function. Ginger can aide in allergy symptoms by helping improve breathing as well. Try using it in your water, green tea, or on a salad.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a vital hormone, which comes from the adrenal gland. This hormone possesses dozens of different purposes within the body, such as:
*Keeping you awake and alert
*Preventing brain fog
*Maintaining metabolism levels
*Balancing blood sugar levels
*Reducing Inflammation
Maintaining Cortisol Levels Naturally
*Switch to a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet
*Use adaptogen herbs and superfoods (ginseng, licorice root, holy basil, and rhodiola.)
These help lower cortisol: balancing hormones and reducing inflammation while lowering fatigue.
*Reduce and better manage stress (yoga, breathing, breaks)
*Exercise regularly
Chiropractic Care and Allergies
Misalignment of the spine can cause a focal irritation in the spinal cord, resulting in the nervous system receiving “abnormal” signals. With regular chiropractic adjustments, you open up the nerve flow to your body and organs, resulting in experiencing less of your allergy symptoms; especially when combined with other therapies (such massage). This is a powerful, yet natural option for allergy relief.
Massage Therapy and Allergies
Massage therapy can aide in the reduction or relief of allergy symptoms in a number of ways such as:
*Reducing stress
*Increased lymph flow
*Increasing Circulation
*Decreased cortisol levels
*Release of muscle tension
This therapy does NOT remove the inflammatory component, but together with chiropractic adjustments, can optimize overall results of treatment.