It’s that time a year again….airborne allergens, such as tree pollens and molds fill the air. Unfortunately, many believe that these allergic symptoms (runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing) constitute a life sentence of sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. This does not have to be the case. There are many ways available to help combat these unwanted symptoms.

An allergic response occurs when the immune system reacts to certain foods, touching certain substances, or inhaling an irritant such as pollen or animal dander. With common allergens such as pollen, spores, mold, and dust it is primarily the respiratory system that is affected.

It is the job of the mucus linings to protect the body from irritants and foreign substances. When one suffers from allergic symptoms, it is because an irritant has made its way through the mucus lining and the body responds by overproducing mucus. This leads to the protective system not functioning optimally allowing irritating substances to get into the blood stream. Once in the blood, it is the liver’s role to filter the blood. The liver contains cells that break down chemicals and proteins, called histamines, which irritate the sensitive mucus linings, particularly those of the air passages. That being said, the main way to combat the unwanted symptoms associate with hayfever are to strengthen the respiratory system, improve the immune system and make sure the liver is functioning properly.

An individualized treatment plan will ensure the quickest and safest results when it comes to treating ones allergies. Below, however, are some common tips to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Try and consume 2 bananas a day. Bananas are high in magnesium, which research has shown, can greatly reduce a hayfever attack.
• Reduce your intake of refined, processed foods. Eating these foods can have a detrimental effect on the immune system and are void of the necessary nutrients.
• Through guidance, possible food intolerances can be discovered and eliminated, decreasing the stress on the digestive and immune systems.

• Quercetin – 2-3 grams per day - a bioflavanoid that stabilizes the cells that release histamine.
• Complex B vitamin – necessary for proper function of the immune system.
• Vitamin C – 1-3 grams 2 times per day (may differ for each individual) - important for healthy lungs. Stimulates the immune system and is an anti-inflammatory.
• Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and beta carotene) – provide important defense mechanisms for the lung.
• Vitamin E – 400 iu per day
• Zinc – 30 mg per day
• Flaxseed oil – 1-2 tbsp per day

• Milk Thistle – works as an antioxidant and provides protection for the liver.
• Red Clover – helps build the body’s resistance to allergies.
• Stinging Nettles – used as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.

• Sabadilla – copious, watery nasal discharge; spasmodic sneezing, itching in the nose; and red, runny eyes.
• Wyethia- when the upper-respiratory allergies are accompanied by intense, urgent itching of the back part of the roof of the mouth or itching behind the nose.
• Allium cepa – indicated for bland, nonirritating discharge from the eyes; copious, watery, acrid discharge from nose; and feeling better in cool air and open room.
• Euphrasia – for symptoms such as copious, water, acrid discharge from the eyes; nonirritating discharge from the nose; dry, hard cough; much sneezing; and feeling worse in open air.

There are many other options for treating allergies, and often having an individualized treatment plan can bring you quicker and more permanent results.

To find out more about Naturopathic Medicine and its benefits, please do not hesitate to contact myself at 416-733-2539 at the Yonge and Sheppard Massage Therapy and Health Centre.