Article updated March 2022.
Allergies are more and more common and cause more doctor’s visits than ever before. Research now tells us that allergies are linked more to your body’s immune system (especially your gut) rather than outside influences. Some allergic reactions can occur immediately, but others take years of exposure to allergens before manifesting any symptoms. You can achieve natural allergy and respiratory relief by using the suggestions in this article which will help you get through seasonal allergies and those pesky allergy attacks that seemingly come from nowhere.
One in four people suffers from seasonal allergies! Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies are an immune system disorder that results in an abnormal reaction to substances you encounter in everyday life, most of which are typically harmless. You are introduced to allergic substances, known as allergens, via various sources. They may be present in the air we breathe, in certain foods we eat, or in many compounds that can cause allergic skin reactions.
As many as 60 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy, and allergies are, in fact, the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. Allergic conditions are usually responsible for the majority of lost work and school time in America. Allergies are continually rising, most likely due to poor immune system health (gut related) and our propensity as a nation to eat poorly, avoid regular exercise, and other healthful lifestyle choices.
The market is enormous for prescription and over-the-counter drugs that provide allergy relief. Just think about how many ads you regularly see on television for allergy relief treatments. The drug companies love these allergy relief medicines because they are cheap to produce and lead to a high-profit margin, even though they usually just mask symptoms. Many of these allergy relief drugs also create a dependency on the drugs themselves. What more could the drug companies ask for other than a steady stream of customers addicted to their drugs, with no real help in sight?
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Three Factors Involved in an Allergic Reaction
1) The Allergens
There are many substances to which people are allergic. These include:
- Pollen: Wind-borne pollen is perhaps the most common allergen known to man. It is responsible for hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, as it is technically known. Ragweed pollen is responsible for about 75% of all pollen allergies, followed by various grass and tree pollen types. Some pollen allergies affect people seasonally, but others are more chronic and occur year-round. This type is known as perennial allergic rhinitis.
- Foods: Food allergies are also prevalent. Allergic reactions may occur immediately after eating a certain food, or they may exhibit a delayed response resulting from exposure to a food repeatedly over time. The most common immediate reaction foods include eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and other nuts. The most common delayed reaction food allergens are milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus, and food colorings.
- Dust Mites: These microscopic critters feed on house dust, which itself is often an allergen. The contents of house dust are various fibers, animal dander, food particles, mold spores, bacteria, and bits of plants. It is the perfect medium for dust mites, often found in furniture, bedding, and carpets. They especially love warm, humid environments.
- Mold: Molds are parasitic fungi that emit microscopic spores that travel through the air. They are found both inside and out, preferring damp areas and hot, humid conditions. They are often found in the bathrooms or basements of many homes.
- Animal Dander: Dander contains pieces of dead skin combined with oil secreted by the animal’s skin. Many people are allergic to proteins present in these oils. Some folks are also allergic to proteins present in animal saliva as well. Sometimes it will take years for these types of allergies to manifest themselves. The symptoms can also linger long after the offending pet is removed and the home cleared of dander.
- Latex: Rubber gloves made of latex are the main culprits here. Some individuals are allergic to the latex itself, but research shows that latex exposure for most is via the airborne powder particles from latex gloves with powder inside. This may actually be a bigger allergen than the latex itself.
2) Mast Cells
Mast cells are specialized cells of the immune system found mainly in the body’s connective tissues, such as the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, lungs, intestinal tract, and skin and tongue.
3) Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
IgE is a type of antibody produced by the immune system during allergic reactions. They are fight specific allergens, so there are many types of IgE that the immune system will manufacture. They are programmed to coat and surround the mast cells in the area affected by the allergic reaction.
In a nutshell, this is how it works during an allergic reaction. When someone is prone to have an allergy to a particular substance, like eggs, the immune system kicks into action when the person is exposed to eggs. Large amounts of “egg” IgE antibodies are produced. They stimulate the mast cells to manufacture chemicals that cause the affected area to swell, become inflamed, engorged with blood, and even cause muscle spasms. One of the most common of these inflammatory chemicals is called histamine.
In a food allergy such as eggs, the affected area can be any or all of the following: mouth, nose, esophagus, stomach, and intestinal tract. Extreme reactions can cause difficulty breathing due to swelling and muscle spasms in the bronchial area (bronchospasm).
What Are the Symptoms of Allergic Reactions?
Symptoms are based mainly on the type of allergen and the parts of the body that become affected. Typical symptoms include:
Airborne Allergens
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, runny and bloodshot eyes. Airborne allergens can also cause asthma, which is when the allergic reaction occurs in the lining of the lungs. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an allergic reaction located in the lining of the eyes.
Food Allergens
Allergic reactions to foods are some of the most severe of any type. Symptoms include swelling and itching of the lips, throat, and esophagus. Cramping and diarrhea can occur when the intestinal tract is involved. Hives are common too. These are allergic reactions resulting from allergens absorbed into the bloodstream. Blood-borne allergens can cause systemic reactions that can include the whole body. Rarely body organs such as the kidneys or brain can experience dangerous swelling and inflammation due to systemic allergic reactions.
Contact Allergens
These reactions occur on the skin, usually from direct skin contact with an allergen (contact dermatitis) or through absorbing allergens via the air or gastrointestinal tract (atopic dermatitis). Typical signs include hives, swelling, itchy skin, and blistering.
Injected Allergies
These most commonly occur from insect bites but can also result from allergic reactions to injected drugs. Since they go directly into the circulatory system, they have the potential to produce fast, hard-hitting symptoms that can be very dangerous.
Anaphylaxis
The most critical allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. This severe reaction occurs when an allergen is introduced into the circulatory system and attacks the whole body. The muscles can contract and cause difficulty breathing. Also, a person can develop very low blood pressure and go into shock. Anaphylaxis can result in loss of consciousness or even death in severe cases. A typical instance where this may happen is when a person who is highly allergic to the venom of bees or wasps gets stung. Many people in this situation carry a self-injection kit containing adrenalin that can reverse the reaction and possibly save their lives.
What Causes Allergies?
Most researchers conclude that the genuine risk factor for allergies is most likely immune system health. Individuals, and families, who are proactive about staying well and care about how they treat their bodies are much less likely to come down with allergies or any other of our modern diseases. Those who consume a healthy diet that avoids junk and processed foods and is heavy in whole, natural foods that contain lots of antioxidants and other needed substances to keep the immune system healthy will seldom suffer from allergies and other autoimmune system disorders.
Adrenal Insufficiency – An Overlooked Cause Of Allergies
Your adrenal glands reside on top of your kidneys. The adrenal glands produce various hormones, including cortisol (an anti-inflammatory hormone) which normally prevents allergic reactions. Typically, when exposure occurs from an irritating substance, the body increases its production of these anti-inflammatory hormones, preventing an allergic response.
High cortisol levels can occur when you are constantly stressed, causing other immune cells or white blood cells, e.g., mast cells and basophils, to release additional inflammatory substances. This brings on an allergic response in sensitive tissues, for example, nasal and sinus passages (“rhinitis”), skin (“eczema”) and airways (“asthma”).
If you suffer from respiratory allergies to dust, pollen, grasses, pet dander, or other environmental allergens, or if you have asthma that is difficult to treat, there’s a reasonable probability that the genuine concern is insufficiently functioning adrenal glands. Often the concern is chronic and gets worse when you are overly tired or under higher-than-normal stress.
The specific cause of adrenal insufficiency can be any combination of the following:
- Nutritional or stress-depleted adrenal glands.
- Insufficient stimulation of the adrenal glands by the pituitary gland.
- Inadequate transport and utilization of adrenal hormones.
Your adrenal glands require vitamins A, C, and E, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid, and specific amino acids to function properly. A deficiency or imbalance of these essential nutrients, or toxic substances that block normal physiological functioning, can interfere with the synthesis and sufficient secretion of your adrenal hormones. If you live a notable stressful lifestyle, the requirement for these essential nutrients is definitely increased.
An often effective solution is taking extra quantities of the specific nutrients the adrenal glands need for optimal functioning and eliminating toxic substances such as heavy metals that severely interfere with ideal adrenal gland activity.
Some studies have demonstrated that psychological interventions such as stress and relaxation management training can influence the appearance of allergic disorders via the effects of stress levels and relaxation on circulating blood cortisol levels or the immune response.
Natural Allergy and Respiratory Relief Suggestions
The first and most crucial natural allergy and respiratory relief step you can take is to adjust your diet and lifestyle by making healthy choices that lead to wellness and strengthen your entire body, including your all-important immune system. I highly suggest staying away from the multitude of prescription and over-the-counter “remedies” available for allergies. These “remedies” only mask the symptoms and often make the concern worse by weakening the immune system in the long run (corticosteroids, for example).
Liver/Gallbladder/Colon Cleansing – Performing periodic digestive tract and liver/gallbladder cleansing is very effective for immune system support. The liver is the main filter of your body. Keeping it clean and supported will help your entire immune system to work more efficiently.
Probiotics – Using an effective spore-producing probiotic such as Latero-Flora is shown to be effective in children with allergies. Since the mid-1990s, clinical studies have established that probiotic therapy can help treat several gastrointestinal ills, delay the development of allergies in children, and treat and prevent vaginal and urinary infections in women. The friendly bacteria in the gut, making up 70% of our immune system, is responsible for fighting viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Literally, the health of the gut (digestive tract) will mirror the health of the individual.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) – NAC may be one of the best expectorant/mucolytic agents. NAC can decrease the viscosity of mucus, providing a mucoregulating action. NAC has also been used quite frequently in an assortment of lung conditions, including COPD, bronchitis, and asthma. NAC rebuilds glutathione which is one of your body’s most powerful antioxidants. 500-600 mg daily is the suggested dose for most people.
Vitamin C – (divided doses throughout the day) Vitality C is fully reacted, non-acidic, neutral pH, and completely water-soluble. It allows one to take high doses of Vitamin C without the gas, diarrhea, or stomach upset that usually happens with chelation strength dosing of Vitamin C. Vitality C also contains 2000 mg of GMS-Ribose which can enhance the uptake of Vitamin C to the cells. It comes in powder form to mix with purified water, organic juice, or smoothies, making absorption more effective. Always take to bowel tolerance.
Quercetin – 25% of the quercetin you ingest goes directly to the lung, making it excellent for allergies and associated asthma. Quercetin is also found in the following foods: onions, garlic, and tea. It is wise to take a plant-based quercetin as soon as symptoms of allergies appear at a dose of 400-600mg, three times per day, for the first 5-7 days, and then 200-400mg can be taken as a maintenance dose through allergy season. Most suggest taking bromelain, which will enhance the absorption of quercetin.
Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil – Organic Oregano Oil – Several years ago, my husband cleared up his long-standing allergies using Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil. He was elated to get off long-term allergy meds that didn’t provide much relief. After six weeks, break for two weeks and then resume if needed.
Lactobacillus paracasei – A beneficial strain of bacteria, has recently been shown to help relieve allergies by supporting the immune system. Floratrex®, a superior blend of live and active cultures from 23 probiotic strains that support digestion and intestinal function and boost the immune system, is the go-to for lactobacillus paracasei. Remember that keeping your gut flora balanced is very important in helping the body’s immune system function properly.
Natural Allergy Relief for Home and Office Environment
Both home and office are often neglected when considering natural allergy and respiratory support. It’s not just about finding the right supplement, but also finding out the root cause of your allergies. When the root cause is not diligently pursued, allergies and respiratory concerns will continue to increase. A healthy office and home can go a long way toward overall health for you and your family. Below are some things to check out in both your home and office.
Air Purification
Using ionic air purifiers in the bedroom, living area, and office can help reduce allergens in the air. The Germicidal UV lamp is the best air purification method now available for destroying microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.
Carpets & Flooring
Keep carpets vacuumed daily and, if possible, replace carpeting with toxin-free hardwood floors or ceramic flooring. Ensure that all new carpeting and flooring are made to current green standards and do not give off harmful chemicals.
Take Off Your Shoes
Since pollen is easily transferred to floors, especially to carpets, make it a family rule that shoes must be taken off before entering the house. Shoes can also carry microbes such as viruses and bacteria, mold, and other allergens.
Green Plants
Placing green plants around your home and office can also help with air quality. NASA has done experiments by placing plants in rooms that contained chemical toxins. Within a 24-hour period, most of the toxins had been eliminated by the plants causing the pollution levels to be reduced.
Clean Vents & Replace Filters Often!
Spray your air-conditioning/heater vents with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and tea tree oil to combat mold. Make sure that filters are changed monthly, especially during the pollen season.
Foods Prep
Wash all fruits and vegetables (even organic) thoroughly and effectively by using a hydrogen peroxide bath of 1-capful per sink of purified water.
Cleaning Supplies
It’s best to use cleaning products that are green and toxic chemical-free. There are many chemical-free cleaning products on the market that are very effective yet do not contain harmful chemicals or give off toxic odors.
Natural Allergy Relief – In Conclusion
If you suffer from food allergies, it is a fairly simple process to determine which food or foods are causing your reactions and eliminate them from your diet. Try eliminating all of the most common food allergens (listed above) for a period of two weeks. Then reintroduce one at a time. If there are no reactions, try adding another after three or four days. Called an “elimination” diet, this is very helpful at identifying specific food allergens.
If your main allergy concerns appear during spring and fall, it’s wise to begin preventative allergy supplements at least a month before the season starts. If needed, you can also start a natural allergy and respiratory supplement and plant-based quercetin at the first signs of an allergy attack. The takeaway is to prepare so that you’re not at the mercy of over-the-counter meds that often make you drowsy and zap your energy levels.
Make whatever adjustments are needed to avoid or minimize exposure to known allergens for you and your children. While this repairs the immediate concern, don’t forget to “see the forest through the trees” and take a long-term perspective for allergy relief. Preparation and prevention are always the best strategies. Strengthening the terrain of your body, mainly your immune system (your gut), is the best answer to the root cause of allergies and many other health concerns as well.
RESOURCES
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
