by Dr. Kristen Bovee, Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic –
Every year a flood of patients enter the clinic with the unfortunate plight of spring: sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus congestion due to environmental allergies. Statistics show that one in six people in Canada suffer from hay fever or seasonal allergies.
What causes these untimely symptoms is an inappropriate immune system reaction to tiny particles or pollens in the air. Mast cells (a type of immune cell) release chemical histamine as a result of a foreign particle triggering the immune system. Histamine causes capillaries to leak fluids into the surrounding tissue, resulting in swelling, mucous production, itching and redness. There is evidence that there is a genetic link to seasonal allergies, but there is also the theory that our society has become too hygienic and our dulled immune system then becomes hypersensitized to high levels of particles in the air that it begins to think of as harmful.
Conventional treatments include the use of antihistamines to mask symptoms, and many people become reliant upon these. There are also allergy injections, which can be painful and inconvenient.
There are many options to consider if you want to take a more natural approach to treating seasonal allergies. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid and antioxidant found in high amounts in apples, onions, grapefruit and red wine, is an effective natural antihistamine. It slows the release of histamine from our mast cells and acts as potent anti-inflammatory. Quercetin is available in pill or capsule form, so taking it in highly concentrated doses will give you optimal effects.
Vitamin C is another antioxidant bioflavonoid and anti-inflammatory agent that can be used safely during the allergy season. Used in combination with quercetin seems to give the best effect. Vitamin C can be taken in high doses; 500 to 1,000mg is the optimal dose and can be repeated two to three times per day. It is also important for fighting infection, healing our tissues after injury and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. The highest food sources of Vitamin C come from cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts), bell peppers, tropical fruits (mangoes, papayas), strawberries and kiwis.
Nettles are a plant found growing extensively in our area; as a weed it can cause significant dermal irritation but as a tea, it has beneficial effects on sinuses and the chest. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and has some antihistamine effect so it can be used acutely during an attack to lessen the reaction. Other support for allergy prevention and relief are to consume local honey that contains small amounts of the pollens that trigger the immune system, making you more tolerant to the environment. Keeping an air filter in your house, showering after being outside, keeping windows closed and using a netti pot are proactive ways of lessening the triggers of hayfever. There is now oral sublingual immunotherapy available through prescription from naturopathic doctors or health providers. These are drops taken under the tongue beginning a month or two before the allergy season. It is always a good idea to get tested for what your triggers are in order to treat them effectively.
Taking an integrated approach to managing allergy symptoms is the most effective way of dealing with these yearly annoyances. Using good nutrition, therapeutic doses of nutritional supplements, and sensible use of pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy when recommended by your naturopathic physician or medical doctor can make the season more manageable and enjoyable.
For more information visit www.peninsulanaturopathic.com or www.ihealthgroup.ca.
