BEATING THE POLLEN BLUES
Strategies to rid allergic symptoms
(as printed in Canadian Health and Lifestyle Magazine, edited version)

by Raffaele Filice, M.D.
Integrative Medicine Consultant and Healer

Living in northern climes we anxiously anticipate the coming of spring. Seeing crocuses and tulips defiantly popping out of the sometimes ice clad ground begins to allay our fears of winter never ending. For others however, spring brings with it mixed blessings including the recurrence of dreaded seasonal allergy symptoms. One is often left wondering just how bad they’ll be. It’s this variability in people’s allergic reactions that suggests some potential to alter their course.

Foreign invaders
The conventional approach to allergy treatment is based on our knowledge of the allergic response and how our immune system responds to these ‘foreign invaders’:

  • Poison ivy stimulates a hypersensitivity reaction resulting in a blistered skin rash
  • Some pollen triggers an antibody response resulting in a histamine release leading to tissue swelling in eyes and nose
  • An extreme reaction to bee stings or peanuts can result in a life threatening anaphylactic reaction if not treated quickly and properly.

Why these reactions occur is not well understood. Some people have a genetic predisposition. However with the majority we don’t know why they are sensitive to certain substances.

A different perspective
“Why is the immune system over-reacting to substances that may otherwise be inherently inert?” Reports indicate that allergies and asthma has been steadily increasing. Part of the reason may be that our bodies are exposed to, and expected to process, an ever increasing number of substances.

There are unavoidable pollutants in our air and water; countless additives in our food supply; chemicals in everyday household products, our clothes and on it goes. The increased reactivity of our immune system therefore, may simply be relating to the volume of stimuli that it now has to cope with.

Understanding
Pharmaceutical agents that allergy sufferers are familiar with directly affect different parts of the allergen / antibody / histamine pathway. For example, nasal steroid aerosol sprays that block the allergen from triggering the allergic reaction can be effective. Complementary therapies are numerous and varied. Like antihistamines, it can be hard to predict what’s going to work best. Instituting allergy treatments, whether conventional or complementary, before the reaction gets full blown, is fundamentally important to their success.

Optional strategies
Reduce exposure to foreign substances as much as possible. Use filtration systems in home air and water supplies. Some clients using a simple HEPA filter in their bedrooms have reduced their allergy symptoms by 50%. Switch to environmentally friendly house-hold cleansing products. Eat organically grown foods as much as possible and clean store bought produce to reduce residues.

Eliminate toxins. Many people find ‘cleanses’ make them feel better. I suggest gentle approaches such as juice fasts or herbal teas to enhance elimination.

A sauna induces the body to sweat and is excellent for eliminating chemicals that might build up in the body. The liver does the bulk of the chemical detoxification for the body. Milk thistle enhances liver function and structure. Taking this herb during your few problematic months can provide significant benefits. (Please speak to your health practitioner first for guidance.)

Nutritional Supplements. Anti-oxidants are helpful in reducing allergy symptoms. The body has its own antioxidant system but like many other physiologic functions can be overwhelmed. Common antioxidants are vitamin C, E and the mineral selenium. Both fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties as well.

An antioxidant commonly used for allergy relief quercitin is a bioflavonoid derived from food plants (onion, broccoli, asparagus, kale, bell peppers) and medicinal plants (witch hazel, passionflower, eucalyptus and elderberry). Quercitin actually inhibits the release of histamine (acting as an antihistamine) and other inflammatory compounds.

Grape seeds are a rich source of the antioxidants which are more potent than vitamin C or E. Grape seeds prevent the release and synthesis of compounds that promote inflammation and allergies such as histamine and prostaglandins. Recent research has found that extracts of pine bark also have a powerful antioxidant effect.

Herbal Supplements. Chamomile, peppermint, ginger and anise are all natural antihistamines and may provide a considerable benefit by drinking them regularly as a tea. Stinging Nettles in freeze dried form is used specifically for hay fever. When combined with an antioxidant such as quercitin may reduce symptoms. Wild Coleus or Perilla Frutscens is an herb that has a long history of use in Asia. Recent research confirms Perilla’s ability to regulate the immune system and relieve symptoms.

Mind-Body Connection. I’ve observed that stress can significantly aggravate allergy symptoms. Adequate rest and stress reducing strategies are helpful. The sensitivity that the immune system is demonstrating may well be a reflection of an emotional sensitivity. Try mind-body oriented practices such as yoga and tai chi. Guided imagery and hypnosis have been found to be beneficial as well.

Homeopathics and NAET, ‘energy-based’ treatments are the least mainstream. Ho-meopathic allergy remedies are often derived from the offending agents and correct the dysfunction on a subtle energetic level. If you choose this route get a prescription from a trained homeopath or naturopath to improve your chances of success.

Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Tech-niques (NAET), developed by Dr. Devi Namb-dripad, is a non-invasive, drug free, natural solution to eliminate allergies.

A blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures from acupuncture / acupressure, chiropractic, nutritional and kinesiological disciplines have reported good success. Find a practitioner at www.naet.com

Beating the pollen blues
Don’t let your allergies get the best of you. Implementing the above measures and introducing natural complementary therapies to your therapeutic regime will alleviate allergy symptoms as well as benefit your overall well-being. Don’t be afraid to combine therapies, most natural therapies work synergistically with conventional ones. Remember to consult a health practitioner with your questions.