It's Autumn. For many, that means hay-fever season. If you’re finding yourself sneezing multiple times a minute, with eyes watering, or a chronically scratchy throat, you’re not alone. According to the Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Allergic rhinitis affects 20% of adults and 40% of children. Allergic disease is the fifth leading chronic disease among people of all ages, and the third most chronic condition among children. A recent nation-wide survey discovered that more than half (54.6%) of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens (AAAI). Allergic rhinitis and asthma are the two leading causes of absenteeism due to chronic illness, resulting in an average of four days of work missed per year per affected employee. 82% of allergy sufferers report “not being themselves” or “just wanting to be alone” (McMenamin, The Cost of Hay Fever). Daily lives are impacted; productivity suffers. In short, allergies are no small issue.
What is an allergy?
At its core, an allergy is an overreaction of the immune system. From a holistic point of view, the immune system is an extremely complex system, comprised of the white blood system (lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, mast cells), as well as the entire system of mucous membranes. It also is intimately connected to the normally present bacterial colonies in the mucous membranes.
An allergy is often not just an overreaction to an allergen (trigger substance); sensitivity to an allergen is, many times, merely the very tip of the proverbial iceberg. Only an organism with a disturbed internal milieu reacts allergically. The internal milieu disturbance is usually not noticed, since it is chronic and tends to build up gradually over time. The solution, then, is to address not just the symptoms of allergies, but the immune system as a whole. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
Toxins and the immune system
Reducing the toxic load in the body calms the immune system. A calmed immune system produces fewer antibodies. Reducing toxins decreases inflammation in the intestines, which helps the body and the immune system react less vigorously to potential allergens. Certain coloring agents commonly used in food and drugs, along with many synthetic preservatives, cause non-specific inflammation because they are dangerous and the body needs to eliminate them. The workload of the immune system is reduced when it is exposed to fewer synthetic food additives, such as artificial dyes and preservatives. Herbs that can aide with reducing toxicity include those that support the liver and elimination of these toxins: milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock and artichoke.
Specific nutrients that reduce symptoms
Specific nutrients will reduce inflammation in the body and stabilize mast cells so they are slower to release histamines. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold water fish, help to improve respiratory function by reducing the amount of inflammatory leukotrienes the body produces. Antioxidents, as well as many minerals, protect the lungs and stabilize mast cells. These vitamins and minerals are abundant in vegetables and fruits. Magnesium, found in whole foods, prevents smooth muscle tissue from a hyper-tendency to spasm. Increased consumption of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and decreased consumption of synthetic chemicals can be helpful in reducing asthma and allergy symptoms.
About Histamines -- The histamine supply comes almost exclusively via the diet -- animal proteins, fish, shellfish (but also tomatoes) are very rich in histamines. Avoiding animal proteins, especially pork, venison, and shellfish, can be very important for allergy sufferers.
Herbs that support the immune system and offer relief from allergy symptoms:
Stinging Nettles
A powerful study that included ninety-eight individuals that took part in a double-blind randomized study comparing the effects of a freeze-dried preparation of Urtica dioica (stinging nettles) with placebo on allergic rhinitis showed that the patients that used the Stinging Nettles had greater relief than the control group when it came to allergic nasal symptoms. Over the decades, freeze-dried stinging nettles have been used to help patients suffering from sinus and overall allergy symptoms.
Quercetin
Quercetin, a flavonoid, is widely used in preventing allergic rhinitis. Research supports its ability to help inhibiting the release of histamine from MAST cells. Quercetin was found to significantly inhibit allergy induced histamine release in the nasal passages of allergic individuals, with approximately twice the histamine-blocking activity of the drug sodium cromoglygate. Additional benefits include its ability to strength connective tissue and vascular integrity better allowing for the diminishing the allergic cascade.
NAC and Vitamin C
As reported in a review of the medical literature reported in Alternative Medical Review, “Urtica dioica and quercetin” along with “N-acetylcysteine, and vitamin C are safe, natural therapies that may be used as primary therapy or in conjunction with conventional methods.” NAC has been shown to help clear the body of mucous resulting from allergies and respiratory illnesses. N-Acetylcysteine is so effective in breaking up and helping alleviate excess mucous that it has been used in conventional medicine as well to treat respiratory ailments. Other benefits of using NAC is that it serves to help sustain the natural glutathione production within the body, and is a potent protective antioxidant for the respiratory tract. In turn, vitamin C also serves to help the body in controlling the adverse effects of histamine while supporting enhanced immune function and providing antioxidant protection.
The synergy of blending the powerful therapeutic effects of freeze-dried stinging nettles, quercitin, NAC and vitamin C provides effective overall support so that the body can better withstand and fend off the allergic symptoms associated with the arrival of spring and summer. The best natural treatment for allergies incorporates both lifestyle modification, diet changes, and supplements. Fueling and nourishing the body’s natural defenses is essential when combating allergies and enjoying the beauty that comes with the arrival of autumn.
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