Dear Ohio- your winters are not fun. Who wouldn’t be looking forward to spring at this time? Actually wait— allergies. Allergies might just be one of the only reasons you would dread spring after surviving an Ohio winter, or simple anywhere given these polar vortexes (eyes rolling). Allergies, the simplicity of everything blossoming again, including those darn pollens. Runny nose, itchy eyes, can I not be sneezing when I step outside?
Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases (meaning lasting a long time or frequently), affecting a whopping 50 million Americans every year. How? Why? An allergy happens when an allergen, such as a pollen (in a food allergy case, could be simple a peanut or strawberry) gets into our body. When this pollen enters our body, it is seen as a disturbance or harmful. Out of nature we act to protect, and the release of histamine is our protection against this “foreign enemy.”
Now what the heck is histamine? Histamine is a natural chemical stored in all tissues of our body. Predominantly, in our lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. On its release, it heads to the site of contact and works to help the body deal with the irritation from the allergen. However, its good intentions don’t always end up being so beneficial. This can cause an allergic reaction, such as watering eyes, sneezing, or even a more serious condition such as swelling of the throat. Medications such as Claritin or Zyrtec are known as antihistamines that aim to help regulate the the histamine response.
A few studies have shown that those who have histamine reactions often times have sensitivity within their stomach as well. Deficient flora (the natural bacteria that inhabit our stomachs), not enough stomach acid to break down our food, and damaged lining of the stomach may contribute to a sensitivity. Other factors such as poor digestion, parasites, yeast, malabsorption also contribute by putting additional pressure on the liver. This can block the liver, impairing its function, and not allowing it to properly break down excess histamine.
Enough learning, now lets look into how we can help our bodies to respond to allergens. Symptoms shouldn’t always mean a reliance on drugs. So what can we do besides medication? From a naturopathic viewpoint allergies are often associated with weak adrenal, immunes, and even digestive functions. Yeah, the body is a never-ending correlation. The most obvious thing we can do to help these stresses is simple good health. Good health can ease these pesky symptoms, and good health begins with nutrition. Often times people who are sensitive to pollen and all those other things flying around are also sensitive to specific foods.
To reduce allergy symptoms, try including more of the following into your diet on top of focusing on complex carbohydrates and lots of water.
- Dark leafy greens
- Deep yellow and orange veggies
- Cabbage, beets, carrots
- Onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne
And of course, we’ve got to add those foods to avoid:
- Alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products
- Bananas and citrus fruit
- Food colorings (tartrazine)
- Peanuts
- Red meat
- Sugar
- Wheat
A specific naturopathic topic involving allergies is an herb called blessed thistle. Herbs are suggested to have fewer side effects when used appropriately. This herb has been very well known to not only support the immune system but also the digestive system, which we have learned plays a role in how allergens affect the body. The herb contains an active ingredient called sesquiterpene lactones. This bitter substance keeps plants healthy because of their defense against mild microbial attack. When we consume these sesquiterpene lactones it can have similar effects for our own bodies. For digestion, blessed thistle contains a glycoside. This glycoside stimulates the gustatory nerves (aka saliva nerves) indirectly promoting gastric juice secretion in the stomach, as well as promoting appetite. It is believed that drinking blessed thistle in a tea or tonic may aid digestion and stimulate saliva.
Now let’s go enjoy some spring!
http://nhc.com/blessed-thistle
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