It’s that time of year again – itchy, watery, red eyes or sneezing, runny noses, and congestion or difficulty breathing, asthma or hives and eczema. It’s allergy time.
Allergies are an over-reaction of the immune system to otherwise harmless substances. While avoiding the substances and blocking histamines are common practice, they are definitely not addressing the root cause. Just as the base of an iceberg is submerged and not visible, the most important contributing factors for allergies are hidden from sight.
Addressing allergies begins with recognizing that the allergen is a triggering factor to an over-reaction of the immune system, and that this is an indication of a severely disturbed internal environment and compromised intestinal tract. The immune system is comprised of the white blood system and the entire mucous membrane system in the body including the good bacteria. Intestinal immunity makes up 90% of the immune system and includes the Peyer’s patches and lymphatics of the gut. That means the gut plays a huge role in allergy symptomology, and treatment of allergies should restore the intestinal mucous membranes, balance the good and bad bacteria and ensure there is an adequate supply of minerals and trace elements.
Restoration of the intestinal tract should include alkalinization, support digestive functions and promote healthy bacteria (probiotics). Allergens should be identified and avoided following a hypoallergenic diet. Resolving intestinal dysbiosis (imbalance) will modulate allergic tendencies among other things in the body. Supporting the organs of elimination including the liver, colon, kidneys, and lymphatic system will be beneficial in addition to heavy metal detox, identifying and addressing infections, and building up the immune system.
For more information on how you can eliminate or reduce your allergic symptoms send us an email. You may be a great candidate for naturopathic care.
Dr. Natalie