SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Q. I am interested in treating my family's seasonal allergy symptoms naturally this year. Can you recommend some products that work and would be suitable for me and my children?

A. Do suffer from an itchy, runny nose, sinus pressure and pain? Itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and fatigue? If so, you are among one of approximately 7 million adults and children suffering from seasonal allergies in Canada. For a large portion of these individuals, these symptoms are not only associated with Spring/Summer trees, grass and pollens, but last year round, triggered by indoor factors, such as dust, mould and animal dander.

Why we sneeze?
What is most important to understand about environmental allergies, is that they are not a disease in and of themselves, but rather a symptom of immune dysfunction. In order to effectively treat allergies, you need to focus on the root, as well as the symptoms. The immune system is built to respond to infection (viruses or bacteria) by producing antibodies. In the case of allergy, the immune system over reacts, treating these harmless substances as invaders. IgE (an antibody/Immunoglobulin produced against the allergen) triggers the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals like histamine, responsible for the frustrating symptoms of itchy, runny eyes and nose, and sneezing. This inflammation can spread and lead to other related disorders, as well. For example, people who suffer from allergies are said to be 3x more likely to develop asthma, an inflammatory disease of the airways.

It is still relatively unclear what causes some individuals to have this immunological reaction, while others do not. Genetics does play a role, as does gender. Men have a greater chance at developing allergy than women. Exposure to cigarette smoke and indoor allergens during the first few years of life also seems to put individuals at a higher risk. There is also research to suggest that bottle/formula fed infants, and children who are frequently given antibiotics, are also at a greater risk. There is also some evidence to suggest that an ultra hygienic environment growing up can actually work against us in terms of allergy development. Children who are not exposed to a moderate amount of dirt or bacteria during their early years can develop an over-reactive immune response when inevitably a new 'foreign invader' is introduced.

Treatment Options
Anti-histamines are commonly used to treat and prevent seasonal allergy symptoms, but more and more allergy sufferers are noticing that anti-histamines not only come with a number of side effects themselves, but often worsen the allergy symptoms they were designed to prevent. Side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth and difficult urination. There are a number of natural solutions, free of these side effects, that can help to both control the symptoms and address the root immune dysfunction.

Plant sterols help to balance the immune response, helping to prevent an over reaction to harmless substances, as in the case of allergy. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been used extensively for the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches. More recently, it has been gaining a lot of notice as a seasonal allergy treatment. Butterbur has anti histamine effects, thus reducing inflammation without inducing the same side effects as anti-histamines. Quercetin is a plant derived flavanoid that stabilizes mast cells (the cells that release anti-histamine). Quercetin is commonly combined with vitamin C, also shown to reduce histamine, for an optimal synergistic effect. Homeopathics like Allium cepa, Euphrasia and sabadilla are also effective for the treatment of seasonal allergies, with the ability to reset the body's own dysfunctional reaction to the allergen. They are safe for all ages, as well as safe to use with other medications. Probiotics help to restore the bodies natural gut flora, the site of the majority of our immune cells. Research has shown that supplementation with probiotics can help to reduce allergic reaction. For symptom relief, try Chamomile essential oil in the bath or diluted with water and used as a soak for eye compress. This has been shown to calm inflammation and itch.

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