May 2010  

" To become a butterfly, you must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar. "
 ~ Trina Paulus

AAAhhh-Choo! What to Do…

It’s spring, and for about 60 million Americans that means a sniffling, sneezing, watery-eyed welcome to warmer weather. In Southeastern Massachusetts, from February through June we react to pollen from birch, maple, oak, cedar, and pine trees. Then from May to late August, we have additional grass pollination from varieties like orchard, redtop, fescue, and timothy grasses.

The allergy season seems to be getting longer, too, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “Allergies and asthma seem to be increasing everywhere, and we don’t know why,” says David Rosenstreich, director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY.

Some researchers suggest global warming as a reason for the increase in allergies and expanding allergy season. Others cite a rise in the number of chemical pollutants in the air, water and food, as well as an increase in the use of food additives. Still others, like Daniel Monti, MD, director of the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, focus on the body’s immune system. “When your immune system is weak, it sees seasonal allergens as foreign bodies and launches an inflammatory response, releasing chemicals such as histamine, to attack them.”

Making diet and lifestyle changes can relieve the uncomfortable and often relentless symptoms. To reduce the allergic threshold, we need to avoid both airborne and food allergens. Regular weekly or bi-weekly use of a neti pot and saline rinse cleanses the nasal passages and helps to remove pollen before it raises the histamine level. Someone I know swears by it. He started using the Neti pot years ago and he hasn't had an allergy headache since!

It may be impractical, but spending time outdoors only late in the day or just after it rains will reduce allergic reactions. Inside allergens are easier to control, using a HEPA air filter, investing in anti-allergy bedding, using non-toxic and non-fragrant cleansers (i.e. Baking Soda), and removing carpeting from high use areas.

Seasonal allergy sufferers often have food allergies too. These allergens can cross react with pollens that usually trigger a response, because the proteins in certain foods are structurally similar to those in the pollens, according to Marshall Plaut, chief of the Allergic Mechanisms Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. For example, birch trees may be associated with proteins in apples, carrots, cherries, plums, walnuts, potatoes, coriander and other spices. The list is comprehensive, so testing for food allergies may be the best way to ensure that allergy sufferers are not ingesting irritants that will further inflame their over-burdened immune systems.

Eliminating processed foods that contain additives, preservatives and artificial colors and flavors is a great step toward reducing food allergens. It is most practical to avoid the common allergens first, including soy, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, shellfish, citrus and nuts. Since dairy products are mucous-forming, people may experience a significant improvement by removing them. Others have found it beneficial to limit alcohol consumption. Many alcoholic drinks contain sulfites, a common allergen. When such allergens are eliminated, digestion improves and the immune system gets stronger.

A simple, yet powerful way to support the immune system is by improving nutrition and hydrating with water. For example, we can increase fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Many contain vitamin C, which naturally lowers histamine levels and supports allergy-fighting hormones in the adrenal glands. By eating the more colorful fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, green peppers, and cherries, we ingest bioflavonoids. These natural pigments in fruits and vegetables reduce histamine production and strengthen the immune system.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish boosts our essential fatty acids. Found primarily in fish and flax oil, essential fatty acids reduce inflammation that accompanies an allergic reaction.

Herbs provide relief for many allergy sufferers. Mary Hardy, MD, director of Integrative Medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says, “Among those generating the loudest buzz right now is the European herb, butterbur, which has some very impressive clinical trial results.” Other herbal supplements that have proved helpful are freeze-dried nettles and goldenseal.

Quercitin, a flavonoid phytonutrient in onions, tea and red wine, appears to offer relief by controlling the release of histamines that initiate the allergic response. We can cook our way to relief as well with hot, spicy foods. Experts say the spicier the dish, the more it is likely to thin mucous secretions and clear nasal passages. Spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric and fenugreek will act like steam on the sinuses.

Daily practices like yoga make our tissues more fluid and supple and deep yogic breathing helps to cleanse and exercise the entire respiratory system. Meditation also reduces stress levels, lowering hormones that trigger the immune system. When it comes to allergies, we all have different triggers and sensitivities, but a well-planned diet of fresh, whole foods, relieving stress, and practicing soothing self-care can bring us into balance and fortify our immune system.