Do you suffer from sneezing, runny eyes, itchy nose (and eyes), nasal congestion, or eczema?
This is what I like to call the “lovely” reaction many of us experience when the seasons change.
If you suffer from psoriasis, skin rashes, IBS or GI symptoms (gas, bloating, belching, constipation, and diarrhea), migraines, headaches, or even mental health concerns – like anxiety, depression or insomnia, these conditions can all be related to environmental or food sensitivities, as well.
And you may not even know it!
The allergy could be to a certain food or ingredient, chemicals (perfumes, formaldehyde, phenols etc.), pet dander, etc.
You might be thinking, “What can be done from a naturopathic point of view?”
Naturopathic medicine can actually drastically improve your allergies and be the answer you have been looking for!
Treatment focuses around any or all of the following points:
- Decrease Your Allergenic Load. Simply put, avoid things that trigger your allergies. Take food sensitivities, for example: if we identify what foods we may be intolerant to, we can eliminate these foods and decrease our allergenic response. IgG blood testing is a simple blood test I often order that tests 120 different foods via your IgG antibody response in the blood. It is an excellent test for anyone who has frank allergies or many other symptoms such as skin conditions, IBS/gastrointestinal symptoms (gas, bloating, belching, constipation, diarrhea), migraines, headaches and even for mental/emotional conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia etc. For more info on this test, see my lab testing page here.
- Balance the Immune System. Allergies are an over-reactive response of the immune system. Therefore, treatment revolves around trying to decrease this response. Did you know a large majority of our immune system is in our gastrointestinal system – or gut? That’s why it makes sense to support and treat the gut to try to manage the immune system. There are a variety of nutritional and herbal remedies that have shown positive results in terms of decreasing allergenic symptoms. When I am individualizing a client’s naturopathic plan, fish oils, probiotics and vitamin E are possible considerations I often suggest. These are simple additions that can provide game changing results.
- Homeopathic, Nutritional and Herbal Remedies – there are certain protocols that can also be helpful to start 1 month prior to allergy season to prevent or decrease the allergy response in hay fever season. Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid that has a natural antihistaminic effect in the body – this can be used on an “as-needed” basis for acute allergies.
If you suffer from allergies, Naturopathic Medicine may be your answer. By turning to holistic treatments, you’ll, not only, decrease your current symptoms but also stop the cycle of sneezing and coughing every time the seasons change. You’ll learn to heal the body and address the root cause for lasting results.
An initial or subsequent visit is tailored to look at your individual health to find the best possible solutions for you! My goal? For you to finally be able to welcome spring – free from the stubborn, annoying world of allergies.
Here’s to your rich, energized, and balanced self this spring!