Although the spring brings with it warmer weather, longer days and colourful flowers, for many, it also comes with seasonal allergies as pollens are being released. These are considered environmental allergies, although there are also many other types of allergies such as food or anaphylactic. In addition to seasonal allergies, environmental allergies include reactions to mold and pet dander. Dust mites can also cause symptoms year-round.
Environmental allergies often manifest as hay fever, with symptoms of sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, headaches and an increase in asthmatic symptoms. These symptoms are a result of an over-aggressive immune response by an excessive release of histamine and are typically managed by antihistamines such as Claritin or Reactine.
Using antihistamines is effective in the short-term, but ultimately does not treat the cause of why the person is experiencing allergies. Below are my top five ways to manage allergies this season – and beyond.
Heal Your Gut
The gut microbiome is an important indicator of overall health and an imbalance of bacteria has been shown to influence one’s susceptibility to allergic reactions. New research demonstrates that the addition of beneficial gut bacteria – through the addition of probiotics – can help minimize allergies. When purchasing a probiotic, look for human strain, found in the refrigerator and with a mix of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium bacteria.
Optimize Your Diet
One of the most clinically effective ways I have found to manage allergy symptoms are to avoid foods that cause sensitivities. It is important to elucidate the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity.
A food allergy is when there is an immediate reaction following consumption of the food, such as hives, watery eyes or difficulty breathing. In contrast, a food sensitivity results in a delayed immune reaction to food, usually within 72 hours. A potential example is having digestive disturbances or joint pain after eating something two days prior.
Eating foods to which you are sensitive activates your immune system and can theoretically make it over-reactive to potential allergens, including environmental allergens such as pollen. To determine foods you may be sensitive to, complete an elimination diet and avoid the most commonly sensitive foods for a period of six to eight weeks. The foods people are most commonly sensitive to include wheat (gluten), grains, dairy, eggs and sugar. The best results will be found with a strict avoidance, and then a strategic re-introduction of the foods that were avoided, one at a time, to see if your body reacts to them. Reactions could include an aggravation of hay fever symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation or even seemingly unrelated symptoms such as headaches or joint pain.
Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy, also known as SLIT, is a process of allergy desensitization. This works specifically for environmental allergens, such as pollens, grass, mold and various danders from cats and dogs. It has been used effectively for over 60 years and there are many scientific articles that demonstrate its safety and effectiveness. These studies have proven it to be an effective treatment option for hay fever, chronic sinusitis (congestion) and allergic asthma.
SLIT involves a scratch test to determine your reaction to various allergens, then, based on your reactions, a prescription for a sublingual drop formulation is produced that contains small amounts of your allergens. These drops are taken daily, which leads to a re-training of your immune system, resulting in less sensitivity to your allergens. Allergy drops are safe for children over the age of three, as well as individuals who are highly sensitive and prone to allergic reactions. With the World Health Organization’s endorsement, it is a safer and more convenient alternative than the conventionally offered allergy injections.
Herbal Antihistamines
Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid (plant pigment) that provides colour to fruits and vegetables. It works to minimize the release of histamine, which causes runny nose and watery eyes. Similar to antihistamines – but without side effects like fatigue – quercetin also has the added bonus of being an antioxidant. Taking quercetin prior to exposure of the allergen, as well as during exposure to the allergen, will decrease the release of histamine and therefore the allergic response of itchy, watery eyes and runny nose.
Immune Support
Vitamin C can decrease levels of histamine and help reduce allergy symptoms. Research has shown it to be effective at doses of 2000 mg a day. Be aware, however, taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea; therefore, I typically recommend patients work up dosing slowly. An alternative to supplementing includes adding foods that are rich in vitamin C to your diet. Foods highest in vitamin C include red peppers, kiwis, oranges, strawberries and black currants.
General recommendations for improving seasonal allergies include getting a HEPA air filter in your home and having a HEPA filter on your vacuum. Ensure you are washing clothing and bedding in hot water one time per week and keeping pets out of the bedroom. If possible, replace carpet with tile or hardwood floors to reduce dust and allergen accumulation in the home. Finally, it is important to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, exercise and see your primary care provider to explore treatment options and receive a referral to an allergist when necessary.
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Stephanie Bayliss is a Naturopathic Physician practicing in Victoria, BC. Her practice has a focus on chronic disease, neurological conditions and mental health.