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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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ALLERGIES

Description

Allergies arise when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, metals, certain foods, and medications, treating them as harmful invaders. This immune response activates white blood cells, leading to the release of histamines, which cause common allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and, in more severe cases, breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis. Allergies can develop from both environmental factors and exposure to chemicals or insect stings, with reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. Treatment often includes antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots, while lifestyle changes—such as minimizing allergen exposure, keeping living spaces clean, and making dietary adjustments—are crucial for symptom management. Creating an allergen-free environment and maintaining a balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for those living with allergies.

Body System

girl-sitting-meadow-with-dandelions-has-hay-fever-allergy

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1. Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by lowering histamine levels, helping to reduce allergy symptoms. As a powerful antioxidant, it also reduces inflammation and swelling during allergic reactions.

2. Diamine Oxidase [DAO]: Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a key enzyme in the intestines that breaks down excess histamine, helping to manage allergic reactions and support digestive health.

3. Vitamin D: Vitamin D3 deficiency can increase the risk of allergies, especially in children and infants. Supplementing with Vitamin D3 supports immune regulation and may help reduce allergic responses.

4. Probiotics: Probiotics balance the gut microbiome, strengthening the immune system and potentially reducing the severity of allergic reactions.

5. Vitamin B9 [Folate]: Vitamin B9 (Folate) deficiency may increase the risk of allergies and asthma. Folate helps regulate immune responses to allergens, potentially reducing allergy and asthma symptoms.

6. Betaine HCI: Betaine HCl helps break down proteins in food before absorption, which may reduce allergic reactions by preventing undigested proteins from triggering the immune system.

7. Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes assist in breaking down food completely, preventing undigested proteins from triggering allergies, and supporting overall digestive health.

1. Quercetin: Quercetin inhibits mast cell activation, reducing the release of histamine and other inflammatory compounds, providing natural relief from allergy symptoms.

2. Bromelain: Bromelain reduces respiratory distress and inflammation associated with allergies. It also enhances the absorption of quercetin, boosting its effectiveness in managing allergy symptoms.

3. Black Radish Extract: Black radish supports the immune system by enhancing the body’s natural defenses, potentially helping to reduce allergic reactions.

4. Stinging Nettle Root Extract: Stinging nettle root acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping reduce hay fever symptoms and manage seasonal allergies.

5. Geranium Essential Oil: Geranium essential oil blocks the immune system’s inflammatory response, with its active component, citronellol, offering anti-allergic effects.

6. Cumin Extract: Cumin may help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines during allergic reactions, potentially providing relief from allergy symptoms.

7. Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Eucalyptus essential oil helps alleviate allergic rhinitis symptoms through its anti-inflammatory and airway-opening properties, improving overall quality of life for allergy sufferers.

1. Honey: Honey, rich in bioactive phytochemicals, is believed to help reduce allergy symptoms by exposing the body to trace amounts of local allergens, potentially building tolerance and reducing allergic responses.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains gallic acid, which helps reduce the body’s inflammatory response and inhibits histamine release, offering relief from allergy symptoms.

1. Oil Pulling: Oil pulling, an Ayurvedic practice involving swishing oil in the mouth for 15-20 minutes, is supported by anecdotal evidence for its potential to relieve allergy symptoms.

2. Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help relieve allergic rhinitis by improving energy flow and modulating the immune system. Points such as LI20 (Yingxiang) near the nostrils and ST36 (Zusanli) below the knee are targeted to alleviate nasal congestion and reduce inflammation.

3. Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation using a neti pot or saline solution helps relieve congestion by removing allergens from nasal passages. Using sterile water is essential to prevent infections.

4. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, may help relieve allergic rhinitis by reducing inflammation, opening airways, and soothing nasal irritation, contributing to better overall well-being.

5. Vitamin C IV: Intravenous vitamin C reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, showing promise in alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms.

6. Far-Infrared Light Therapy: Far-infrared therapy, delivered via heating pads, blankets, or clothing, has shown potential in alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms. However, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Supplements

Plant Extracts

Natural Compounds

Alternative Treatments

Symptoms & Signs

Causes

Immune Dysfunction, Genes, Asthma

Books That You May Want To Read

How Nutrients Function

Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.


Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.


Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.


Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.


Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.


Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.

Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide

Podcast Episodes To Listen To

Educational Videos To Learn From

Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider

References

Things To Do

Depending on the type of allergy, the following techniques may be effective:


  • Focus on consuming whole foods. Eat foods that do not aggravate your food allergy. 

  • If you suspect a food sensitivity or allergy, try an elimination diet to confirm your idea.

  • If you suffer from pollen or other airborne particle allergies, dust your surroundings frequently, keep your windows shut, and use air purifiers and air filters. In very humid spaces, use a dehumidifier. Also, air conditioning can be very helpful during pollen season.

  • Use hypoallergenic bedsheets and invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Keep in mind that not all HEPA filters can clear out pollen and mold particles.

  • For mold allergies, have your house checked for possible mold. Use mold-proof paints and dehumidify the space. 

  • Stay indoors on windy days when pollen is traveling long distances.  

  • Fasting can be an effective tool to help manage food allergies.

  • Choose supplements that are hypoallergenic and won't trigger an allergic reaction.

  • Introduce more plants into your surroundings; they are helpful in removing indoor pollutants from the air. Some examples include the Areca Palm, Bamboo Palm, Rubber Plant, and Dracaena.

Things To Avoid

To reduce and possibly eliminate the symptoms of allergies, it is recommended to avoid:


  • In any allergy, avoid foods high in histamine such as alcohol, caffeinated tea, coffee, fermented foods [sourdough bread, tempeh, miso, soy sauce, natto, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickled vegetables], tomatoes, eggplant, spinach, packaged meat, aged cheese, and citrus fruits.

  • Foods that cause your body distress and illness. The most common allergens are: eggs, bananas, dairy products, nuts, shellfish, wheat and other gluten-containing grains, strawberries, and citrus fruits.

  • Mucous-producing foods, such as dairy, bananas, sugar, and wheat.

  • Eating processed foods due to their artificial ingredients.

  • In cases of allergies, avoid sugar and processed foods, which are acidic and lower immune function. 

  • Outdoor activities during high pollen hours.

  • Carpeted spaces.

  • Contact with pets and other allergens.

  • Stress and smoking.

  • Harsh chemical cleaning products, which are irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

  • Clutter accumulation. It allows for dust to gather.

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