It is 2020, we are starting the process of developing a new normal during the Coronavirus pandemic. With all the changes, we can count on several things being business as usual and one of those is pollen in the environment causing seasonal allergies.

I didn’t even have to look at the Pollen.com website to tell you that pollen was rampant last Friday because our first 5 phone calls had to do with questions regarding allergies. The Pollen.com site, as well as many others, are a great reference when looking at pollen count and allergy risk. The site lists high pollen count at between 9.7-12 and last Thursday and Friday it peaked at 10.7 and 10.9 with the top allergens being Juniper, Alder, and Poplar. This is why you may be experiencing increased symptoms.

The want to address allergies in this article because I want to help patients achieve some level of relief by developing lifelong strategies. The second second is to address the way we often go about dealing with allergies which are by playing catch-up, while only treating symptoms, essentially blocking the body’s natural response, without looking to strengthen the body’s response to the allergens once again, lifelong strategies.

This is why I have to wonder if we go about “treating” allergies all wrong?

I find many people are looking for natural alternatives out of personal preference, as well as the side-effects that common over the counter allergy medicines can cause such as drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling jittery, difficulty sleeping, rebound congestion, and even raising blood pressure.

Conventional treatments only calm symptoms. Antihistamines are used to block histamine release, thus blocking a natural pathway. Decongestants shrink blood vessels and lead to unnaturally stimulating the body, kind of like running your car on a high idle. If this is not good for your car, what could it do to your body after prolonged and continual stimulation?

What if we were able to support and strengthen these pathways, allowing the body to operate in its natural state? Could this be a better approach?

When looking for natural relief during allergy season, I like to focus on four main areas:

(1) the health of the immune system, (2) how the body responds to allergens and environmental factors, (3) supporting healthy mucosal linings such as nasal passages, and (4) stabilizing the mast cells to help prevent excessive histamine release before it ever happens.

If you can avoid allergens, that can be the solution, however, we know that quarantining can get old in a hurry so staying indoors forever is not an option but keeping your windows closed will help decrease your exposure to allergens.

Nasal irrigations are a mechanical solution and involves something most people find offensive, shooting water up their nose. There are several options to consider: Neti Pot, NeilMed Rinse bottle, and nasal nebulizers. They are listed in order from the least amount of pressure used to the most. These products will physically wash the sinus mucosa and rinse away the allergens. Performing this procedure twice a day can provide great benefits for patients.

As a side note, for the patient with chronic sinus infections, we can compound capsules with antibiotics, antifungals, and steroids that can be added to the rinses to help treat those infections. Sinus infections are one of the most difficult infections to treat due to lack of blood flow so by taking the treatment directly to the infection, the patient often has had better results without wreaking havoc on the bacteria lining the intestinal tract.

Here are some of my favorite natural ingredients to help out during allergy season. Quercetin has strong antioxidant activity and has been shown to support immune health by mediating the release of inflammatory compounds including leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Quercetin is known for its ability to stabilize mast cells, diminishing the release of histamine, the compound known to cause hypersensitivity reactions during seasonal changes.

Stinging nettles leaf is a plant that has been shown to balance immune response, specifically in the airways and nasal passages. Studies have shown that the extract of stinging nettles leaf balances a variety of inflammatory activities that affect respiratory health.

Bromelain is a plant enzyme naturally found on the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. Bromelain is a proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme that aids in the breakdown of large protein complexes, including antigenic compounds, and has been shown to enhance the absorption of quercetin. Bromelain has been shown to reduce circulating allergenic protein complexes associated with hyper-immune sensitivity and seasonal discomfort.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid precursor to one of the most important antioxidants in the body, glutathione. Both glutathione and NAC help reduce the viscosity of the mucus allowing for clearing of the airways and improved respiratory health.

Vitamin C cannot be synthesized by humans and is, therefore, an essential nutrient that must be consumed in the diet. Among its numerous health-promoting properties, vitamin C is an essential vitamin that supports the immune system and is also a potent antioxidant. When the body is under a significant amount of stress, vitamin C is excreted rapidly. Vitamin C has many immune-boosting properties but is distinctively beneficial for individuals with seasonal discomfort because of its ability to deactivate histamine.

And lastly, Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root (DGL) which is the root of the licorice plant has been shown to have expectorant (mucus-loosening) properties in humans, thus providing healthy respiratory support. It also acts as a demulcent by soothing irritation in mucous membranes.

The product that contains all of these ingredients is Aller-Pro . The directions are to take 1-2 capsules 3 times a day for 7-10 days then 1 or more capsules daily for a maintenance dose.

Not only do these ingredients work well for seasonal allergies they are also effective against environmental allergens, inside and out of the home, so you are covered from season to season.

My staff and I would like to help you out with questions you might have regarding allergies, so please call with questions or to schedule a consultation. Until next time, be vigilant about your health!!