An allergy is an overaggressive immune response triggered by ingesting
certain foods, touching certain substances, or inhaling an irritant
such as pollen or animal dander. Allergies to pollen, spores, mold, and
dust (also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis) affect the
respiratory system and are usually the most difficult to control.
Symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, watery
eyes, itchy eyes and nose, and headache. Hay fever is often seasonal
(when pollen is in the air), but if constantly exposed to an offending
substance (e.g., pet dander), symptoms can last year-round. Many people use pharmaceutical anti-histamines and steroids to control their allergies, but these drugs can have unwanted side effects.
From a naturopathic viewpoint, allergies are often associated with weak adrenal, immune, and digestive functions. Natural treatments are used to support and improve those functions, and to alleviate allergic symptoms.
For seasonal allergies, beginning natural treatments (e.g., Stinging
nettles) one or two months before the season starts can help reduce the
severity of symptoms.
Good health can help ease allergy symptoms, and
good health starts with nutrition. People sensitive to airborne
allergens may also be sensitive to certain foods. Identifying and
removing those foods from the diet can greatly improve health and
reduce allergy symptoms.
