5 Ways to Avoid and Treat Allergy Symptoms

By Dr. Sacha Elliott • June 5th, 2012 • 7131 Views

When we hear the word allergy what springs to mind is a seasonal reaction to pollen, grasses and weeds, or we associate allergies with year-round reactions to dust, mold and dander from our furry loved ones. These have a similar underlying physiological mechanism that is also to blame for the common food allergy, notably the anaphylactic, life-threatening response to peanuts or penicillin. Less commonly known are food sensitivities that arise from our immune system’s overproduction of immunoglobulin G antibodies in response to foods such as wheat, dairy, soy and yeast. 

An environmental or food allergy causes symptoms ranging from wheezing and shortness of breath, to an itchy, swollen tongue or eyes. It involves mast cells (immune cells) releasing histamine which creates a cascade of inflammatory reactions leading to fluid collection, itchiness, and swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl and Claritin are conventionally recommended to halt the histamine release. I like to dig deeper and treat the root cause. 

The following issues need to be assessed and treated in order to procure a lasting, drug-free resolution to allergies:

1. Toxin overload.

It’s undeniable.  We live in a toxic soup. It’s only getting worse as 2,000 new synthetic chemicals are added to our environment ever year (most of them significantly lacking in long-term safety data!)  Now, add to that: air pollution, BPA, lauryl sulfites, heavy metals, drinking water contaminants, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, pharmaceutical medications, cigarette smoke, and exogenous sources of hormones such as bovine growth hormone, hormone replacement therapy, and oral contraceptives (this list is practically never-ending!)   

Toxic buildup in the body alters the immune system’s sensitivity.  In other words, the immune system becomes hyper-reactive and more likely to create a pathological response to environmental or food antigens.  A great first step for anyone deciding to take the natural approach to treatment is to do a three week liver, bowel, blood and kidney detoxification program. I find this extremely effective as we head out of winter and into the spring and summer allergy season. Naturopathic doctors tend to use a comprehensive approach that entails some or all of the following: a clean diet, nutritional and herbal support, meditation and stress reduction, infrared saunas, exercise and sweating, and colon hydrotherapy.

2. Digestive dysbiosis and food sensitivities

An imbalanced flora (protective bacteria that live in our small and large intestines) can contribute to self-intoxication as they metabolize the food we eat and produce toxic by-products that...

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Location:  North Vancouver, CA

Dr. Sacha Elliott, ND has a family practice in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver at Canopy Integrated Health (Canopyhealth.ca).  She focuses on motivating, educating and empowering her patients to create balance in their physical, mental and emotional...