The Connection between gut and seasonal allergies

The Gut & Seasonal-Allergy Connection ... knowledge kicks off the power to heal yourself!

Spring brings joy to many in the North East, but for thousands of children and adults, it means seasonal allergies. Agghhrr!! Welcome to the "Allergy Bowl" of Albury Wodonga! Sniffling, scratchy throats, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin become a nasty part of life for a couple of months. It's even worse when allergies trigger asthma, which is increasingly common in both adults and children.

Sadly, evidence shows that seasonal allergy rates are on the rise worldwide, particularly in urban areas. As someone who has experienced hay fever and hives, I've learned from personal and professional experience that there's answers to overcome seasonal allergies, it’s not just bad luck.

High pollen counts, dust, and grasses are blamed for seasonal allergies, however all the associated symptoms are signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and itching. To get rid of allergies, we need to address inflammation and hyper-reactivity, and what-does-every- naturopath-know it starts in the gut. Ever wondered why you suffer from hay fever, while your sister doesn't? The answer lies in your gut! Again not bad luck.

The Gut and Allergy Connection is complex, but it's essential to understand that lifestyle habits and food choices can lead to gut inflammation, commonly known as "Leaky Gut Syndrome". When you have a leaky gut, foreign proteins enter your system, putting your body on high alert and causing it to react to harmless triggers like tree pollen. The key to reducing both seasonal allergies and food sensitivities is to heal your gut.

Here's a good starting point for you: the "4-R protocol"

1. Remove: Identify and eliminate food triggers that could cause inflammation in your gut. Consider trying a 2 week Elimination Diet, which involves removing common food triggers like gluten, sugar, dairy, eggs, soy, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, and artificial ingredients. Also, discuss with your doctor reducing medications, especially reflux medications, NSAIDs, and antibiotics. If you have a sluggish bowel or constipation, deal with this now. Try water, psyllium, oatmeal, or our “morning mix”. Also reduce stress, blue light, pathogens - this likely needs professional help.

2. Replace: Support digestion and food breakdown by stimulating enzyme and hydrochloric acid production. Include bitter herbs, or try our “herbal digestive bitters drops” and increase daily intake of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats like olive oil, ghee, fish, animal meats. Replace Blue light with sun-light and quality sleep.

3. Reinoculate: Introduce quality fermented, prebiotic, and probiotic foods to replenish beneficial gut bacteria and enhance digestion. Probiotic supplements can also be considered.

4. Repair: Take herbs & supplements like turmeric, aloe vera, marshmallow root, DGL licorice, zinc, glutamine and antioxidants to help heal the intestinal lining. These need to be chosen based on your individual nuances.

Doing the 4-R program is an important step, but it's more crucial to maintain a healthy diet & lifestyle indefinitely. You can gradually reintroduce some removed allergens one by one, observing any symptoms that may arise. If allergies return, consider excluding that food from your diet. Avoid or follow the 80:20 rule regarding sugar, baked goods, additives, and junk food.

By healing your gut and reducing inflammation, you can kick your seasonal allergies for good, and improve your overall well-being. Remember that consistent small steps towards gut health can lead to significant improvements in your allergy symptoms. Unfortunately healing isn’t always linear as above, so if you need professional guidance see Amy our dietitian, or me, the Naturopath.

Cut-to-the-chase....If you are needing Seasonal Allergy relief NOW look into the following, all are available at the clinic:

● Local Honey: Consuming local raw honey can help build tolerance to pollen from your area, potentially reducing allergy symptoms over time.

● Homeopathics: Allium cepa: Used for hay fever with symptoms like profuse, watery nasal discharge that irritates the nose and upper lip, along with tearing and burning of the eyes

● Quercetin: Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in certain foods like onions, apples, and berries. It acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to alleviate allergy symptoms.

● Neti Pot or Saline nasal spray: Using a neti pot or saline nasal rinse or spray can help flush out allergens from your nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and nasal irritation.

● Albizzia and Scutellaria baicalensis: these are herbal medicines that have shown promise in reducing symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis and modulating the immune system.

● Vitamin C, Rosehips, Camu Camu: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and can act as a natural antihistamine, potentially providing relief from allergy symptoms.

● Air filter / purifier: if you don't use a filter, your body is the filter... more about toxicity next newsletter!

As with any natural remedy, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying them, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking other medications. Wishing you a warm season of joy & vibrancy!