Spring officially kicks off with the vernal equinox, taking place this year on March 19. For most people, this is a welcome change after a long, dark and cold winter. But for allergy sufferers, this also means the beginning of drippy noses, sneezing fits, sinus headaches, and other itchy miseries.
Spring allergies, also known as seasonal allergies or hay fever, are allergic reactions that occur mainly during the spring season. These allergies are triggered by certain environmental factors, such as pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers.
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods. In the case of spring allergies, the immune system reacts to the proteins found in the pollen of certain plants. Environmental allergies can also be triggered by other factors common in spring, such as mold spores and insect bites/stings.
When a person with allergies is exposed to allergens, their immune system identifies these substances as threats and releases chemicals, such as histamine, to defend against them. Histamine causes inflammation and irritation of the affected tissues, leading to the typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and congestion.
It’s important to understand why spring allergies happen in order to treat them effectively. The primary mechanism behind them involves a series of steps. First is pollen exposure. During the spring season, the air is filled with pollen from various plants. When a person with allergies breathes in this pollen, it can trigger an allergic reaction. This response is known as allergan recognition, i.e., when the immune system recognizes the pollen particles as harmful substances and activates an allergic response, prompting the next step: antibody production. The immune system produces specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to the pollen allergens. When a person is re-exposed to the allergens, the IgE antibodies bind to certain cells, such as mast cells and basophils, in the body. This binding triggers the release of chemicals, including histamine, from these cells. As a result, inflammation, swelling, and irritation develop in the nasal passages, eyes, throat, and other affected areas . This leads to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, and sometimes coughing and wheezing.
The Role of Leaky Gut Syndrome
One of the least understood, and often overlooked, causative factors of low immunity and allergic reaction is leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability.
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that occurs when the lining of the intestinal walls becomes compromised, or permeable, allowing larger protein molecules, such as undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria, to pass through and enter the bloodstream. This triggers an immune response, as these substances are recognized as foreign and potentially harmful. The immune system produces antibodies, including immunoglobulin E (IgE), which play a role in allergic reactions.
The theory is that chronic exposure to these foreign substances in the bloodstream can lead to an overactive immune response, causing the immune system to react to harmless substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, as if they were dangerous. This hypersensitivity can manifest as allergic symptoms, including itching, sneezing, hives, asthma, and other allergic reactions.
The exact cause of leaky gut syndrome is not well understood, but some of the factors believed to contribute to its development include:
• Intestinal damage: Chronic inflammation, poor diet, stress, certain medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics), and infections can damage the lining of the intestines, weakening the tight junctions between cells and allowing substances to leak through.
• Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiota, with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria, can contribute to leaky gut syndrome. The imbalanced microbiota can release toxins and inflammatory substances, disrupting the integrity of the intestinal lining.
• Inflammatory response: Increased intestinal permeability triggers an immune response, leading to chronic inflammation. This inflammation further damages the intestinal lining, creating a vicious cycle.
Functional Medicine Treatment Approaches for Seasonal Allergies
Fortunately, for the nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults and more than 1 in 4 U.S. children reportedly having a seasonal allergy, there are reliable, effective treatments.
After an allergy has been diagnosed — typically with a physical exam, allergy testing, or blood tests — the treatment of environmental allergies usually includes avoidance of allergens, medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, may also be used as a long-term treatment to reduce sensitivity to allergens.
There are also recent alternative treatments for allergies, as well as leaky gut syndrome and chronic sinusitis, applied through a Functional Medicine (FM) approach. FM addresses the underlying factors that contribute to its development, and supports the body’s natural ability to heal and repair the intestinal lining. Here are some common treatment strategies used in Functional Medicine:
1. Elimination diet: This involves removing potential trigger foods, such as gluten, dairy, soy, and processed foods, from the diet for a period of time. This allows the gut to heal and reduces inflammation.
2. Gut microbiota support: Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, can help rebalance the gut microbiota and support the integrity of the intestinal lining. Certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been found to modulate the immune system and reduce allergic responses. They can be taken in supplement form or consumed through fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. Prebiotics, which are dietary fibers that nourish the gut bacteria, may also be recommended.
3. Nutritional & digestive support: Supplements may be used to support gut healing and reduce inflammation These may include substances like L- glutamine, zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids as well as quercetin. Enzymes, hydrochloric acid,and bile salts supplements may be used to improve digestion and nutrient absorption; but these need to be determined specifically for each patient. Herbal remedies offer another natural alternative. Certain herbal extracts, such as butterbur, stinging nettle, and quercetin, have shown anti-inflammatory properties and may provide relief for allergic symptoms.
4. Detoxification support: Supporting the liver’s detoxification pathways and reducing the burden of toxins on the body can help reduce inflammation and support gut healing.
5. Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe acupuncture can help balance the body’s energy flow and alleviate allergy symptoms. Several studies have shown positive outcomes in reducing nasal congestion, itching, and overall symptom severity. It also boosts the immune system, helps digestion and detoxification, and expedites recovery.
6. BioSET Protocol: BioSET (Bioenergetic Sensitivity and Enzyme Therapy) protocol is a holistic treatment approach that combines acupressure/acupuncture, balancing, and usage of gentle homeopathic, herbal and energy medicine techniques to address allergies. It involves stimulating specific points on the body to rebalance the body’s energy thereby gradually building up a tolerance towards and desensitizing it to allergens. This approach aims to strengthen the immune system and reduce the body’s response to allergens.
7. Stress Management Techniques: Chronic stress can worsen allergy symptoms by triggering an inflammatory response in the body. Techniques like meditation, Yoga, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness-based stress reduction may help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being, potentially easing allergy symptoms.
8. Lifestyle modifications: Getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and managing stress levels are all important for maintaining a healthy gut. In addition, taking preventive measures, such as washing bedding frequently, using air purifiers or filters, and reducing the amount of dust and pet dander in the home, can also help alleviate environmental allergy symptoms.
It’s important to note that Functional Medicine treatment plans are individualized and may vary depending on the specific needs of each person. Working with a qualified FM practitioner is recommended to receive personalized care and guidance.
A Final Word on BioSET for Allergy Elimination
As a holistic health approach, the BioSET Allergy Elimination Protocol, also known as the BioSET System, uses a combination of traditional and modern medical techniques for evaluating and treating allergies and sensitivities to food and environmental factors. It combines the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutritional counseling, kinesiology, homeopathy, and enzyme therapy to restore the patient’s immune system’s balance.
BioSET is particularly useful for those who suffer from chronic allergies, asthma, digestive problems, and hormonal imbalances. It is also effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, and has been used successfully for food allergies. The initial treatment may include a series of allergy tests, a BioScan Bioenergetic assessment — an FDA-cleared biofeedback and bioenergetic assessment device that measures the body’s electrical conductivity to determine the functional status of various organs and systems, the energy meridians, and acupuncture points of the body — muscle testing, pulse analysis, and skin testing. The results of these tests are used to identify any food or environmental allergies that may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
Overall, BioSET is a non-invasive, safe, and effective allergy treatment technique that targets the root cause of the food and environmental allergy symptoms rather than merely masking them.
Environmental allergies are typically not life-threatening, but they can impact a person’s day-to-day life and decrease their quality of life. With proper management, however, individuals with environmental allergies can manage their symptoms and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
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If you’re interested in exploring Functional Medicine approaches, with or without acupuncture for your seasonal allergies or allergy elimination, schedule a FREE consultation with us to develop a treatment plan. Contact our office: 301-881-2898 or email [email protected].
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