Hello my dear redheaded lovelies! I’ve been horrible. I haven’t written you in forever. Shame on me. Well, in my defense, my Dad passed away last fall and then a dear family friend passed away a month later sooooooo I haven’t been in the mood to write in a while. Also at work, I HAVE to write really boring policy-type stuff which makes me tired of writing, then I don’t wanna do it when I get home.
But enough with this pity party! It is spring! That big bunny is hopping around and hiding eggs, and there is just way too much chocolate mischief going on (preferably dark 70% chocolate, thank you). BUT that also means that some of us redheads may be sneezing, wheezing, and our eyes might be watering and itching. Ugh! Who said spring was awesome?! I myself have to do an allergy scratch test in a couple weeks with my new immunologist. I cannot imagine the torture. Wait, there I go with that pity party again. Focus. Yes, it is allergy season. There is no use in denying it. So we may as well learn more about it and see what we can do to cope.
What are allergies?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to substances called "allergens." Allergies are grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year or where symptoms appear on the body, whether they are indoor and outdoor allergies (also called "hay fever," "seasonal," "perennial" or "nasal" allergies), food allergies, latex allergies, insect allergies, skin allergies and eye allergies. People who have allergies can live healthy and active lives. If you have severe allergies and/or asthma, it is very important to consult an immunologist and get yourself on a regimen that will work for you; sudden asthma attacks or anaphylactic shock can be life threatening.
Common inhalant and/or skin allergies and sensitivities:
-plant pollens
-animal dander
-casings of dust mites or cockroaches (Those damn dust mites! I hate them!)
-mold spores
-tobacco smoke
-vehicle exhaust
-formaldehydes or chemical products including paint or cleaning products
Other common skin contact allergens include:
-latex
-cosmetic ingredients
-jewelry metals such as nickel, copper and chromates.
Most inhalant and contact allergens can be identified with a skin scratch test. The goal is to either remove the allergen or implement control measures to minimize exposure to it while simultaneously building up immune defenses.
To reduce exposure to allergens and chemical sensitivities:
-Select an environmentally friendly residential neighborhood with minimal exposure to pollutants, pesticides and herbicides.
-Employ control measures in your bedroom to minimize dust and allergens such as encasing mattress, box spring and pillows in dust mite proof covers, laundering sheets weekly and blankets monthly, and keeping pets out of the bedroom.
- Use an air purifier in the bedroom. My immunologist recommended a Blueair (pricey), but I have used Honeywell HEPA filters in the past (slightly more affordable).
-Remove carpeting if possible and vacuum weekly with HEPA filtered vacuum.
-Clean your heating and cooling systems and ducts.
-Purify your water supply. I use the Multi-Pure system.
-Clean and do laundry without toxic chemicals. There are a lot of natural cleaning and laundry products on the market now. Fabric softener, for me, is the worst! A dear friend of mine gave me a pair of her pants that did not fit her and my eyes started watering as I was driving home with them because of the laundry detergent or fabric softener. I had to wash them FIVE times before I could even wear them.
- For pest control, employ toxic-free measures. I have a California ant problem every winter. Inside, I use natural products that have thyme or orange oil. Outside where there is more ventilation, I sometimes use stronger more toxic products in order to get the issue under control.
-Prevent water damage and mold growth. In the Bay Area there is plenty of mold and mildew. I use my monthly Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons to buy Damp Rid and put them in the closets, under the sink and in cabinets where there is a lot of moisture. I also installed a ceiling fan in my studio cottage and open the windows often to keeps the air circulating. This prevents condensation and mildew build up on the walls and windows.
-Properly ventilate gas stoves.
-Use less toxic building materials, paint, and carpeting (e.g. low VOC paint)
-Those with asthma are recommended to not use fireplace. If using fireplace, use clean unadulterated hard wood only, properly ventilate and keep flue closed when not in use.
-Keep your refrigerator clean inside, behind and underneath.
-Use natural hygiene products, cosmetics and clothing, although, you can even be allergic and sensitive to natural products. Anyone can be allergic to anything so listen to your body. I had a reaction to a “natural” deodorant after they changed the formulation. I use Herbal Magic now with no problem.
-For allergic nasal congestion, consider using a neti pot and doing regular saline nasal lavages. I also use saline sprays like Ocean. Cleaning out your nasal passages regularly also keeps colds at bay. See below for a home nasal lavage/neti pot solution recipe.
-If you suspect a metal allergy, ask your doctor to order you a test like the MELISA. Dentists and doctors often order this test to ensure that dental work and bodily implants are compatible.
Elimination and Rotation Diet
A healthy whole food diet can be therapeutic for allergies, but anyone can be allergic to anything, which is why you might consider doing an elimination diet to help identify any possible food allergies and sensitivities. Identifying and eliminating food allergies and sensitivities might also alleviate your inhalant and skin allergies. Eating foods high in Vitamin C, eating nettles (a leafy green), or drinking nettles tea can have an anti-histamine effect and may provide some relief. See resources at the end for some book references for elimination and rotation diets.
Food allergy blood tests are also available. An immunologist can likely test for immunogobulin E (IgE). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) blood tests are also available through places like York Test Laboratories.
Helpful Nutritional Supplements:
Please consult your physician before using any supplement; it can interact with medications that you are taking.
Vitamin C:
-Anti-histamine effects are found to occur with large doses of 2000 mg
-Use a corn-free form since corn is a common food allergen
-Use a buffered form to lessen acidity
-500-5000 mg daily (or to bowel tolerance)
Bioflavonoids:
-Quercitin suppresses release of histamines and other substances that cause allergic response
-400 mg daily, 20 minutes before meals
-There are a lot of allergy supplement formulas with quercitin available. I just ordered Designs for Health HistaEze.
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC):
-Precursor to glutathione for liver detoxification support.
-Augments effects of vitamin C.
-Anti-oxidant and promotes mucolytic activity in the airways.
-I find that the sulfuric component of this supplement helps to calm sensitive skin. It helped to ease my rashes and acne.
-Start with 100-200mg a day and work your way slowly up over the course of a few months to 500mg three times a day (or 1500mg/day).
-This supplement can have a liver detoxification effect that might make you feel a little flu-like after a few days of use, but it should pass. Drink a lot of water (8 glasses a day). If it doesn’t pass, discontinue use.
Homeopathy:
-Some people find relief with homeopathic remedies. You can find remedies for specific allergens and take them sublingually.
-I use homeopathic eye drops called Similasan which are very soothing.
Desensitizing Techniques
Consulting an immunologist and receiving immunotherapy injections are the most common treatment for severe allergies. Other injection therapies include serial endpoint titration (SET), Enzyme-Potentiated Desensitization (EPD) or Provocation/Neutralization (P/N). It is debated whether injections could create an imbalance between humoral and cell-mediated immune response. Alternative non-injection desensitizing techniques include Nambrudipad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) or Natural Elimination of Allergy Therapy (NEAT). I myself get immunotherapy allergy shots for dust mites, grass and dander (so that I can hang out at my friends’ houses without being miserable). Unfortunately, my immunologist mentioned that I might need them for the rest of my life to stay symptom-free – those damn dust mites!
Drug Therapies
Allopathic drug therapy including anti-histamines, oral and inhaled corticosteroids may be necessary in acute cases or in the interim before allergens are identified and effectively controlled. Side effects of anti-histamine use may include drowsiness (which may cause impairment in ability to drive), headaches, nervousness, anxiety, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, impaired learning ability in children, and cardiovascular problems including palpitations, arrhythmias and hypertension. Personally, I have been taking Zyrtec and I haven't had any problems with it, but it depends on the individual.
Long term use of oral corticosteroids such as prednisone can increase patients’ risk for developing osteoporosis, diabetes, immune depression, adrenal suppression, cataracts, facial swelling, candidiasis and loss of minerals including potassium, calcium and magnesium. Long term use of inhaled corticosteroids can slow growth in asthmatic children, suppress normal adrenal function, cause excessive weight gain, and increase risk for osteoperosis. Other asthma drugs such as theophylline can contribute to learning disorders and nervousness and beta-agonist sprays are associated with increased death risk.
Some Allergy References and Resources:
Nasal lavage or Neti Pot Solution Recipe:
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon sea salt per cup of water. I use Himalayan or
real salt. They say you can use tap water but that you might want to boil it
first to make it sterile or you can use distilled water and mix the salt in it.
1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda (buy aluminum free baking soda)
2 drops grapefruit seed extract - good for infections/colds
The Allergy Store
