Allergies
The naturopathic approach to allergies is to identify why the individual has the allergy, and then treat the root cause of the problem.
If you are suffering from allergies that were present since birth or came back all of a sudden, or suspect that you may be suffering from allergies to the environment or certain foods, we can help you identify what caused the allergy to come about in the first place and help you treat the cause, we can also help you to decrease allergenic reactions to the environment and foods using natural supplements. Alternative therapies help to reduce inflammation, minimize hypersensitivity reactions, modulate the immune system, and heal the digestive tract.
The main approaches used include therapeutic nutrition, botanical herbs and diet and lifestyle changes. An assessment of diet and the digestive system is needed as the body’s microbiome plays an essential role in balancing immune function.
Allergy occurs when an immune response is mounted to an otherwise benign factor. Exposure occurs as irritants contact skin or mucous membranes of the respiratory or digestive tract, such as pollen or animal dander, or foods in the digestive tract. Allergic reactions may cause a wide range of responses from dark circles under the eyes, stomach pain or nausea, through to life threatening anaphylaxis. Common atopic allergies include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and eczema
Atopy is the tendency to produce an exaggerated immunoglobulin E immune response to otherwise harmless substances in the environment. Allergic diseases are clinical manifestations of such inappropriate, atopic responses.
Atopic dermatitis, often referred to as eczema, is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin. It is a common condition that usually begins in childhood; however, anyone can get the disease at any age.
Certain herbs and nutrients work by increasing immune tolerance through targeting immune modulation, epithelial repair, gut barrier functions. Other herbs support liver clearance of immune complexes and offer anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Other nutrients improve mucus secretions. Addressing these factors ultimately leads to increased tolerance of allergens.
Specific strains of probiotic have been shown to be highly effective in balancing immunity, reducing atopy and supporting gastrointestinal barrier function. They help restore immune control and moderate over-active immune responses. These strains assist immune regulation by supporting T-reg cell function and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Most adverse reactions to food are caused by non-immunologic mediated mechanisms. These are called food intolerance or food hypersensitivity. Adverse food reactions can occur because a person lacks the enzymes needed for proper digestion, such as those for the lactose in milk, or because they have a sensitivity to such common preservatives and additives as monosodium glutamate (MSG), sulphites and gluten. Some adverse reactions may be due to food-borne microbial pathogens and toxins, and are not an allergic response, but a normal immune defence response. Elimination diets, rotation diets and anti-inflammatory diets help reduce immune response and heal and restore GUT function.
