Allergy is such a common health problem that we often
take it for granted. Allergy is something of a mystery, in that it doesn’t
seem to have a significant adaptive function. Allergy involves immune system
activation by otherwise non-toxic substances, including but not limited to,
pollens, dust, mold, some chemicals, and foods. Since the immune system
maintains our internal boundary with the world, allergy is a sort of physical
paranoia. The reactions can range from runny nose, itching eyes, cough, rashes,
to shutting down of the airways, circulatory collapse and death (The “paranoid,”
over-reactive immune system would rather die than permit entry of the substance!).
For some people, even so-called Hay Fever can be disabling during certain
times of the year. Technically, allergy involves the activation of one of
the 5 types of immune proteins, IgE, and one type of immune system cell,
the mast cell. Some reactions are mediated by IgM and IgG, and can
produce achy joints, chronic dermatitis, headaches, “brain fog, and even
panic and depression.
I see progressive allergy as representing immune system
and energetic imbalance. Contributing factors include: genetic differences;
early childhood feeding, disease and trauma experiences; dietary composition;
environmental exposures; physical and psychosocial stress and trauma; deficient
adrenal gland function. The presence of multiple factors or multiple
allergens increases the chance and severity of all allergic reactions.
Some examples:
• Highly allergic people were more often exposed to toxic
environments, and introduced to allergenic foods too early in infancy.
• Chronic stress can deplete adrenal gland function.
This results in a relative deficiency of cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone.
• When we examine the diets of allergic people, we often
find a large amount of animal protein and fat compared to vegetable sources,
and the fats are often of the “trans” or omega-6 variety, all of which promote
inflammation, compared to the omega-3 types, which inhibit inflammation.
• Sometimes people with chronic intestinal dysfunction,
due to recurrent antibiotics, processed food, and stress, absorb incompletely
broken down food molecules, which then trigger immune reactions all over
the body. This condition, often called “leaky gut,” needs healing before
the allergies will get much better.
• Chronic stress or stressful experiences, can over-activate
a portion of our subtle energy system, which then chronically remains vigilant
and over-responsive. Allergy will improve if this system is re-balanced.
So, what can be done? The answer, following the principle of Integrative
Medicine, depends on the unique situation of the individual patient.
Treatments may include:
• dietary modification, to reduce foods promoting inflammation,
eliminate allergenic foods, and increase foods which inhibit inflammation;
• treating adrenal fatigue, and other hormone imbalances;
• regular exercise and weight loss, which reduces the inflammatory
set point;
• use of herbs, nutrients and metabolic factors which modulate
immune function, including: cold water fish, certain nuts & seeds, vitamin
C, bioflavonoids, quercetin, pantothenic acid, fish oil and flax seed oil
concentrates, vitamin E, butterbur, stinging nettle leaf, turmeric, ginger,
& Boswellia extracts, coenzyme Q-10
• mind-body-energy therapies to reduce the level of stress
and over-vigilance, such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, TaiChi,
QiGong, relaxation training, guided imagery, biofeedback
• Energy therapies, such as acupuncture, Shiatzu, Reiki,
Healing Touch, Polarity, Homeopathy