Allergies: A Modern Epidemic

Living with allergies can significantly detract from your quality of life, especially when symptoms make it difficult to focus on work or activities and you cannot even go outside because you know you will be too miserable. Some people don’t even realize they have allergies even though they have the symptoms, they have not associated it with allergies.

The first thing, is what is an allergy? An allergy is when the immune system reacts to a normally harmless particle and causes a physical reaction to substances (allergens). These allergens can either be toxins (such as automobile exhaust fumes or pesticides) or non-toxins (such as pollens or foods). An allergy disrupts the normal flow of communication between your nervous system and your body. This blocked flow of communication develops into an allergic response resulting in allergic symptoms.

What you first have to determine is; do I have allergies? The symptoms can vary wildly from a stuffy nose to fatigue or lethargy. Some common and not so common symptoms are: sinus trouble, post nasal drip, skin issues, sneezing, wheezing, runny and/or itchy nose, itchy ears, itchy and/or watery eyes, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, digestive issues, fatigue or lethargy, headaches, migraines, congestion, stuffiness, swelling (anywhere on or in the body) and the list could go on.

Is our modern lifestyle to blame? Some experts say yes. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health published in 2012 found that “exposure to common antibacterial chemicals and preservatives found in soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash and other personal care products made children more prone to food and environmental allergies.” Our diet is also to blame. Remember 70% of your immune function comes from your gut, so if your gut is off, your immune system can take a hit – contributing to allergy symptoms. Our diet does not favor the good bacteria in our gut and the majority of society have an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria in their gut – known as dysbiosis.

The additional challenge is the outdoors. You walk outside to get in your car and there is a few inches of green stuff on your car. Well, unfortunately, that green stuff is pollen and that is causing a lot of the symptoms I see in my office. If you are having trouble with allergies call The Health Improvement Center and see what we may be able to do to help reign in those horrible allergy symptoms.

A client recently finished her allergy care with us and this is what she had to say: “I have suffered from pollen allergies for 29 years. After several treatments, I do not have any symptoms at all. I don’t have itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose. I can finally enjoy the spring without medicating myself with an allergy pill. I am free from seasonal allergies.” YH