What Causes Allergies?

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People with allergies have an inherited (genetic) predisposition for developing hypersensitivity to inhaled and ingested substances (allergens) that are harmless to other people.

A healthy immune system is balanced between the activity of 2 types of white blood cells, called Th1 and Th2.

Genetic or environmental factors can cause a Th2 dominated response to develop which can lead to allergies.
The use of immunizations and antibiotic therapies and increased pollution leads to Th2 dominance.
Once an imbalance in T cells develops, it tends to be continued by production of chemicals (cytokines) that keep the imbalance in place.

hat Are the Risk Factors for Allergies?
Family or personal history of asthma, eczema, hay fever, or hives.
The total environmental load of toxic substances (environmental pollutants, chemicals, etc.) that we are exposed to in our lifetimes reduces our immune function and leads to an increase in or aggravation of symptoms.
Chronic ingestion of allergenic foods (“food allergies”) weakens our immune function and leads to an increase in or aggravation or symptoms. Dietary sensitivities create a state of hypersensitivity and congestion of the mucus membranes. This congestion decreases the immune function of these tissues.
Histamines, the naturally-occurring chemicals that are involved in allergic reactions, are present in many foods as well as the pollens of trees, grasses, and weeds.
Intake of saturated fat (meat, dairy) and refined foods (sugar, white flour) enhance the inflammatory reaction which is created by histamines.
Chronic stress in any form is detrimental to the immune system. Forms of stress include mental/emotional stress, inadequate nutrition, chronic viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fugal infections, and repeated exposures to antigens in foods, chemicals, pollens, molds. Chronic stress decreases the Th1 response and increases the Th2 response.
Not having been breast-fed may increase the risk of allergies.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Itchy nose, eyes and roof of mouth
Sneezing
Stuffy nose
Pressure in the nose and cheeks
Ear fullness and popping or itching
Dark circles under the eyes
Hives
Sore throat
Headache
Fatigue
Irritability
Depression
Cough
Asthma

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?
Medical history
Family history
Physical examination of ears, nose, throat, sinuses, and lungs
Skin scratch allergy tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Quantitative IgE level
Serum allergy testing (IgG)
Serum allergy testing (IgE)

Conventional Treatment for Allergies
Avoidance: The preferred treatment is to eliminate the allergen.
Allergen immunotherapy: Weekly or biweekly allergy shots for desensitization. Must be continued year-round.
Medications
Drawbacks of medications
Do not treat the cause of allergies, but only the symptoms.
Most allergy medications are associated with a significant worsening of allergic symptoms when they are stopped.
Associated with significant side-effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, high blood pressure.
Antihistamines.
Decongestants
Cromolyn sodium.
Nasal steroid sprays.
Eye drops.

Natural or Alternative Treatment for Allergies
Reduce Exposure to allergens
The most effective treatment for allergies is to reduce your exposure. There are several ways to do this:

Clean Up Your Environment
Mold Allergy Control
Control of Dog Allergies and Cat Allergies
Dietary treatments
Drink enough water.
Identify and eliminate aggravating factors including food dyes, colorings, preservatives, additives, and food allergies.
Avoid dietary sources of arachidonic acid (found in animal products) which contribute to the inflammation.
Consume anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids (Omega 3’s) in the form of fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds, cod liver oil, fish oil, and flax seed oil.
Clinical Nutrition
Not everyone will need to apply all of these treatments. Consult a nutritionally oriented physician to help specialize treatment for you including selection of nutrients and their doses.

Nutritional Substances that Address Th1/Th2 Balance

Omega 3 fatty acids
Vitamin E
Probiotics
Adaptogenic herbs
Other nutrients useful in the treatment of allergies

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid
N-acetyl cysteine
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Selenium, carotenes, vitamin E
Bromelain, a plant-derived enzyme
Botanical Medicine
Herbs such as Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), Hawthorne Berry (Crataegus oxyacantha), and Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) may be used in the treatment of allergies, depending on the person’s specific allergy symptoms..

Homeopathic Remedies
Allium cepa, Silicea, Hepar sulf, Kali bic are but a few single remedies used in the acute and chronic treatment of rhinitis.

Supplement Quality Is Important
Our intention when we use nutritional and botanical supplements is for these treatments to have a physiological effect and clinical benefit, meaning that they are effective and your health improves.

The quality of nutritional supplements in the general marketplace is suspect. In order to get the maximum benefit to your health, be sure you purchase the highest quality nutritional supplements.

Can Allergies Be Prevented?
Allergies are difficult to prevent because it is so hard to avoid exposure to allergens. However, efforts to address the modifiable risk factors (listed above) should minimize the development of allergies.

What Should You Do Next?
The doctors at The Connecticut Center for Health are very experienced in the treatment of allergies. If you have (or suspect you have) allergy symptoms and want to learn more about natural treatments for this condition, we recommend that you contact one of our clinics for a free consultation about allegies or an appointment.

Middletown Clinic • 87 Bernie O'Rourke Dr. • Middletown CT 06457 • 860-347-8600
West Hartford Clinic • 777 Farmington Ave • West Hartford CT 06119 • 860-232-0000