Classic allergy signs of sinus congestion, runny nose and sneezing, tearing and itchy eyes are caused by the activity of excess histamine. Histamine is released when a specific type of white blood cell, called a mast cell, is triggered by an allergen to burst. Histamine molecules then attach to histamine receptors, triggering allergy symptoms.
Anti-histamine medications, such as Loratadine and Cetirizine, work at the end the allergy process by preventing the histamine molecules from attaching to histamine receptors.
The goals of naturopathic allergy treatment includes 1) identifying the allergens and reducing your exposure to them, 2) decreasing your immune system’s sensitivity to these allergens, 3) stabilizing your mast cells to decrease the release of excess histamine, 4) reducing discomfort from current allergy symptoms.
Air filters help to reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Choose a filter that incorporates a multistage filter. Do a daily nasal rinse with distilled water and a small amount of sea salt. Decrease problem foods from your diet. Stabilizing mast cells and reducing current symptoms can be achieved with a number of different herbs and common nutritional supplements, such as vitamin C, the B vitamins, nettles and probiotics.
