Allergies: Why You Have Them & What You Can Do About Them

Functional Medicine (FM) approaches allergies by identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the condition rather than simply treating the symptoms. This approach recognizes that allergies are not simply a result of an overactive immune system, but rather a complex interplay of various factors including genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. All of which can be manipulated to some degree to make you suffer from allergies less or even eliminate them all together.

A functional medicine practitioner will work with the patient to identify any triggers that may be contributing to their allergies, such as food sensitivities, environmental allergens, or stress.

A healthy gut is essential for a strong immune system, and many allergies are associated with imbalances in gut flora. Functional medicine practitioners will often recommend dietary changes and supplements to support gut health. Over 60% of our immune system resides, generates or is regulated by our gut. It is a big deal!

Inflammation is a key component of many allergic reactions. A functional medicine practitioner may recommend dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle modifications to help reduce inflammation and support overall health.

Toxins in the environment and in food can contribute to allergies. A functional medicine practitioner may recommend dietary changes and supplements to support the body's natural detoxification processes.

A functional medicine approach to allergies recognizes that optimal health is achieved through a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of health, including diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and social support.

It is important to note that a functional medicine approach to allergies is individualized to each person's unique needs and circumstances. Functional medicine practitioners use a personalized, patient-centered approach to care, which takes into account a person's health history, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Functional medicine treatments for allergies vary depending on the individual and the underlying causes of their allergy. However, some common treatments that functional medicine practitioners may recommend include:

1. Dietary changes: Eliminating certain foods that the person is sensitive to or reducing their intake of inflammatory foods. They may also recommend a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

2. Nutritional supplements: Supplements to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve gut health. Some supplements that may be helpful for allergies include probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin, vitamin C, and vitamin D. More on supplements here with my free e-book "8 Supplements of Vitality".

3. Herbal remedies: Certain herbs have natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful for allergies. Herbal remedies such as stinging nettle, butterbur, and chamomile help reduce allergy symptoms. There are some excellent products that we carry in the pharmacy that work better than any traditional over-the-counter antihistamine in my opinion.

4. Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction techniques, exercise, and getting adequate sleep to help support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

5. Environmental modifications: Environmental modifications such as using air filters, reducing exposure to allergens, and using non-toxic cleaning products to help reduce allergy symptoms.

If you ever need help navigating your own personal journey with allergies, you can always work with me to determine the things that need to be addressed.

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