How a Naturopath Can Help With Seasonal Allergies. By Dr. Erin Coffey, ND

By Dr. Erin Coffey, ND  

Seasonal allergies affect an enormous number of people in Canada each year causing congestion, sneezing, itching eyes, nose and throat, coughing, fatigue and general malaise. Naturopathic approaches can help! They target the underlying issues to help your body become less reactive while also offering a range of natural interventions to lessen symptoms. Creating a personalized  approach involves:  

1) Identifying the Root Cause  
The state of your immune system is tied to your body’s response to allergens. A naturopath can help you boost your immune system to help reduce the impact of seasonal transitions.  

2) Assessing Your Gut Health  
The strength of your immune system is closely tied to gut health. Prebiotic and probiotic foods play a role and individualized supplementation can also be recommended.  

3) Down-Regulating Your Histamine Response  
Quercitin is a flavonoid that may help reduce your seasonal allergies by acting on mast cells to reduce the release of histamine. Supplementation may change the way your body responds to typical triggers.  

4) Reviewing Your Diet  
Diet plays a role! Reducing inflammatory and mucous producing foods can be supportive. Designing a personalized dietary plan can help balance your body and   promote overall wellness.  

5) Determining Whether Stress Plays a Role  
Our body functions best when our cortisol levels are kept in check. There are a number of natural ways to help reduce stress including diet, lifestyle practices and supplementation.  

6) Exploring the Remedies  
There are a range of options available to manage symptoms depending on how you are affected.  

If you are tired of struggling through seasonal transitions a naturopathic approach may be worth considering.