Struggling with Seasonal Allergies? Try our digestive healing tips for a sneeze free Spring!

I view seasonal allergies, not as something you are stuck with for life, but as an expression of a dysbiotic digestive ecosystem. In my own clinical experience, I have seen seasonal allergies, stuffy nose, sneezing, wheezing, running and goopy eyes, asthma-like symptoms, coughing, tiredness, lack of stamina all melt away for many clients when we work to improve the microbiome and the digestive functions.

The Gut Microbiome Drives Allergic Responses

Studies have shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as gut dysbiosis, can contribute to the development of allergies and an overactive immune response. This is because the gut microbiome is closely connected to the immune system and helps to regulate its activity. An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which can lead to an allergic response.

Histamines and Mast Cell Activation are Driven by Dysbiosis

Histamine sensitivity and mast cell activation are important factors in the development of allergies.

During an allergic reaction, the immune system releases histamine and other chemical mediators, including leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and the characteristic symptoms of allergies, such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Mast cells are a type of immune cell that play a key role in the immune response and are responsible for releasing histamine and other chemical mediators in response to an allergen. When an allergen enters the body, it triggers the activation of mast cells, which release histamine and other mediators, causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Histamine sensitivity refers to an individual's sensitivity to histamine, which can result in an overactive immune response and an increased risk of developing allergies. Individuals who are histamine sensitive may experience symptoms, such as itching, redness, and swelling, in response to even small amounts of histamine.

Again, healing the gut microbiome, the liver, improving hte diet can all help calm down this response. 

The Vital Organ of Detoxification: The Liver  

The liver is part of the digestive system (also part of the detoxification systems and sugar handling systems) and also plays a role in seasonal allergies. Oftentimes, supporting the liver's detoxification pathways and bile production processes also help reduce seasonal allergies. 

Kupffer cells, which are located in the liver, play a role in the immune response and have been implicated in the development of allergies. Kupffer cells are part of the innate immune system and are responsible for recognizing and removing foreign particles, including allergens, from the body.

When an allergen enters the body, it triggers an immune response that causes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can result in symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Kupffer cells can contribute to this response by releasing cytokines and other signaling molecules that help activate the immune system and trigger an allergic reaction.

The Important Role of Vitamins A + D

Vitamins A and D are also important components of the immune system and play a role in the development of allergies.

Vitamin A is involved in regulating the immune response and helps to prevent an overactive response to allergens. A deficiency in vitamin A has been linked to an increased risk of allergies and other autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating the immune system and has been shown to reduce the risk of developing allergies. Vitamin D helps to modulate the activity of T cells, which are a key component of the immune response, and can help prevent an overactive response to allergens.

In summary, vitamins A and D play important roles in regulating the immune system and reducing the risk of developing allergies. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients through a balanced diet and supplementation may help support a healthy immune system and reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.

Summary

In this conversation, we discussed the connection between the digestive microbiome, seasonal allergies, Kupffer cells in the liver, vitamins A and D, and histamine sensitivity. The digestive microbiome plays a role in the development of allergies by affecting the immune response and regulating the balance of microorganisms in the gut. Kupffer cells, located in the liver, have been implicated in the development of allergies and release cytokines and other signaling molecules that activate the immune system and trigger an allergic reaction. Vitamins A and D are important components of the immune system and play a role in reducing the risk of developing allergies. Histamine sensitivity and mast cell activation are key factors in the development of allergies, as they result in an overactive immune response and an increased release of histamine and other chemical mediators, leading to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

How to Calm Down Seasonal Allergies and Enjoy Spring!

• Improve digestive function if your digestive system doesn't seem to be fully digesting your food or if you have any digestive discomfort.
• Kill off bad bugs in the gut and populate good bugs.
• Heal and seal the gut lining.
• Chew your food thoroughly. 
• Eat a clean diet and remove foods with toxic or weird additives.
• Avoiding dairy and gluten can be helpful for many people as well. 
• Take digestive supplements as needed.
• Take Vitamin A and D supplements if needed. 
• Get sunshine on your skin to activate Vitamin D production. 
• Support healthier liver function.
• Take the Nourish + Flow program for a complete step-by-step process for recovery. 
• Apply to work with us if you could benefit from extra and specific support to meet your needs.  

Supplements I Love

Supplements are highly person specific depending on your needs. I ALWAYS recommend working with a skilled practitioner to determine what is safe and beneficial for you. Order these Supplements HERE.

Rosita's Cod Liver Oil

Great choice for vitamins A and D. Vitamin D levels should be checked every 3 months before continuing supplementation. 

Biotics Histoplex

Herbs to address seasonal allergy reactions. Can be taken seasonally as needed. 

Biotics Histoplex AB

Herbs to address allergy reactions, especially for airborne allergies. Can be taken seasonally as needed. 

Designs for Health Digestzymes

A nice place to start for digestive support. Of course, this is just the very tip of the iceberg with regard to how well and comprehensively we can support improved digestive balance. Please note it does contain Hydrochloric Acid so those with ulcers, gastritis, or on PPIs should avoid until the tissues of the stomach are more healed.