Article courtesy of BCHA Professional RHT member Dr. Cobi, PhD, DNM, CHT, RNCP, ROHP, RHT
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Being plagued by the unbearable symptoms of seasonal allergies does not have to be a life-long battle. Whether it is your friend’s cat or the spring pollen that causes the sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing and more, a holistic approach will treat the underlying cause- the immune system.
It is suggested that 60% of the population suffer from some type of allergic response. As we subject our bodies and immune systems to more stress, this number is rising. In truth, anybody can be allergic to anything and the reactions can express themselves in any area of the body. The question remains, why are some people affected while others are left unscathed?
An allergic predisposition may be inherited if one of both parents has allergies. The 3 most common allergenic reactions know to be inherited are hay fever, asthma and eczema. A person with one or more of this triad is said to be “Atopic”. Atopic individuals have a strong family correlation even though the form may switch or even skip a generation. Atopic individuals have up to 50% more T-Helper cells (immune cells) and therefore react more rapidly to low levels of offending invaders. Studies also show that low levels of digestive enzymes and depleted levels of immune cells in the lining of the gut permit easier entry of allergens into the blood stream.
Any factors which impair immune function will predispose a person to allergies. These factors include stress (emotional or physical), poor nutrition, smoking, drugs (prescription or recreational) and over-consumption of artificial and processed foods.
Our immune system manifests the allergy symptoms as a way of detoxifying the body of what it sees as invaders. This response is not normal and occurs mainly in those who have a hyper stimulated or overly sensitive immune system.
Treating allergies with pharmaceuticals is a purely symptomatic approach with dependency on the drugs often occurring. There are many undesirable side-effects of the drugs which often lead to the need for more drugs to treat the side-effects. This cycle continues to weaken the immune system and the allergies tend to get worse each year.
The holistic approach to allergies is the rebalancing and the regulation of the over- stressed immune system through the use of herbs, nutritional supplements and nutritional changes. Once the immune system is functioning optimally, it will not continue to produce the same strong reactions and then allergies decrease and most times disappear.
During seasonal allergy issues, avoiding certain foods can dramatically help to reduce symptoms. The main foods to avoid if you are experiencing allergy symptoms include: wheat, sugar, dairy, peanuts, corn and soy. Patients often report a significant reduction in symptoms when avoiding these food triggers.
A netti pot can also be very helpful. Rinse nasal sinuses twice daily with warm water and ½ tsp. sea salt to help to clear sinuses of all allergens.
Dr Cobi’s Top Picks for Seasonal Allergies
- Allergiplex– Dissolve 1 under the tongue 1 time per week to prevent allergies or 1 time daily to treat allergies.
- HistaeAllergiplexze– This is one of my favourite products! Take 2 capsules 2 times daily to treat allergies. In many cases, this works better than most pharmaceutical allergy treatments.
- Quercetin Hi P– This compounded product (available to patients only) is the highest dose Quercetin product on the market. Quercetin is a natural anti-histamine.
- Hydrastis Nasal Spray– Spray 1-2 times into each nostril for immediate relief!
- Pleo Muc Eye Drops– Place 1-2 drops into each eye as needed for relief of itchy eyes.
- Allergy Desensitization Program– Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
About the Author:
Dr. Cobi Slater, PhD, DNM, CHT, RNCP, NNCP began her medical training at Dominion Herbal College where she graduated with honors after 4 years of schooling with a degree in Clinical Herbal Therapy.
Dr. Cobi continued on to complete further specialized training to qualify as a DNM (Doctorate of Natural Medicine), awarded by the Examining Board of Natural Medicine Practitioners of Canada and the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners of North America. Dr. Cobi holds a PhD in Natural Health Sciences with a specialty in hormonal dysfunction.
In addition, Dr. Cobi is trained as a Natural Health Practitioner, Natural Health Consultant, Natural Health Educator, a Natural Health Technician, Certified Laser Therapist, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner/Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner.
Dr. Cobi‘s inspiration to pursue a holistic approach to health and wellbeing led her to establish Essential Health Natural Wellness Clinic located in Maple Ridge, BC. Essential Health is dedicated to providing professional, safe and effective complementary healthcare through the use of research and evidence-based natural medicine therapies. Offering assistance for chronic disease, hormone issues, immune health, allergies, skin problems, digestive complaints, nutrition counseling and lifestyle counseling to name a few, Essential Health educates and empowers individuals to achieve an optimal state of health and wellbeing.
Dr. Cobi currently practices in her local clinic and conducts on-line consultations throughout North America. She writes health articles and columns for several newspapers and health magazines and is the International Best-Selling Author of 5 books including: The Ultimate Candida Guide and Cookbook, The Ultimate Hormone Guidebook, The Ultimate Metabolic Plan, The Ultimate Gluten and Dairy Free Cookbook and the Refresh, Revive, Restore 10-Day Detox Book.
Dr. Cobi is a professional RHT member of the Canadian Herbalist’s Association of British Columbia, the Natural Medicine Practitioners of Canada, the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants, the Canadian Association of Natural Nutirional Practitioners and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. She is also a member of the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners of North America, the Natural Medicine Certification Council as well as the Health Action Network Society.
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