This time of year can be painful and unpleasant because of those stubborn allergies! But what are they? How do they start and what do the symptoms mean? Let me explain.

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system identifies a substance as being harmful and overreacts to it. This process begins in the intestines which is where sixty percent of the immune system resides! 60%! When the body identifies a protein as an allergen, the body makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Doesn’t it then make sense to support healing and inflammation within the intestines? We think so!

The symptoms you feel are caused by histamines. Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, rashes, and itching skin are all related. They can also be traced back to the original process within the intestines! If you’re dealing with food allergies, it’s easy to cut out the offending food(s) but much harder to do with environmental allergens. With environmental allergies, supporting the inflammatory process and the excretion of the histamines proves more effective long term.

Nearly every case we see with allergies also presents itself with other signs of inflammation. Because of this, we use a variety of products in the clinic. Some support the healing of the lining of the intestinal tract, some support inflammation and some help to excrete excess histamines out of the body at a more efficient rate.

Helpful Supplements:

• Standard Process Allerplex and Antronex. Think of Allerplex as a multi for the whole inflammatory process. It feeds each system while also supporting the excretion of inflammation. Antronex, on the other hand, is more targeted. Antronex increases blood flow through the portal vein in the liver. This allows the body to process and excrete histamines at a faster rate. Be mindful, Antronex will “dry” up symptoms.
• Physica Energetics Glutamine PLG-U: This is a combination of glutamine, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, aloe vera, and marshmallow powder. This formulation supports inflammation within the intestinal tract while also nourishing the lining of the intestinal tract. A very cooling & soothing formula.
• Orthomolecular D-Hist: Think of D-Hist as a more potent and targeted Allerplex. Dosed high enough, it will help get rid of symptoms quite quickly. We’ve been using it with those who experience symptoms all year round with great success. It also comes in a chewable form for kids which we love. Kids with allergies almost always need long term gut support with probiotics and food-based anti-inflammatories.