This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The theme for 2024 is Empowering individuals, families and the community to save and improve lives for people with asthma and allergies – a critically important effort, as both asthma attacks and allergic reactions can be deadly.
If you or a family member suffers with asthma or allergy symptoms either seasonally or year-round, you have plenty of company – allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S., according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Identifying allergy causes and effective treatment is key to improving overall wellbeing. The first step for allergy patients seeking answers is testing to develop an allergy profile. If results show just one or two triggers, it is possible to zero in on them, but often, symptoms are caused by many things. It is important to understand the root cause – not just what the patient is allergic to but why.
Allergy causes and treatment
The origin of the allergy epidemic is both environmental and nutritional. A perfect storm of pollution, toxins in the air, unhealthy eating habits, stress, lack of exercise and overuse of antibiotics all work to throw the immune system off balance, resulting in more allergies than ever.
The most common strategy for treating allergies is suppressing symptoms with drugs such as antihistamines, steroids, bronchodilators and immune suppressants. They may provide some temporary relief but do not reverse or really treat allergies. In addition, these medications can have side effects ranging from fatigue to impairment of immunity. Allergy sufferers who react to inhaled triggers may benefit from a simple daily saline nasal rinse to clear mucus and remove dust, pollen, dander and other airborne allergens.
A more holistic approach exposes allergies for what they really are – an imbalance of the immune system that can impact the whole body, causing excessive inflammation. By improving immune health there is an excellent chance of improving or resolving allergy issues.
Where is our immune system and what can we do to strengthen it?
Most immune system cells are in the gut – lymphocytes lining the intestine. A healthy microbiome, or good bacteria in the gut, helps absorb nutrients, neutralize toxins and regulate the immune system. This explains the clear connection between diet and the immune system. Optimal immune function depends on optimal nutrition. Nutrient-dense food nourishes the cells that prevent allergy, fight infection and control inflammation. With dietary changes, it is possible to super-charge the immune system and relieve allergies.
There are many medical interventions and treatments available, but living a balanced, healthy lifestyle needs to be part of the equation. In addition to a nutritious diet, being physically active, proper stress management, sufficient rest, healthy relationships, avoiding toxins, connection to spirituality and a sense of humor are all vital for a stronger and healthier immune system.
For more information on allergies and the immune system, visit HCA Florida Healthcare Healthy Living.
