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Are you one of the more than 100 million people in the United States with asthma and/or allergies? Did you know...
Your naturopathic doctor treats and manages asthma, as well as food and environmental allergies, by identifying and treating the root causes of the allergy while stimulating and supporting the body’s ability to heal. She will recommend supplements to calm an over-reactive immune system, with the goal of foundationally stabilizing immune cells so they are not overproducing histamines. Histamines activate when your body is trying to get rid of something, and you may experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, etc. These are all symptoms of inflammation in the body. Hälsa offers a variety of tests that identify sources of environmental allergies and food sensitivities. Food sensitivity testing streamlines the process of identifying triggering foods, providing clear evidence and guidance to begin the healing process and start improving symptoms. Similarly, environmental allergy testing identifies environmental allergens that are present. Environmental allergies include reactions to mold/mildew, dust, and pollen. Lab tests used by our NDs include food sensitivity and food allergy tests, mold testing, and gut microbiome testing. Many tests can be completed at home and mailed in to the lab, making it easy for patients to take the test and have results sent to their provider. As part of treating the underlying causes that trigger an allergic response, your naturopathic doctor will likely focus on understanding food allergies and sensitivities as one of the underlying causes. When you identify and eliminate food allergies and sensitivities, you decrease the amount of inflammation in the body, which then decreases lung and airborne reactions in the body. There is also a relationship between asthma and gastrointestinal health, in that the health of the digestive system influences the health of the lungs. There is communication between immune cells in the lungs and the gut. The lungs have their own microbiome that is directly influenced by the gut microbiome and impacts the risk of respiratory disease. Therefore, taking a gut health test is important especially if you have digestive symptoms, allergies and/or asthma. Supplements can soothe symptoms of inflammation while you work with your health care team to understand root causes. Supplements such as Aller-C and Hist-DAO break down histamines produced in the body when inflammation is triggered. Your provider may also recommend supplements that support gastrointestinal health and healing. Dr. Mutti’s Recommended Supplements: Vital Nutrients Aller-C (100ct) – Sale price $27.90 For anyone suffering inflammation associated with seasonal allergies. Aller-C is a citrus bioflavonoids formula that has been shown to have a powerful effect on respiratory and sinus inflammation. Take 2 capsules 2 times a day to manage seasonal allergy symptoms. Regular Price $34.90 Ortho Molecular Products D-Hist Jr. (60ct) – Sale price $16.80 Chewable antihistamine for environmental allergy symptoms. Suitable for children and adults. Regular Price $20.99 Xymogen Hist-DAO (60ct) - Sale price $44.00 Suitable for anyone with food sensitivities, Hist-DAO contains an enzyme that decreases histamine response triggered by food sensitivities. Take one tablet with meals. Regular Price $54.99 These are not suitable replacements for people who are using prescribed medications for food allergies that cause anaphylaxis, or severe asthma that is controlled with prescribed medications. Talk to your Hälsa provider if you experience seasonal, environmental, and/or food allergies, and want to understand how to treat the symptoms and their root causes. Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://aafa.org/get-involved/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month/ 1. National Center for Health Statistics. (2023). 2022 NHIS Adult Summary Health Statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://data.cdc.gov/d/25m4-6qqq 2. National Center for Health Statistics. (2023). 2022 NHIS Child Summary Health Statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://data.cdc.gov/d/wxz7-ekz9 3. Ng, A.E. & Boersma, P. (2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 460: Diagnosed allergic conditions in adults: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122809 4. Zablotsky, B., Black, L.I., & Akinbami, L.J.(2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 459: Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0-17 years: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:123250
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic condition estimated to impact 10% of people worldwide, and IBS symptoms can get in the way of one’s quality of life. A naturopathic approach to IBS helps address symptoms in the short-term and focuses on re-establishing the foundation for health, stimulating the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
IBS symptoms include: abdominal pain, change in bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, changes in stool appearance, urgency, incomplete evacuation, mucus in stool, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Common triggers for IBS include: stress, inflammatory foods, microbial deficiencies, and leaky gut. One of the best ways to investigate root causes of IBS is with a stool sample test to evaluate gut microbiome health. Our NDs often recommend the GI Effects test from Genova Laboratories. This test evaluates gut microbiome health and uncovers problems absorbing food and gut bacteria imbalances. Learn more about the GI Effects test on Genova’s website here. Once gut microbiome health has been evaluated, the next step is to identify the underlying root cause(s). These include: altered gut motility, intestinal inflammation, changes in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis), or presence of intestinal candida or parasites. Stress also has a major impact on the aforementioned factors and can also impact visceral perception (hypersensitivity to pain), changes in secretion of gastrointestinal enzymes, increased intestinal permeability (triggering sensitivities to food), and the function of your immune system. Lifestyle factors also contribute to gastrointestinal health. Due to the connection between the brain and the gut, it’s important to utilize stress management techniques to help manage IBS symptoms. The goal is to shift from a sympathetic state “fight or flight” to a parasympathetic state “rest and digest.” Stress management looks different for everyone, but a few examples are: practicing mindfulness, daily movement, grounding, journaling & emotional freedom technique (“tapping”). Try breathwork as a mindfulness practice. Alternate nostril breathing technique is energizing and helps balance an overactive nervous system:
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