May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Are you one of the more than 100 million people in the United States with asthma and/or allergies? Did you know...

• More than 27 million people in the U.S. have asthma (more than 22 million adults and 4.5 million children)1,2
• About 20 million people in the U.S. have food allergies (16 million adults and 4 million children)3,4
• About 81 million people in the U.S. have rhinitis due to nasal allergies, also called “hay fever” (67 million adults and 14 million children)3,4

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