Spring is in the air, finally we are reunited with the suns kiss upon our skin – the delicious burst of vitamin D we have been longing for all winter long. Flowers are blossoming, butterflies are dappled throughout the endless blue sky and the ocean warms to an inviting temperature. Bliss. Unless you are one of the thousands of Australians that suffer from seasonal allergies.
Allergies are a complex interaction between our genes, our environment, and most importantly—the bacteria in our gut. When these factors don’t get along, symptoms may present themselves such as painfully itchy, watery eyes, nose, throat and palate. It’s easy to say – this is not a pleasurable experience for anyone and not the way you want to be reunited with the suns magnificence.
This leads many of us to explore possible remedies. Store-bought anti-histamine is the most common antidote but doesn’t actually target the underlying cause and can have an adverse effect when used long term.
What we really need to address is why our body is grappling with certain stimuli in the air, in our food, and on our skin. There are many reasons for this, major causes including a vitamin D deficiency, the use of antibiotics leading to a microbiome imbalance, or a histamine intolerance caused by gut dysbiosis, impaired methylation and genetics.
A histamine intolerance occurs when a person has problems metabolising and breaking down histamine, its builds up and leads to worrying symptoms such as hives, rashes and itching, swelling, and nasal congestion.
Histamine is an amine produced by the immune system and involves the inflammatory immune response to an injury or foreign compounds. Enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) breaks down histamine and maintains a histamine balance in the body. However, some people have a low level of this enzyme, and when they eat too many histamine-rich foods, they may suffer ‘allergy-like’ symptoms.
Histamine is not only produced in the body but is also occurs naturally in many common foods and microbial fermentation as the food ages it increases histamine levels. Dysbiosis in the gut will also increase histamine levels.
Common high-histamine foods to be avoided include:
Fermented alcoholic beverages, especially wine, champagne and beer
Fermented foods (soy sauce, sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha)
Vinegar-containing foods (pickles, mayonnaise, olives)
Cured meats (bacon, salami, pepperoni, hot dogs)
Soured foods (sour cream, sour milk, buttermilk, soured bread)
Dried fruit (apricots, prunes, dates, figs, raisins)
Most citrus fruits
Aged cheese, including goat cheese
Nuts (walnuts, cashews)
Some vegetables (avocados, eggplant, spinach, and tomatoes)
Smoked fish and certain species of fish (mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna, anchovies, sardines)
The following foods not only contain histamine, but may induce the release of our own histamine from the mast cells and basophils:
Alcohol
Bananas
Chocolate
Cow’s milk
Nuts
Papaya
Pineapple
Shellfish
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Wheat germ
Many artificial preservatives and dyes
Treatment Plan
Heal the gut with glutamine
Rebalance gut microbiome with a good quality probiotic which includes Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum
Try a low histamine elimination diet for a month, with a slow reintroduction of higher histamine foods to test for tolerance
Keep your home clean especially the bedroom. Make sure you regularly vacuum with a HPEA filter and avoid synthetic bedding or sleepwear. Invest in a high quality air filtration system.
Supplementation – here is a broad list of natural antihistamines and other helpful nutrients that help to alleviate histamine intolerance:
Quercetin – a powerful antihistamine and anti-inflammatory natural compound
Bromelain – antihistamine, powerful enzyme, works well with quercetin
Vitamin C – increases histamine degradation and removal
Vitamin B6 – increases DAO activity
Fish oils – anti-inflammatory
Enzymes – between meals to reduce inflammation and help your body get rid of allergy-inducing irritants
To complement your treatment, try these natural remedies:
Neti Pot – used to irrigate the sinuses and nasal cavities (removing allergens like pollen) while thinning down congestion. A chronic runny nose and sniffling with allergies can lead to an allergic sinusitis, which a Neti pot can prevent.
Mix ¼ tsp Himalayan rock salt with 2 cups of warm water. Tilt your head over the sink at a 45-degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the saline solution into that nostril. Repeat on the other side. Wash your Neti pot after use with warm water and apple cider vinegar.
Local Honey – builds your immunity as it contains local pollens, desensitising you to these pollens so you don’t experience an allergic reaction. Take 1 teaspoon (on its own) first thing in the morning.
Essential Oils – combine peppermint, lavender, and lemon which act as a natural antihistamine and stops the inflammatory response associated with allergies. Diffuse, burn or place a few drops under your nose or on your temples.
Always remember to look for the cause of your dis-ease rather than just treating the symptoms. A detox is a perfect way to cleanse your gut and reset your system. Join us at one of our upcoming retreats to free yourself from allergies.