Allergies



 

Allergies: Understanding, Treatment and PreventionDr. Heidi Rootes ND What is an allergy?A reaction to a foreign substance, or neotoxin that causes a heightened sensitivity which stimulates the immune and detoxification systems What causes allergies?There are several factors that contribute to the development of allergies:

  • BIOLOGICAL :  food, drink, bacteria 

                                   virus, fungus, parasite                                animal and plant proteins                                                        

  • CHEMICAL: petrochemicals, heavy metals
  • PHYSICAL : electro-magnetic radiation

                          (radio, microwaves, x-rays                          geopathic stress)

  • MENTAL:  stress

 Mechanism of allergies: 

  • Neo-toxins cause production of excess free radicals within cells
  • Allergies develop when free radicals are produced faster than the detox system is able to remove them
  • Accumulated Free Radicals cause tissue damage and breakdown in function, which is called allergy

 Causes of allergies:·        Increased pollution of air, food and water causes neotoxins to bio-accumulate. When Total Load  goes beyond body  threshold, then an allergy occurs

  • Increased indoor air pollution due to modern building methods  and materials causing  reduced air ventilation- Sick Building Syndrome
  • Modern food production yields foods deficient in essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals, EFAs

                  Generalized allergy symptoms:Continuous:·        Persistent tiredness not relieved by rest or sleep·        Overweight, underweight or changing weightNon-continuous:·        Addiction or intermittent cravings for a food, drink, chemical or neotoxin·        Intermittent palpitations·        Intermittent excessive sweatingLocalized:·        To a target organ·        Most commonly the  brain·        Followed by smooth muscle tissues: GI tract, lungs, heart, circulatory system, bladder·        Bones, joints, glands and skin Predisposing factors to allergy:

  • GENETICS
    Atopy : genetic predisposition to allergy
    • If no parent is allergic  10-20 %  allergy risk

o       If  1 parent is allergic   30-50 %  allergy risko       If both parents allergic  40-75 % allergy risko       Genetic factor is partial or complete enzyme deficiencyo       Cause is genetic enzyme defect, revealed by excess total load of neotoxinso       Mother has more influence on allergy predisposition  because of mitochondrial DNA is 100% maternal in origin 

  • AGE AND SEX

·        Allergies more common in infants and children, especially boys·        Adult women 2x more likely then men·        Infants are more likely to have eczema·        Children : asthma, hay fever, hyperactivity·        Post puberty and childbirth: women develop migraines, colitis, arthritis and recurrent fatigue ·        NUTRITION·        Single most important factor influencing development  of allergies·        Gestational influence of mother’s diet and lifestyle·        Breast-Feeding or Bottle Feeding·        Age of weaning·        Organic vs. non-organic foods ·        LIFESTYLE HABITS·        Alcohol, smoking, prescription and non-prescription drugs·        Sexual promiscuity increases neotoxin load·        Heterosexual women exposed to  proteins and prostaglandins in semen 

  • GENERAL HEALTH STATUS

·        Will influence the resistance to neotoxins·        Health of the Immune System·        Functional capacity of the Detoxification System Treatment:Once allergy season has hit and symptoms begin the only thing that can be done for that season is symptomatic relief.  The true treatment and prevention begins for the next year to prevent the onset on allergy the following season. Acute allergy treatment:

  • Intravenous vitamin and supplement treatment
    • Vitamin C:  decreases the histamine reaction associated with allergies
    • B vitamins:  supports all the functional systems in the body
    • Licorice:  anti viral, supports the adrenal glands and reduces the stress load on the body
    • Homeopathics:  can be added according to symptoms to provide relief
  • Diet:  remove all suspected food sensitivities from the diet to decrease stress on the immune system
  • Sleep:  get plenty of rest to ensure proper healing processes and maintain circadian rhythms to reduce the stress load on the body.
  • Castor oil packs:  supports the immune system, reduces inflammation and moves the lymph to reduce congestion
  • High dose omega 3 fish oils: to reduce inflammation
  • Probiotics: oral and in a nasal lavage to ensure a proper growth of healthy bacteria in the mucous membranes

 Prevention:The key to eliminating allergies is finding the cause of why a particular body is sensitive to a given allergen.  Since 80% of our immune system is in the gut this is a good place to start.  Seasonal allergies are often a sign of dysbiosis or imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract.  It is important to give the body enough time to heal so it is ready to withstand the allergens when the season approaches.  This can take up to six months. 

  • Heal the gut: 
    • Eliminate all food sensitivities
      • Finding food sensitivities can be done by elimination diet or by blood testing.
    • Provide proper nutrients for the cells to regenerate a healthy gut lining
    • Probiotics:  the first line of defense in the gastrointestinal tract.  It is essential to ensure there is a healthy flora of bacteria for a healthy digestive system
    • Omega 3 fish oils: reduce inflammation that causes up regulation of the immune system making it sensitive to allergens

·        Treat the cause:It is important to determine what the cause of the allergy is.  The allergy is merely a symptom of an underlying weakness.  Treating this weakness will strengthen the body and allow it to proceed with it’s natural ability to fight against allergens.  A compromised immune system is very susceptible to allergy.  Stress is a major cause of allergy as it leads to a weakened immune system and therefore an inability to tolerate allergens.  Reducing stress, supporting the adrenal glands and immune system, and restoring balance through proper diet, lifestyle and nutrient intake are all crucial in preventing allergies.