Spring has sprung in Central Oregon
BY DR. JOSHUA PHILLIPS, ND— Originally published in the Source weekly, from Dr Phillips’ monthly column, The Medicine Cabinet Within.
Central Oregon is a place where spring is somewhat confused, wavering between beautiful warm days beckoning time on the river, right next to another epic pow day, calling us right back to the mountains. The flowers and trees are equally confused, but a recent blast of sunshine and warmth had the Juniper trees deciding it was time for their first blast of pollen. For some this meant the beginning of seasonal allergies that plague many who live in this region.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or medically allergic rhinitis, is not an uncommon condition. In 2021 in the U.S., 81 million people reported suffering from allergic rhinitis, including roughly 1 in 4 adults and 1 in every 5 children, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. To be clear, this condition includes those reacting not just to pollen, but also to cat and dog dander, dust mites and a multitude of other environmental triggers.
Allergic rhinitis can be an extremely unpleasant experience, including a runny nose and nasal congestion, sneezing and miserably itchy eyes. More severe itching and hives develop for some. Sinus pressure or pain, headaches along with fatigue and brain-fog can be part of the story as well. It’s amazing how dramatic our immune systems can be when they detect and respond to a substance like pollen, that is deemed a threat.
This hyperreactive response results in a flood of histamines—a chemical signaling molecule that causes a massive inflammatory response responsible for these unpleasant symptoms. There are many theories as to why our immune systems have become increasingly hyperreactive as a population, leading to not only an increase in allergic rhinitis, but also other dysregulated immune system conditions. Ultimately, the jury is still out for a solid explanation of the trend.
Those dealing with allergic rhinitis typically reach for antihistamine medications to alleviate suffering, and there is no shortage of options in this arena. For some, these over-the-counter medicines work pretty well, while for others the side effects of drowsiness, dryness, etc. make them intolerable. Ultimately, the OTC symptom relief approach may also be side-stepping more fundamental underlying causes.
From a holistic perspective, there are many other ways to address allergies. First, there is a very intimate relationship between the gut and the immune system. In fact, 70-80% of our immune system resides in the gut– known as gut-associated lymphatic tissue. For this reason, treating the gut and addressing generators of inflammation is a foundational holistic approach to seasonal allergies, and a great starting point.
Addressing long-term issues involving the digestive system is crucial, including addressing foods that may be consistently irritating and inflaming the gut. Chronic gut inflammation almost always leads to inflammation elsewhere in the body and sets up an internal landscape primed for a hyper-sensitized immune system. In some cases, food-sensitivity lab testing is helpful to get this figured out.
A low histamine diet is an approach to emphasize foods that have a lower tendency to trigger the immune system when consumed. This looks very much like a classic anti-inflammatory diet, tending also to eliminate many of the foods that often come back positive on food sensitivity testing. An example of these foods can be found on this resource put together by physicians at Johns Hopkins.
Essential fatty acid supplements, and demulcent or mucilaginous herbs also aid in calming down a fiery digestive tract. The right probiotic supplements, particularly for those who have been treated with antibiotics, can also be very important. Bioflavonoid formulas with compounds like quercetin, rutin and vitamin C can be extremely helpful— supporting less reactive and inflamed mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
In some cases, targeted homeopathic remedies can turn the dial down on immune system reactivity, along with desensitizing treatments like Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques offered by acupuncturists trained in this approach.
Holistic approaches to seasonal allergies often lead one down a path that not only addresses these pesky symptoms, but also contributes to improved overall health, energy and vitality. Starting early in the season, before the pollen really starts flying, is key so that you might be able to stop and smell the flowers and truly embrace spring in all its glory.
Joshua Phillips, ND is a naturopathic physician and the director at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in Bend. Appointments with Dr. Phillips are available by calling 541-330-0334 email [email protected] or visit our online request form.