Allergies, asthma & respiratory tract - treatment with natural remedies & naturopathy

Allergies, asthma & respiratory tract - treatment with natural remedies & naturopathy

Allergies, asthma & the respiratory system. “I'm fine, it's just my allergies,” is something we hear all too often. Allergies are one of the most common symptoms that are most often ignored. Allergies and allergy-related diseases such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergies and allergic asthma are extremely common and affect tens of millions of men, women and children each year. The symptoms associated with allergies occur when the body is exposed to something that the immune system overreacts to. The appearance of allergy symptoms can be associated with any number of triggers such as foods, creams, touching certain materials (even other people!), insects, pets, pollen, dust and mold.

The body's immune response causes the symptoms we commonly refer to as allergies. The immune response results in mild or severe effects on the body that can range from sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose (often called rhinitis), and a scratchy throat to skin rashes, hives, swollen airways, lowered blood pressure, difficulty breathing, asthma, and even death in the most extreme cases. ((link removed))

What causes allergies and asthma?

The cause of this immune overreaction is largely unknown, but both genetic susceptibility and environmental influences may be important factors. Heritability rates for susceptibility to allergic diseases can vary, but have been found to be 95% for asthma, 91% for allergic rhinitis, and 84% for atopic dermatitis. It is clear that genetics is only responsible for an increase in susceptibility and cannot be fully attributed to the dramatic increase in allergic diseases worldwide. Food Allergy Research and Education reports CDC statistics showing a 50% increase in the prevalence of food allergies in children between 1997 and 2011 and a 300% increase in peanut allergies between 1997 and 2008.

Environmental influences and triggers also likely play a role. Large studies such as the International Study of Childhood Asthma and Allergy and the European Community Respiratory Health Study have revealed striking patterns showing increased prevalence of asthma in the First World, English-speaking countries and non-English-speaking Western European countries compared to developing countries. These studies have further shown that asthma incidence increases in developing countries as they begin to adopt a more “Western” lifestyle. All of these factors correlate with a lifestyle and a role of the environment in the development of allergic diseases and asthma. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Naturopathic approaches to allergies and asthma

From a naturopathic perspective, allergic symptoms are often associated with disruption of the gut microbiome, as well as dysfunction of other organ systems such as adrenal/endocrine systems, digestive disorders beyond the microbiome, and altered immune responses. Determining the cause of a patient's allergic symptoms, including allergic asthma, is the focus of a naturopathic treatment protocol.

Identifying the root cause may include laboratory testing, tracking nutritional symptoms via protocols and observations, and special diets called elimination and challenge diets. In terms of management and treatment, dietary avoidance, environmental modifications such as home air purifiers and specific cleaning routines, as well as a variety of herbs and supplements may be implemented based on the patient's presentation.

"Allergies and asthma arise from a complex interaction of genes, food intake, breastfeeding or not, the gut and of course the environment. Some patients are hardwired to develop allergies to pollen and mold. This can lead to miserable symptoms and is sometimes the real culprit for asthma, but not always. It is important to remember that diet, home environment, stress, hydration, sleep and chemical Influences play a role in how reactive someone is. Although allergies are definitely mediated by the immune system in a well-understood way, we also want to examine a person's toxic exposures in terms of how much their system is triggered from day to day.

The Environmental Protection Agency has more than 85,000 chemicals listed on its registry, and processed foods contain many of them. Without oversimplifying things, we need to think about the impact of all this on someone's allergic experience. As a naturopathic doctor I think about the whole person and how to restore health and in that sense allergies, sometimes as a symptom of deeper issues that I can help someone with. “
Fraser Smith, ND, MATD-Deputy Dean of Naturopathy and Associate Professor at the  National University of Health Sciences

Diagnostic tests

Uncovering the root cause of allergic symptoms is essential and can be challenging at the same time. There are several testing methods commonly used to evaluate a person's specific allergies. These include blood tests using various techniques to assess antibodies and immune responses, testing blood levels of biomolecules associated with allergic reactions such as allergen-specific IgE, histamine and tryptase, scratch tests and others. The most appropriate type of testing may also depend on the type of allergy being tested.

When studying aeroallergen sensitization, testing is often performed in a combined approach to ensure that all sensitized allergens are accounted for. Although there have been many recent advances in testing allergen-specific IgE levels, it has been found that using only one testing method can result in misdiagnosis in one in four allergic sensitized patients who are found to be non-reactive. Many studies show that there are inconsistencies between serum-specific IgE testing and skin test results, suggesting that the two methods work complementary and should not be used interchangeably. ((link removed))

When it comes to food allergies, there are numerous laboratory tests that can be done such as: b. radioallergosorbentAssays (RAST), immunoblotting, basophil activation (BAT), leukotriene LTC4 release, cellular allergen stimulation assays (CAST) and others. Other methods such as skin prick and fecal examinations are also common. Skin prick testing (SPT) is quite common because it is inexpensive and has a relatively low risk. However, food skin prick samples have low specificity and low positive predictive value. This means that a positive result, unless confirmed by other clinical data such as a dietary symptom log, does not allow a definitive diagnosis of food or environmental allergy.

There is also a non-standardization of the measurement of positive reactions, as evidenced by the identification of SPT reaction diameter cut-off values ​​for certain food allergens (milk: 8 mm, egg: 7 mm, peanut: 8 mm), but universal confirmation is not obtained. Allergen-specific IgE tests are also common but can be extremely expensive. Specific IgE levels above the diagnostic limit gave a predictive value of 95% for symptomatic allergy. (Link removed)When combined with a compatible clinical history, this type of testing offers the advantage of confirming a food allergy diagnosis without the need for further stress testing.

However, it is important to note that there are a number of variables that can affect the test result, such as: B. the age and length of time the person has avoided food. Not all food reactions are mediated by IgE, as is the case with many cases of food sensitivity. In these cases, an elimination diet followed by re-challenge is critical for identifying and treating food sensitivities. This type of testing is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

"The goal of naturopathic medicine is to reduce the exaggerated immune response to allergens and to tone the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive systems. Side effects of naturopathic treatments include increased energy and nutritional status, increased resistance to colds and flus, and increased cardiovascular health. Side effects of conventional treatments often include drowsiness and a diminished sense of taste, smell, and vision, rebound congestion leading to drug dependence, and progression of inflammatory disease processes (particularly eczema and asthma).

The naturopathic approach requires greater involvement on the part of the patient and in some cases can be more expensive in the short term, so it is up to the allergy sufferer to decide what is better for them. Frequently,

Jenn Dazey, ND, RH (AHG)–Core Faculty in the Department of Botany Medicine ,  Bastyr University

Balancing the intestinal microbiome

In humans, the gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a large, complex group of microbes that play a prominent role in maintaining health. Together, this group includes trillions of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses known as the microbiome. As a child, a person is initially exposed to microorganisms during delivery in the birth canal and through breast milk. Over time, the microbiome evolves with the individual and exposure to various environmental factors as well as variations in diet can impact the microbiome, resulting in improved health benefits or increased risk of disease. The microbiome has numerous important functions, including producing various nutrients such as vitamin K, preventing colonization by intestinal pathogens, and modulating the immune response, to name a few.

The diverse role of the microbiome has led to the idea that its modification could be a target to restore and maintain the balance of the entire individual. Introducing prebiotics and probiotics is one means to achieve this. Prebiotics and probiotics can be consumed in the form of raw vegetables and fruits, fermented cucumbers or fermented milk products. Another source can be complementary formulas and functional foods. Studies examining the use of probiotics in patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) found that the adjuvant use of probiotics resulted in an improvement in quality of life. Probiotic use has also resulted in increased symptom control, as evidenced by decreasing scores on questionnaires assessing control of allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.

Additionally, a meta-study examining the use of probiotics in the treatment of allergic rhinitis examined 22 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. 17 studies showed clinically significant benefits of probiotics. Eight studies showed a significant improvement in immunological parameters, and all five studies withLactobacillus paracaseistrains showed clinically significant improvements compared to placebo. It is interesting to note that many cultures in the past included fermented foods as part of their daily diet. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Use supplements

Dietary supplements can provide targeted therapeutic options to treat and prevent allergies. Dietary supplements can address many different factors involved in the expression of allergies and asthma, including immune system dysregulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress among many others. Some examples of supplements commonly used to treat allergies and asthma include:

Nettles

nettles (Urtica dioica)has a significant research profile in the treatment of allergies and allergic rhinitis. The National College of Naturopathic Medicine (now the National University of Naturopathic Medicine) studied the use of freeze-dried nettle leaf to treat hay fever, asthma and seasonal allergies this week. Further studies on using nettle to prevent pneumonia associated with asthma are also promising. Studies using an experimental model of allergic asthma have shown a positive benefit in both immunomodulation and reduction of inflammatory markers when administering an aqueous extract of nettle. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))Our recommendation: (link removed)

Omega-3 fatty acids

The omega-3 fatty acids docosohexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are found in fish oil and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects on inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergies. A six-month study from Johns Hopkins University examined the role of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing environmentally induced asthma symptoms. They found that more omega-3 fatty acids in the diet lead to fewer asthma symptoms caused by contaminated indoor air. ((link removed))Our recommendation: (link removed)

Quercetin

Quercetin is one of the most abundant polyphenols representing the flavonoid subgroup. It occurs naturally in plant foods such as onions, broccoli, capers, apples, berries and grapes, herbs such as dill, and is also found in tea and wine. Quercetin has been used in a number of studies examining factors underlying the development of allergies. Quercetin is known for many different properties, including its anti-allergic properties such as inhibiting histamine release, decreasing pro-inflammatory compounds, modulating the immune system, and inhibiting antigen-specific IgE antibody formation.

All of these mechanisms can help eliminate the underlying cause of allergy symptoms and asthma. In an experimental model of allergic rhinitis, quercetin was shown to reduce antigen-specific IgE levels and alleviate the expression of allergic rhinitis symptoms. ((Link removed), (Link removed))Our recommendation: (link removed)

Sublingual immunotherapy

In recent years, allergy sufferers have often been subjected to extensive series of allergy shots. These were injections designed to help reduce the expression of allergy symptoms. Sublingual immunotherapy is a method of treating allergies that does not involve injections, but rather small tablets or liquid drops that contain small amounts of specific allergens to build tolerance and relieve symptoms.

Studies have shown that sublingual use of allergen-specific immunotherapy is a safe and efficient replacement for injection in the treatment of IgE-mediated respiratory allergies. Meta-analysis studies have shown that sublingual immunotherapy reduces the symptoms of allergic diseases and the need for other medications, and improves the quality of life of children with these diseases. ((link removed))

Nutritional Considerations

Diet represents an important source of nutrients and non-nutrient components with multiple properties that provide a potential opportunity to modulate the risk of asthma and allergies. Elimination diets that involve completely avoiding the offending food can be difficult to follow in the long term. Contemporary studies have shown that dietary trends in the early childhood years can produce changes that have lasting effects on human health in later years, particularly the respiratory, GI, and immune systems.

Western diets are characterized by the consumption of highly refined, overly processed, energy-dense foods and drinks. These foods are typically high in fat, sugar, and salt, but low in fiber and other nutrients. A decrease in fresh fruit and vegetable intake and an increase in processed food intake have previously been linked to an increasing prevalence of asthma and allergies. Several studies have shown evidence of positive effects of fresh fruits and antioxidant vitamins on asthma. Additional studies have specifically addressed the quality and quantity of dietary fats as a source of allergenic reactions.

Research has shown that high-fat diets enable food-induced allergic reactions, which are linked to a number of negative health effects. The quality of fat has also been shown to play a role in an increased risk of an allergic reaction. In a pediatric asthma study, researchers found that for each additional gram of omega-6 fats consumed, children had a 29% increased risk of falling into a more severe asthma category. Fiber is another nutrient that is consistently missing from the standard American diet, as well as many dietary habits of many other developed/"Westernized" countries.

Dietary fiber (particularly polysaccharides and oligosaccharides) and their metabolites (SCFAs) have been shown to regulate mast cell function and activation. The activation of mast cells can be downregulated by pretreatment with these substances. Mast cells play a key role in triggering and maintaining inflammation, particularly in allergies and asthma. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed), Source 4, (Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Environment modification

Some parts of our environment are beyond our control, especially outside the home. We cannot control the amount of mold, pollen, or other allergenic inhalants in the outside air. However, there are steps we can take indoors to manage our exposure indoors.

• Teppiche, Vorhänge, Teppichböden und sogar überfüllte Polstermöbel sammeln enorm viel Staub und Pollen. Wenn Sie sie entfernen, häufig ändern oder Stile ändern, können Sie die Belichtung verringern.
• Die Verwendung spezieller Luftfilter, insbesondere im Schlafzimmer, kann hilfreich sein. In einigen Fällen können auch Ganzhausfiltersysteme empfohlen werden.
• Vermeiden Sie giftige Inhalationsmittel wie Parfums, Körpersprays, Duftkerzen, Raumsprays, Lufterfrischer, Trocknerblätter und andere Duftprodukte, insbesondere solche mit synthetischen Inhaltsstoffen.
• Testen zu Hause getestet auf das Vorhandensein von Schimmel und Sanieren der Quelle, wenn Schimmel entdeckt und gefunden wird.
• Verwendung von allergenresistenten Bezügen mit Reißverschluss an Matratzen und Kissen. Laut der Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America wirkt das Einschließen von Matratzen besser als Luftreiniger, um Allergiesymptome zu reduzieren. (Quelle)

Contact your local naturopath to learn more about natural approaches to combating allergies and asthma.