Allergies

There are several different types of allergies currently affecting 1 in 5 Americans. An allergy starts when your immune system reacts to a substance that may not be harmful but recognized as a foreign allergen. An allergen can include pollen, mold, animal dander, certain foods, chemicals and skin irritants.

The immune system will produce antibodies against that particular allergen. When the body detects the allergen again, the antibodies begin to release histamine causing allergy symptoms. The response may inflame your sinuses, skin, airway or digestive system. Once you develop an allergy, you are more likely to develop another one.

Most Common Types of Allergens and Their Examples Include:

Airborne Allergies: Pollen, Animal Dander, Mold, and Dust Mites
Certain Foods: Peanuts, Soy, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Fish, Milk, and Shellfish
Insect Sting: Wasp and Bee Stings
Latex, or Other Substances That Contact Skin: These Allergens Produce Skin Reaction if Touched
Medications: Penicillin of Penicillin-Based Antibiotics

There is a large variation in allergic reactions. Some only show up as a mild skin irritation. Some are life threatening and severe like anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that can trigger the body to go into shock.

Food and insect sting allergies are capable of triggering anaphylaxis. The signs of an anaphylactic reaction include a swelling of mouth or throat, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, skin rash, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting.

More common symptoms:

Sneezing
Congested Sinus
Runny Nose
Red/Itchy Skin/Hives
Watery/Itchy Eyes
Sinus Pressure & Headaches
Fatigue
Lack of Concentration

Itchy Mouth
Swelling of Lips, Tongue, Face or Throat
Sore Throat
Asthma
Chest Tightness
Eczema

Traditional Approach

Traditional approach to treating an allergy includes medications to reduce immune system reactions and only temporarily suppress symptoms. You may feel quick relief, but these medications do not balance the immune system or improve immune function. Learning how to properly detox, balance your gut flora and boost your immune system will help you effectively conquer your battle with the allergy.

Naturopathic Approach

There are multiple contributing factors that cause allergies that can be assessed:

Genetic
Limited Diet
Nutritional Deficiencies
Poor Digestion & Detoxification

Avoiding the allergen is usually the initial step to managing your allergy. However, we are exposed to many toxins in our environment that we cannot avoid and it is our responsibility to detox our body and surroundings. Purchasing an air purifier as well as purifying our water can be a small step that impacts our health for many years to come.

Dr. Cutler and the Cutler Integrative Medicine Detox Division will devise a specific plan for you to determine your food sensitivities and safely remove toxins from your body.