At our clinic, we focus on dealing with the influence of inherited factors with homeopathy and naturopathic medicine. We can modify the way the genes express, through treating at the epigenetic level. Research into epigenetics shows us that genes can be silenced or expressed. This is the deeper level of healing. But we also examine the role played by the patient’s diet and lifestyle in this.

In time, we can work towards reducing the body’s response to allergens with these remedies. We also have treatments to relieve the immediate symptoms. But the patient can also assist this process with diet and lifestyle modification. This can also change the expression of the genetic pattern.

You may find more information on our pages on allergies, how to desensitise allergies naturally and hay fever and sinusitis.

The Hygiene Hypothesis in Allergies

There is also the hygiene hypothesis. The idea is that in western countries in particular, there has been a growing emphasis on sanitation, clean environments, vaccinations and keeping children away from exposure to germs. This means the child’s body doesn’t have the necessary exposure to deal with bacteria, viruses and potential allergens and build immunity. Hence the increase in allergies and autoimmune diseases, so the theory goes, and there is much evidence to support it.

A balance is needed here. In our clinic, we believe we should have a healthy respect for pathogens, but not a paranoia.

As we are part of nature, germs and potential allergens have a role to play in strengthening immunity. We need to look after our health and immunity naturally, so we are strong enough to deal with that and reap the good effects. This is fundamental naturopathic understanding.  Homeopathic treatment and diet are an important part of that.

Overview of Diet for Allergies

In overview, the diet should be nutrient-dense and mostly composed of plants and good fats. While relatively high in protein, wild caught fish and vegetable proteins should be the main source, especially those high in omega 3 fatty acid. The diet should keep simple carbohydrates such as processed grains to a minimum. That includes sugar and sweet foods. These things increase inflammation, which triggers allergies.

Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of phytochemicals and antioxidants that support the immune system and reduce inflammation. So do good fats, that work to dampen inflammation.

Fruits and vegetables are also high in fibre, which is a prebiotic. Prebiotics feed and promote good bacteria in the gut, which also improves immunity. Certain probiotics, or sources of these good bacteria are also good to include in your diet.

We will look more closely at these dietary factors below.

Homeopathic Understanding of Allergies

These things are the dietary keys to help fight off seasonal allergies. Asthma, hay fever and eczema and dermatitis are all atopic diseases, based on an inherited weakness. In homeopathy we call it a constitutional weakness: a fault in the whole system that is reflected on all levels of the person.

However, they are all slightly different. That also means the role of dietary factors may be different in all three. There is also a deeper homeopathic understanding of how these atopic diseases are all related, and how this influences the treatment approach.

Eczema and dermatitis are usually the least obviously allergic. That is, in the sense of being able to tie the issue down to a specific food, which when avoided, results in improvement. It is also the most superficial level of the same underling problem in all allergies.

Hay fever is deeper than that, and often is the first response of the body when the initial eczema is suppressed with steroid creams. Further suppression or drug treatment often leads on to asthma, which is the most life threatening of the three.

This is the homeopathic understanding. It is what homeopaths have seen over the last two hundred and twenty years. We ourselves have also noticed that in our more than thirty years of practice. It does also sometimes mean that the previous symptoms may recur temporarily, though less severely, as part of the body’s curative response to treatment.

This is a good thing, and nothing to worry about. It is easily managed and passes quickly. The patient always feels better in themselves if this happens. Homeopathic treatment is not suppressive. It works towards restoring the balance in the body’s self-regulation mechanisms, not working against the symptoms of eczema, hay fever or asthma.

The Role of Symptoms in Allergies

These symptoms are actually the best attempts the body can make in the circumstances. It is not the problem itself. Restore harmony to the body: heal the gut, the emotional imbalance and over-reaction to stress, the sleep patterns, the immunity, the whole person. Then the symptoms disappear. There is no more need for them.

Homeopathic understanding also tells us that things that may trigger the allergies are not the problem itself. They are just that: triggers. That is why we don’t always suggest the patient removes allergens unless they are severe. When we fix the underlying imbalance they can often tolerate these things.

On the other hand, if they just avoid them, they may become allergic to something else. It is better to fix the real problem, the systemic imbalance, otherwise the body will seek out whatever trigger is there. That inevitably means the weakness is driven deeper and becomes harder and takes longer to treat.

This is a new and foreign concept to some patients. The medical approach believes there is no way to “fix” allergies. They don’t see the bigger connection. The only way they know how to treat is to suppress the symptoms with cortisone, other steroids or antihistamines.

Otherwise they just tell the patient to avoid the allergens if possible. So even when they seek alternative treatment, patients usually come to us with the mindset that the allergies are the culprit themselves. If they don’t already know the triggers, they want to know what food is causing the problem, as if that would be the end of the issue.

Even though there is a genetic component in atopic allergies and we can’t change genes, natural treatment can change the way the genes express. We achieve that by modifying at the epigenetic level. Anything that works in harmony with the life processes can make a positive epigenetic change.

Although naturopathic and homeopathic approaches work deeply at that level, diet and lifestyle is the fundamental aspect.

Inflammation in Allergies & How Poor Diet can Cause it

Diet is the foundation of health. The foods we eat and the lifestyles we pursue have a great influence on how our genes express. Genetics is not destiny. If we change our lifestyles and diet, we can also change the genetic expression positively for the next generation.

The main reason why diet affects atopic allergies is that they are inflammatory diseases. The more serious the allergy, the more the inflammation. Asthma is the most inflammatory of all, and studies have shown the importance of a low-inflammatory diet in asthma.

Much current research is showing that inflammation underlies all chronic disease. The question is, is it the cause or the result. It’s complex, but in many cases inflammation is one of the main causative factors.

Inflammation is a normal response to body injury. It should settle does after it does its job. But in chronic disease it doesn’t settle. It cause a whole host of troubling symptoms.

Cytokines are involved. These are inflammatory markers that are an important part of the immune reaction to infection, inflammation, and injuries. But some of them are promote inflammation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and chronic inflammation can make all kinds of diseases worse.  Diet contributes to the persistence of these markers.

In this study, researchers investigated populations of Inuit living in Greenland who followed their traditional diet. They compared them with a similar group living in Denmark.

They found that those living in Denmark had significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers and much more asthma. The researchers thought that this was due to the more westernised diet that the Denmark Inuit followed, leading to higher inflammatory markers and more asthma.

This occurs largely through the connection between asthma and obesity and the role of dietary fats. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of asthma and to a lesser extent, other allergic diseases, as this research shows.

Obesity is associated with chronic low grade levels of inflammation. Indeed it may explain the link between obesity and chronic disease, especially in asthma. There is an increased incidence and severity of asthma in those who are overweight.

How to Reduce Allergy Inflammation with Good Dietary Fats

This “chronic low grade systemic inflammation” is strongly affected by diet. Studies have shown that the type of fats included in the diet are crucial to dealing with allergies like hay fever, sinusitis, dermatitis and especially asthma.

In the study quoted above, the Inuit in Greenland were eating more of their traditional high fat diet, one that was rich in Omega 3 oils from seafood. On the other hand, those who had moved to Denmark were consuming more Omega 6 vegetable oils. The omega 6 oils are more prevalent in a typical western diet.

Omega 6 fatty acids come mainly from sources such as sunflower, safflower, peanut and canola. They promote inflammation, which worsens allergies, particularly asthma. They are often also genetically modified, which has also shown to be an issue.

Trans fats are also common in the western diet. Commercial baked goods, snack food, cakes and biscuits, pies and pasties, chips, crisps and margarine are the main source of these. They are pro inflammatory, and research shows they have multiple health risks, including promoting allergies.

Saturated fats can assist asthma by suppressing components of the allergic response. The natural trans fat conjugated linoleic acid, found in grass-fed meat, could be particularly useful. For example, in a mouse study, CLA from milk fat reduced airway inflammation.

Other Dietary Nutrients that Benefit Allergies

There are a wide range of antioxidant compounds in fruits and vegetables that have an anti-inflammatory action that is beneficial in allergies. These are known as phytonutrients. A healthy diet is the best source of these. Many studies on supplements have been inconclusive. They seem to work best with all the co-factors found in a healthy diet.

Studies on higher intake of antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene have shown reduced seasonal allergies in both adults and children. Once again, it appears to be the synergistic effect of a healthy diet that confers the most benefit, not the addition of one “wonder supplement.

Another important nutrient, that does show some benefit in supplement form is Vitamin D, especially for asthma. This hormone-like vitamin reduces allergic inflammation. Studies show that many people with asthma are deficient in this vitamin, especially those who are obese, which also is a problem in asthma.

In summary, the best way to ensure a range of dietary antioxidants that will be beneficial in allergies is to focus on diet. A healthy diet full of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, organic if possible, is the way to manage allergies.

In addition, ensure an intake of healthy fats. Focus on wild caught fish, and supplement with fish oils. Not too many vegetable fats in ratio to the Omega 3 oils. Consume no trans fats, meaning no baked commercial goods. Have grass fed meats only, where possible. Have a test for your vitamin D levels and supplement where indicated.

Contact us at Cottesloe Naturopathic Clinic for effective treatment that can immediately relieve the acute symptoms and treat the underlying recurring tendency.

The post Diet for Allergies, Hay Fever & Asthma appeared first on Cottnat Homeopath.

At Cottesloe Naturopathic Clinic we are already seeing many cases of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever as it is better known. Our focus is to provide immediate relief and fix the problem for good if possible.

Hay fever and spring plant reactions are very easy to  treat with homeopathy, supported by naturopathic advice. The response to treatment is usually swift, and given a few months of treatment the problem is often solved. There are no side effects, unlike drug treatment for this problem. On the contrary, the patient often feels better in themselves, with more energy and mental clarity.

Firstly, we can give homeopathic remedies for the acute situation, to instantly relieve the distress. After that, we aim to boost the immune system. But it’s more than that. Our goal is to restore the restore the body to health at the deepest levels. To do this, we supply “constitutional treatment”. This involves understanding and treating the person at a deep level.

Finally, and to finish off the case, we may give a remedy for natural allergy desensitisation. This is not necessary in all cases.

Although triggered by environment and lifestyle factors, a genetic or constitutional weakness underlies hay fever and other allergies. A constitutional remedy modifies that genetic expression, sometimes with the help of remedies that are “anti-miasmatic.” We will explain these terms below. Through these processes, we desensitise allergies in a general way.

As well, we have developed a protocol of allergy desensitisation for specific allergies. In this blog post we will cover how we do this individually, and provide some tips for home use.

We say “desensitise”, because that is the general terminology that is understood by the layman. They just want to be rid of the problem. But in fact that is a misnomer.

The specific desensitisation is just the final prong in a three tiered attack. In our approach, we aim to remove the reason for any allergy in the first place. So it is more than desensitising alone. Otherwise some other allergy will simply take its place.

For further insight on our approach, you may also visit our other pages on hay fever and sinus and asthma and allergies and spring hay fever in Perth.

Allergy Symptoms & Triggers

Typical symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Often there is itching of the face, nose and eyes, and occasionally itching of the ears, throat and palate. Asthmatic symptoms may also complicate the picture: difficulty breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Grass pollen including ryegrass are the most typical offenders in spring. Daisies, jasmine, bottlebrush and ragweed are other problem plants. As well as upper respiratory symptoms, there may be skin reactions with hives, rashes, blisters and contact dermatitis. Many natives cause problems here, including grevillea.

Of course, there are food allergies to consider. This is a more complex issue. That especially applies to anaphylactic reactions. Much of what we say will apply to food allergy and sensitivity, but respiratory allergies are quicker and easier to deal with. So will focus on them more specifically in this article. You may visit our allergy page for more information on food allergies.

Acute Remedies & Treatment for Hay Fever & Dermatitis

It takes time to desensitise allergies. Thankfully, there are homeopathic remedies that will eliminate the symptoms instantly, at least as well as conventional drugs. The difference is though, there are absolutely no side effects! In most cases, one dose a day is sufficient. At the most, two or three doses a day will completely keep symptoms at bay on the days of highest pollen count.

We choose the homeopathic remedy needed in each case based on the exact symptom picture. Often there is a combination of symptoms, so we need to look at the balance. But in general, remedies like Sabadilla and Allium cepa cover excessive sneezing. Arundo, Wyethia, Ambrosia and Phleum relieve itching of face, ears, eyes, nose and throat. In watery eyes, Euphrasia and Allium cepa can help. Where there is difficulty breathing and asthmatic symptoms, there are indications for remedies like Phleum, Naphthalinum and Kali carbonicum.

In cases with sinus complications, with symptoms of pressure, swelling and obstruction of the nose and thick mucus we need different remedies. Here there are indications for remedies like Kali bichromicum, Sanguinaria, Silica and Sticta pulmonaria.

Where contact dermatitis, particularly with plants is an issue, we look at remedies like Rhus toxicodendron, Anagalis, Apis, Bovista and Anacardium. We choose which remedy is needed based on the specific symptom picture that each suits, and select the potency according to the severity of symptoms.

Although immediate and successful in action, these acute remedies are not lasting in effect or curative by themselves. However, they are the first stage in a combination that works towards the desensitisation of specific allergies.

Constitutional Homeopathy to Boost Immunity in Allergies

Constitutional treatment is the first step in helping fix allergies for good. To be completely successful, we need to combine this with the acute treatment, a healthy lifestyle and diet. The final icing on the cake is the specific allergy desensitising, as described further down. But first we will describe what constitutional homeopathy is.

In taking a homeopathic case, we go through everything about a person. We ask questions related to every system of the body, from head to toe. Small, subtle things are taken into account. We note things like energy levels and energy patterns. Also, symptoms related to personality, temperaments, life events and response to stress, sleep patterns and dreams are recorded.

We choose a constitutional remedy based on that information. The understanding is that the life force of the body reveals the underlying imbalance in its subtle pattern of symptoms. The choice is a remedy that resonates with that imbalance on all levels. This then provides the necessary information to the life force to begin to heal that imbalance.

Please visit our pages Homeopathy Explained and Patient Information for a fuller outline of this process.

So far, in looking at how to desensitise allergies we have looked at the acute level and the chronic constitutional level. Now we will look at modifying the inherited weakness underlying the allergic tendency.

Genetic Factors in Allergies

Genetic factors play a role in the development of the so-called called atopic diseases. These have a shared underlying problem with the immune system. The main feature is the development of a particular immune response (IgE) to things that are normally harmless. Childhood atopic disease includes atopic dermatitis or eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergy.

To fully desensitise these allergies we must modify this inherited weakness. It was once thought that genes were destiny. Now it is apparent that, although genes cannot be changed, we can change the way the genes express. Epigenetics, essentially, affects how genes are read by cells, and subsequently how they produce proteins.

These modifications can pass through up to fourteen generations. So the lifestyle and diet, and the diseases experienced by our forebears will modify their epigenetics, turning genes on or off. We then inherit these influences, which we may liken to the operating software to the genetic hardware.

The constitutional treatment will have a positive effect on this epigenetic expression. So will our lifestyle and diet, which we will help you with at our clinic. But homeopathy also has specific treatments, known as anti-miasmatic remedies, that work directly on modifying genetic expression, as well as the influence from diseases and drug treatment in our own past history.

As well as the classical miasms, we believe that any strong disease, emotional stress or toxic influence that the body never fully recovers from will produce a miasmatic taint. This affects the epigenetic expression and triggers and reinforces allergies.

Medorrhinum, Tuberculinum and Psorinum are specific anti-miasmatic remedies that may be indicated in hay fever and allergies. These are “nosodes” or remedies produced from the energetic print of diseases. Homeopaths find that the imprint of these disease can pass through the generations.

But diseases in the patient’s own past history may also form a block to treatment, that can be removed by giving the homeopathic nosode of that specific disease. If the person has never fully recovered from something like glandular fever, then the homeopathic remedy or nosode from that can form part of their treatment plan.

Other useful nosodes that can modify the epigenetic effect in allergies include the Bowel Nosodes of Drs Bach and Paterson. These remedies have a specific influence on the gut and improve the bowel flora, which is a vital part of immune function.

Specific Natural Allergy Desensitisation Protocol

We have developed a special program of homeopathic allergy desensitising over 30 years. The idea is similar to the orthodox desensitisation using injections or sublingual drops.

There are several main differences however.

Firstly, our remedies are homeopathic. They sublingual, taken under the tongue daily by the patient. This means they contain only information and no traces of the original substance. Unlike the orthodox procedure, they have no side effects. Patients also tell us they are far more successful than conventional desensitising.

They also work much more quickly. We get virtually instant results anyway through our holistic approach. That is because we give acute remedies, constitutional treatment, ant-miasmatic remedies, and dietary and lifestyle advice. That is on top of the desensitising procedure.

So our approach is holistic. It works not just in reducing the sensitivity to that specific allergen, but addresses the reason for the allergy in the first place.

The conventional approach to desensitise allergies can take a year or two, and even then may not be successful. Moreover, it is suppressive. It weakens the immune system and makes other allergies more likely.

We can also produce an allergy to a specific sample of allergen. If the patient is sensitive to a pet – cat,dog, horse, bird or whatever – the patient can bring with them a small sample of the animal’s hair, fur or feather. We can make up a desensitising remedy in a few minutes. The same applies to a plant or pollen, if identified.

We give these desensitising remedies in ascending or descending homeopathic potency, depending on response. The potencies are adjusted at monthly visits over several months. This is in conjunction with the acute and the constitutional and anti-miasmatic treatment.

In most cases it only takes a few months of treatment to produce lasting results.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact us.

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