According to conservative estimates, approximately 15 million people suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and 17 million more from asthma.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a seemingly harmless substance. Allergens are absorbed into the body by the way of skin, nasal passages, lungs, or digestive tract. Once inside the body, the allergens stimulate the lymphocytes (white blood cells) to produce what is known as allergic antibodies. The reaction between allergens and these antibodies is what produces inflammation of the nose, eyes, lungs and digestive tract. A stuffy nose, sneezing, wheezing, skin rash, watery eyes, nausea and stomach cramps are some of the common results.
The common allopathic or traditional medical approach is to reduce the inflammation with such medications are steroids. But this approach does nothing to get to the "root" of why the allergy is happening in the first place.
Adrenal insufficiency is a major cause of allergies relating to dust, pollen, animal hair/dander, foods, chemicals and environmental pollutants. Nutrition and stress play important roles in the proper functioning of the adrenal glands. A stagnant liver congested with toxins and fatty tissue cannot effectively then neutralize an allergic reaction.
Allergies can be overcome by simply treating the root cause of the problem. Addressing adrenal insufficiency and liver congestion are at the forefront of treatment. There are also some simple homeopathics that can help desensitize your body to the specific allergens. Either way, addressing the root of your allergies is nothing to "sneeze" at. It can help you be rid of that hay fever for good!
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Naturopathic Physicians are trained as General Practitioners with extra added training in natural therapeutics. We see anything your GP would see from colds/flu, digestive difficulties, sleep disorders, fatigue, headadches, reproductive health issues, pain syndromes ect.
We focus on treating the root cause of the disorder rather than just the symptoms. For example, if you have a headache my focus would be to figure out why you have that headache (maybe food allergies, hormone imbalance, stress..) rather than just focus on pain medication. We do however have prescription rights and will use them only when neccessary.
We are integrative practitioners and work in conjuction with traditional MD's and just like any other physician many of us specialize(Oncology, Endocrinology, Pediatrics).
Our modalities include nutrition, herbology, homeopathy, Chinese medicine/acupuncture and IV/injection therapies just to name a few.
Dr.Susan
May 9, 2008 - 6:00amhttp://www.lakeshorewellnesscenter.com
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This is great info for folks like me who have tried just about anything traditional medicine has thrown at me for allergy relief. For those still exploring that side of treatment, you can visit http://health.nih.gov/result.asp/23
Besides allergies, where other types of conditions can be treated through naturopathic medicine?
May 8, 2008 - 9:46amThis Comment
Dr. Cheryl Deroin of Scottsdale Natural Medicine & Healing Clinic (480.951.0111)
Dr.Susan
May 8, 2008 - 9:33amhttp://www.lakeshorewellnesscenter.com
This Comment
Very helpful. Thanks. The adrenal aspect of this makes sense to me as fatigue is the biggest issue I deal with during allergy season as opposed to major congestion, coughing, itchy eyes, etc. Will look into this. Also, found a great list of naturopathic doctors within a few miles of my home. Excellent. Do you know of a way I can check a naturopath's credentials and histories?
May 8, 2008 - 9:26amThis Comment
I would begin by checking with a Naturopathic Physician in your area (www.naturopathic.org) and get a proper diagnosis. Although adrenal insufficiency and liver congestion are very common disorders, you want to verify that this is indeed your issue. I know natural medicines like herbs are sold over the counter, but "Anything that is powerful enough to help you, can also be powerful enought to harm you."
Homeopathics are gentler and overall more safe, so if you feel you may need to "Detox" a bit. Consider Detox Kit, by Heel. It's a combination of 3 liquid homeopathics used to help with liver detoxification and congestion. Available at Whole Foods. I would still check with your physician or a Naturopathic Physician in your area to make sure this is the right route for you.
One thing that is benign and call always help is to use a Netti Pot with saline to cleanse your sinuses 2 x a day during allergy season.
Hope this helps!
Dr.Susan
May 8, 2008 - 9:03amhttp://www.lakeshorewellnesscenter.com
This Comment
Great information. What types of natural treatments are recommended for boosting adrenal insufficiency and liver congestion? What homeopathic remedies can help desensitize allergies? I am particularly interested in this topic as I have suffered with allergies for years and have tried shots, which weren't effective for me, as well as acupuncture, which lessened the symptoms, but I'm not sure if it necessarily 'treated' the cause in the same way you've explained. Please share more. Thanks.
May 8, 2008 - 8:43amThis Comment