What is Allergic Rhinitis:

Allergic rhinitis is the inflammatory response by the immune system to particles and substances such as pollen or dust.  This immune reaction is normal in cases of harmful substances like bacteria or viruses. However, in allergic rhinitis, the immune system is over stimulated and not able to modify its reaction to harmless particles like pollen, dust or pet dander.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Congested, runny nose
• Sneezing
• Red, itchy, and watery eyes
• Itchy mouth, throat, ears, and face
• Cough
• Headaches, with pain or pressure
• Fatigue

There are two types of allergic rhinitis.  The first one is perennial (year round) which is caused by indoor allergens such as dust, pet dander and mold.  The second type of allergic rhinitis is seasonal, also called hay fever, and is attributed to outdoor allergens such as pollens and spores.  Allergic rhinitis is extremely common and occurs in 1 in 5 people.

Naturopathic Nutritional Therapies for Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms:

Reduce exposure to allergens.

The first line of defense against allergic rhinitis is to reduce exposure to allergens.

Suggestions to reduce environmental exposure are as follows:

For perennial allergic rhinitis:

• Remove carpet and install tile or hardwood floors.
• Cover pillows and beds with allergen-proof covers.
• Wash bedding in hot water once a week.
• Use an air purifier/filter to remove dust and pet dander or a dehumidifier to clear mould.

For seasonal allergic rhinitis/ hay fever

• Close windows.
• Do not hang laundry outside to dry.
• Use an air purifier/filter.

To reduce inhalation of allergens:

• Apply bees wax balm around the nose to inhibit particles from entering the nose.

Support your immune system

By supporting your immune system to regulate the histamine response to harmless elements, you may reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms.

• Reduce inflammatory foods such as dairy, sugar and processed foods.  By reducing these foods, you may reduce hay fever and rhinitis symptoms.

• Eat quercetin containing foods.

Quercetin, a plant flavanoid, has been found to inhibit the production and release of histamines.

Foods containing quercetin are apples, red onions, berries, and brassica vegetables which include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and green tea.

• Eat foods high in Vitamin C containing foods and include quality supplementation.

o  Vitamin C has an immune supporting action in the body.

o  Foods containing Vitamin C are berries, citrus fruit, red pepper, melon, and brassica vegetables

o  Supplementation of 2,000mg/day has been found to be beneficial in combating allergic rhinitis/hay fever.

• Use herbs that support and modulate the immune system.

o  Elder flower (Sambucus nigra) has an anti-catarrh and anti-inflammatory action particularly in the upper respiratory tract.

o  Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may reduce symptoms.

These herbs can be prepared and consumed as tea.

Consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs if taking any medications or if being treated medically for chronic conditions.

By reducing your environmental exposure and by supporting your body to regulate its immune response, you may find relief naturally from your allergic rhinitis/hay fever symptoms.

It may take additional investigation to determine the root cause to the immune system™s over reaction to harmless particles.  Whether it is connected to things such as digestive problems, food intolerances or other underlying issues, the root cause can be explored through Naturopathic Nutritional consultations with Erin McCann.

References

Hoffman, D., 2003. Medical Herbalism, The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Kompauer, I.,  Heinrich, J. , Wolfram, G. ,Linseisen, J., 2006.  Association of carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamin C in plasma with allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitisation in adults.  Public Health Nutrition. [Online] June 9(4), p. 472-479.  Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16870019

Oseiki, H. , 2008. The Physician’s Handbook to Clinical Nutrition, 7^th Edition. Australia: AG Publishing.

Podoshin, L., Gertner, R., Fradis, M., 1991. Treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis with ascorbic acid solution.  Ear, Nose and Throat Journal. [Online] January 70(1), p. 54-55. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2065622

University of Maryland Medical Center, 2009. Allergic Rhinitis. [Online] Avaliable at: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/allergic-rhinitis-000003.htm

• Naturopathy
• Erin McCann ND Dip CNM mBant
• Rosacea and Naturopathic and Nutritional Therapies by Erin McCann
• The Naturopathic Nutritional Approach to Reducing Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever. The Naturopathic Nutritional Approach to Reducing Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting the face, specifically the areas around the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Rosacea is characterized by persistent redness or flushing, blood vessel dilation, papules and pustules. Other symptoms of rosacea may include dry, burning or stinging skin, nodules, enlargement of the nose, or even inflammation of the angles of the eyes. Suffers have also reported that the condition affects their self esteem and self confidence leading to avoiding social and professional interactions. This implies that rosacea is not just an inflammatory condition of the skin, but a condition that affects the whole person  emotionally, mentally, physically, and professionally.

Conventional treatment is focused on controlling the symptoms rather than curing the disorder. Oral antibiotics and topical steroids are used to reduce skin inflammation.

Naturopathic and nutritional therapies may be effective in treating the root causes of rosacea and in reducing symptoms. Suggestions for treating and managing rosacea naturopathically are:

• Avoiding triggers to keeping the symptoms to a minimum. Common triggers detailed by the National Rosacea Association are:

o  Weather and temperature related – sun exposure, extreme cold, hot baths

o  Heavy exercise

o  Emotional stress

o  Alcohol

o  Spicy food and thermally hot drinks/food

o  Food sensitivity  citrus, yeast products, dairy

o  Vasodialating medications or topical steroids

o  Skin care products or cosmetics

• Identifying and addressing food intolerances or allergies to reduce histamines and systemic inflammation.  Actions include:

o  Testing for food intolerances or allergies.

o  Eliminating problematic foods such as wheat and dairy.

• Determining if low levels of gastro hydrochloric acid (HCl) are leading to undigested proteins being released into the intestine and causing intestinal and systemic inflammation. Actions include:

o  Reducing stress which affect digestive secretion output.

o  Eating bitter foods and using nutrient supplementation may improve the body’s production of HCl and therefore reduce inflammation.

o  Using nutrients, such as L-glutamine, to repair the intestinal lining while repopulating with beneficial bacteria, may assist in reducing intestinal and systemic inflammation.

• Improving elimination of toxins through the colon and skin may reduce rosacea inflammation. Actions include:

o Consuming more fibre and water

o  Using therapies such as colon hydrotherapy or massage.

o  Performing skin brushing before showers and baths.  may reduce rosacea symptoms.

• Identifying and dealing with stress or emotional triggers to rosacea.  Actions include:

o  Relaxation techniques  meditation, massage.

o  Counselling or group therapies

• Using paraben free, natural, anti-microbial products to avoid reactions to chemicals in products.

By applying a complementary approach to treatment, rosacea sufferers may find lasting relief from an enigmatic, conspicuous condition that is more than skin deep.

• Erin McCann ND Dip CNM mBant
• Rosacea and Naturopathic and Nutritional Therapies by Erin McCann
• The Naturopathic Nutritional Approach to Reducing Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever. The Naturopathic Nutritional Approach to Reducing Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever.

Naturopathy with Craig Coman and Erin McCann at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Rd, SW10

Naturopathy is a medical philosophy dating back 300 years and was the basis of medicine prior to pharmaceutical drugs. It is also known as “nature cure” because it only uses natural methods in its application. It is based on principles of nature to guide the patient back to health rather than focus on disease. If a person is toxic, weak or deficient in nutrients they will find it difficult to heal because they simply do not have the tools to do what the body requires.

In Naturopathy the body is seen as a triad of health with physical, nutritional and emotional influences all having an impact on the cause or continuation of disease. Any healing process requires vitality (energy) and tools (nutrients) to complete the task. As a self healing mechanism the body must have support in its attempt to get back to health. Detoxification, improved nutritional status, balance to the physical structure, as well as balance to the mind can all improve functions within the body. This is quite different from the “quick fix” culture we have today to alleviate symptoms.

The focus of Naturopathy is on regaining health not fighting disease which means the client requires an understanding of the problem in order to help themselves. They may be unaware of how to correct their posture, clean up their blood or deal with stress which means they will be unable to address the causative factors of their condition. Education and clarity in what they can do will empower them to be part of their recovery. This is what makes Naturopathy so powerful. The client is able to influence the cause and not just the symptom.

If you would like to try an alternative to the “quick fix” approach why not book a session with Craig or Erin or use to form above to contact  them.

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