There are two main chemicals naturally produced by our bodies that when over-produced are related to allergic reactions.  These two chemicals are histamine and cortisol.  Overstimulation of our mast cells produces extra histamine.  We need the neuro-transmitter, histamine, for brain stimulation, but over-production of histamine causes the familiar allergy symptoms of runny noses, sneezing, itchy throats and watery eyes.  Taking an anti-histamine may stop the annoying symptoms, but it also blocks the histamines our bodies need to keep a clear head, thus producing a foggy, sleepy feeling.  Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.  It is known as the "stress hormone" because it creates the "fight or flight" response in times of stress.  In a dangerous situation, the sudden burst of energy and immunity boost can be life-saving, but when our high-stress culture produces an abundance of cortisol and the body does not have time to relax and return to normal before the next stress hits, a state of chronic stress ensues.  As a result of this over-production of cortisol and chronic stress, the body's immune and inflammatory responses decrease. 

In order to combat the attack on our immune systems, we have to make lifestyle changes that will strengthen our defenses and help our bodies to return to homeostasis. The two areas of focus should be strengthening the adrenal glands and healing the digestive system.  Strengthening the adrenal glands means managing stress.  Of course, exercise for health or amusement was rare in days of yore aside from professional athletes. Most people got all the exercise they needed in their daily lifestyle. Today, extra-curricular aerobic exercise is a requirement for good health.  A healthy, brisk walk, jog or bike ride burns off the adrenaline and histamine produced in stressful situations. If you have known food or seasonal allergies, you need to reduce and/or remove your exposure to these allergens while you are healing. The repeated stress that occurs from putting these allergens into your body only weakens it. 

 

Next, concentrate on your digestive health.   Probiotics are very important for healing your digestive system.  If you have taken antibiotics or certain drugs, you may need extremely high doses.  Probiotics come in different strains such as dairy-free or specifically for children.  The other focus of digestive health is elimination.  To keep the system free of debris, you should be eliminating twice a day and clearing about 18 inches of the colon every day.  You may need magnesium to encourage healthy elimination or you might be deficient in digestive enzymes.  Food intolerances signify the need for digestive enzymes specific to your food intolerance, but a proteolytic enzyme taken on an empty stomach will remove your own allergic antigens from your blood.  To find out exactly which strains and dosages you should be taking please make an appointment today with us at Heights of Health. 

 

Following a corrective program that focuses on your adrenal and digestive health may take up to four seasons to produce results, but the benefits mean living allergy-free without the shots or medications that only mask the symptoms and further weaken your body.

 

Don't forget that an allergy desensitization treatment performed in the Heights of Health office can also provide you with immediate and ongoing help. 

 

Call us today! 713.861.6777

And see our specials below.