According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, at least 50 million people in the US suffer from symptoms of nasal llergies, and that number is on the rise.  If you suffer from allergies, you likely know the symptoms well - nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes. as well as fatigue and “brain fog”.  In today’s blog, I present alternatives to the standard prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines commonly used to treat seasonal allergies - calling on the advice and recommendations of Dr. Andrew Weil. world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of Integrative Medicine, and Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona

QUERCETIN
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in a variety of foods, and can also be taken in supplement form.  Dr. Weil states that in the lab, Quercetin stabilizes mast cells that release histamine, the principal mediator of reactions to pollen and other allergies, making it a natural antihistamine. It is used to treat symptoms of hay fever (when taken regularly for at least six to eight weeks), such as runny nose, watery eyes, and itching, as well as other forms of allergy and hives.
Food sources of Quercetin: buckwheat, apples, onions, kale, tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, berries, red wine, and tea.

STINGING NETTLE
Stinging Nettle is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for ages. dating back to ancient Greece.  Dr. Weil states that Stinging Nettle, while often used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, eczema and gout, may also affect the sneezing and itching of hay fever, perhaps because the herb can reduce the amount of histamine the body releases from mast cells in response to an allergen.
Stinging Nettle grows all over the world and blooms June through September, with pink and yellow flowers.

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture for allergies?  While you may be skeptical, Traditional Chinese Medicine specialists frequently use Acupuncture to lessen the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies.  In a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers examined 422 people who tested positive for pollen allergies and had allergic nasal symptoms. The participants who received real acupuncture treatments with their antihistamines showed a greater improvement in their allergy symptoms and less use of antihistamines compared to the other groups.  While the conclusion had it’s limitations (those participants receiving “sham” acupuncture also showed some benefit, suggesting a placebo effect), Dr. Weil states the study’s outcome suggests that acupuncture may help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies and is worth further investigation.
To read more about this research article and Dr. Weil’s views on acupuncture for allergies click here.

THE GUT-ALLERGY CONNECTION
Did you really think that I could blog without mentioning the gut?  Dr. Weil also acknowledges that deleterious changes in the microbiome may underlie the increased incidence of allergy, as they are also felt to be linked to other conditions, including gluten sensitivity, autoimmunity, and autism.  In a study published in 2011 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Danish researchers showed that the risk of allergies is higher than normal in children with a less diverse microbiome. If you suffer from allergies, consider working with a Functional Medicine specialist to evaluate and optimize your gut microbiome.
Do the bugs in your belly cause allergies?  Read Dr. Weil’s article here.