30 Apr Natural Allergy Relief: How Naturopathy Can Help
Seasonal allergies are more than just a minor inconvenience: They can interfere with your day-to-day, drain your energy, and impact your overall well-being. Suppose you’re fed up with only being able to take over-the-counter drugs for a momentary cure that contains unwanted side effects. In that case, Naturopathy provides a more natural and holistic solution. At Etobicoke SportMed & Physiotherapy, we are here to help you execute these skills efficiently and safely to gain allergy relief.
Here’s how naturopathy can offer real, long-lasting relief from the scourge of allergies.
Understanding Allergies from a Naturopathic Perspective
At its most basic, an allergy is an immune system overreaction to harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or peanuts. Rather than ignoring these compounds, your immune system views them as invaders that need to be vanquished, causing symptoms including sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sometimes digestive trouble.
A naturopathic treatment plan aims to help heal and correct the sources of immune system dysfunction and strengthen your body’s innate defense system, not merely to treat the symptoms.
Naturopathic Treatments for Allergy Relief
Nutritional Support
Some foods can help you fend off inflammation, while others can heighten inflammation and exacerbate allergy symptoms. Naturopathic physicians (NDs) commonly suggest:
- Anti-inflammatory diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as those in flaxseed, walnuts, and fish)
- Vitamin C and quercetin, the naturally occurring antihistamines in citrus fruits, onions and leafy greens
- Probiotics — which support a healthy gut microbiome, essential for tenders immune (and generalized) responses.
Herbal Remedies
Allergy relief can also be found in the power of plants. Common herbs include:
- Butterbur: Can help limit nasal symptoms similarly to how antihistamines work
- Stinging Nettle: Natural antihistamine that can help with sneezing and itching
- Eyebright: A historically used herb known for sinus pain and eye discomfort relief.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another natural holistic healing practicewe provide at Etobicoke SportMed& Physiotherapy. It involves putting pressure on various points in the body to help regulate the immune system, minimize inflammation, and alleviate congestion. Studies have indicated the efficacy of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis.
Lifestyle Modifications
Naturopathic medicine is also about making smart, practical lifestyle changes to reduce allergen exposure and increase our resistance, such as:
- Installing HEPA filters in your home
- Using nasal irrigation regularly (such as saline rinses)
- Stress may exacerbate allergic reactions, so learn how to manage it using relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
Allergy Testing & Desensitization
Naturopathic physicians can perform complete allergy testing to pinpoint maltreated sensitivities. According to your test results, your customized treatment plan may include sublingual immunotherapy or homeopathic desensitizing agents designed to lessen allergic symptoms on a long-term basis.
Choose Naturopathy at Etobicoke SportMed & Physiotherapy
We, the integrative medicine practitioners on staff, specialize in creating individualized treatment plans that treat symptoms and root causes. By integrating naturopathic medicine with physiotherapy, acupuncture, and other evidence-based services, we take a combined approach to allergy care that addresses your specific needs.
If you deal with seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, or chronic sinusitis, a visit with our licensed naturopathic doctor is warranted to help you find safe, natural remedies that can help you better control your health.