11 Sep Reducing Allergies and Reactivity

Is your hayfever getting worse with each passing year?  Your gut health could be to blame.

There is a strong connection between gut health and immune reactivity, as foods you consume and toxins you are exposed to can alter microbes in the gut which regulate immune function, as well as cause inflammation of the digestive tract lining.  This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and also trigger other reactions in the body such as the respiratory system, the nervous system or your skin.  This is why after eating certain foods you may experience headaches, sinus congestion, an energy slump or mood changes.

If you don’t heal your gut lining, and allow your immune system to ‘rest’ by avoiding the substances that are causing it to react, you’re not going to be able to reduce your allergic reactivity.  And if you choose to ignore the symptoms and keep reaching for the quick fix (ie. antihistamines), your body is actually going to rebel and produce MORE histamine … and your gut lining will become even more disrupted than it already is.  This will result in your symptoms getting worse, and over time you’ll become reactive to even more substances.

When someone presents with allergies or reactivity, I often use a program called ‘Rest and Reset’.  The first step is to identify your trigger foods; we may conduct tests, or undertake a challenge diet.  Resting from these foods is the first step in rebuilding your immune tolerance as it reduces the inflammation affecting your gut lining, which contributes to abnormal immune system reactivity.  70% – 80% of your immune system is found within your digestive tract – you can’t gain long-term immune tolerance if you choose to skip this step!!

We then embark on a 6 week program using nutritional and herbal support that provides short-term symptom relief (we aim to wean you off this after 2 – 4 weeks), allows your immune system to rest, addresses underlying contributing factors (supports optimal digestive function and improves detoxification mechanisms to improve tolerance), and increases your tolerance threshold so you can eat a wider variety of foods – and maybe even walk through the park in Spring! – without experiencing reactive symptoms.

Does this sound like a program you would benefit from?  Make an appointment now by calling 03 9736 1642 or follow this link: https://www.healthkit.com/book/mrs-hayley-siegersma/naturopath/355383/352559/select-time