Most of us have positive feelings and thoughts about spring as we enjoy longer, sunnier days and more time outside with family. For many, however, the blooming foliage, grasses and flowers create immune system havoc. We call them allergies and they can occur seasonally in response to pollens, or anytime in response to foods or as a result of other environmental influences such as chemicals or animal dander and dust. Allergic reactions are an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful.
Respiratory Allergies occur when a person is allergic to tree or grass pollen, pet or animal dander, molds and dust mites. Allergic symptoms most commonly include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, itchy and runny nose, and wheezing. Hay fever (rhinitis) and/or asthma are the most common results of respiratory allergies.
Skin Related Allergies occur in response to metals, fragrances and specific materials such as latex. Referred to as eczema or contact dermatitis, the common symptoms are itching, burning, reddening or blistered skin in the affected area. This most frequently occurs in early childhood though it is also seen in adults.
Food Allergies occur when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to the ingested food. Food allergies are often confused with food intolerances or sensitivities usually created by a lack of necessary enzymes to digest or process the food correctly, or from a ‘leaky gut’ in the GI tract. When your GI tract is inflamed, it allows partially undigested food particles into your system that triggers immune responses. The most common food allergies are cow’s milk, egg, soy, yeast, corn, wheat and oat. Eczema, diarrhea, nausea, hives, and in some cases, anaphylaxis are potential symptoms of food allergies. Food sensitivities can cause many other symptoms, including mood disorders, joint pain, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms and autoimmune diseases (just to name a few!). The best way to treat all of the symptoms caused by either food allergies or food sensitivities is to restore gut health and avoid and/or rotate foods to which you react. In addition, where appropriate, support resolution with sublingual drop therapy or allergy shots.
Allergies from all sources can cause fatigue and general malaise and it is not necessary to suffer! At The Woodlands Institute, we have many highly effective, definitive treatments through sublingual drop therapy, nutrition and/or hormonal balance that improve or resolve allergies, rather than band-aiding symptoms with antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays.
Sublingual drop therapy is especially effective at resolving allergy symptoms related to the environment (e.g. pollen, dust, pets). Allergy drops contain the same antigens that are used in allergy injections with virtually NO risk of anaphylaxis. The drops build up a blocking antibody against the allergen, which causes the immune system to become less sensitive to the allergen, thus reducing the symptoms when the same allergen is encountered in the future. The length of treatment is usually 3 to 5 years (some require less, some require more). Studies show that residual long-term benefit is seen after just one year on the drops. Your drops are specially formulated for you and address allergies year-round. You administer them yourself sublingually (under the tongue) in the comfort of your own home.
Now is the time to get started on treating your allergies rather than masking your symptoms with drugs. If you or your children are sick and tired of taking allergy medications or allergy shots, give us a call at 281-298-6742. We offer allergy testing for inhalant and food allergies.