Allergies are often misunderstood. When someone suffers from a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, or excessive mucus production, the common belief is that their immune system is underperforming. This misconception has led to widespread use of immune-boosting supplements, treatments, and advice. However, allergies are not a sign of a weak immune system—they are a sign of an overactive one. This article delves into the science of allergies, explains how calming the immune system is the key to managing them, and explores functional approaches that integrate chiropractic care, gut health, and detoxification to provide relief. We will also address the most common allergens and how to minimize their impact both indoors and outdoors.
Allergies: An Overactive Immune Response
At its core, an allergy is the immune system’s overreaction to a substance it mistakenly identifies as harmful. Substances like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites are usually harmless to most people. However, in allergic individuals, the immune system treats these substances as threats and launches a defensive response.
This overreaction begins with the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to the allergen. These antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, which release histamines and other inflammatory mediators when exposed to the allergen again. The result? The classic symptoms of allergies: sneezing, mucus production, coughing, and itching.
Key Studies on Overactive Immunity and Allergies
- Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2019): A review highlighted that allergic diseases are driven by Th2-dominant immune responses. These are characterized by excessive IgE production and heightened mast cell activation.
- Nature Reviews Immunology (2020): Research indicated that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance. In people with allergies, these cells are less effective, leading to an unchecked immune response.
- Frontiers in Immunology (2021): This study emphasized the importance of restoring immune balance, rather than boosting it, as a strategy for managing allergies.
Functional Approaches to Allergies
Functional medicine offers a holistic framework for addressing allergies by focusing on underlying causes, such as immune system dysregulation, gut health, and toxin overload. Here are three foundational strategies:
1. Chiropractic Care for Immune Modulation
Chiropractic care is not just for back pain. The nervous system plays a vital role in regulating immune function, and the spine houses critical pathways for nervous system communication. Subluxations (misalignments in the spine) can interfere with this communication, contributing to immune system dysregulation.
- Mechanism: Chiropractic adjustments help reduce stress on the nervous system, improving its ability to regulate immune responses.
- Evidence:
- A 2015 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can reduce cytokine levels, which are involved in inflammatory responses.
- A case series published in Explore (2018) demonstrated that patients with allergic rhinitis experienced symptom improvement after regular chiropractic adjustments.
2. Healing the Gut to Calm Allergies
The gut is home to 70% of the immune system. A compromised gut lining—commonly known as leaky gut—allows undigested food particles, toxins, and pathogens to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger systemic inflammation and exacerbate allergic responses.
- Key Interventions:
- Eliminate gut irritants: Avoid inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, and processed sugars.
- Repair the gut lining: Use supplements like L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, and colostrum to strengthen the intestinal barrier.
- Rebalance the microbiome: Probiotics and fermented foods can enhance gut flora diversity, reducing inflammation.
- Evidence:
- A 2021 study in Gut Microbes showed that probiotic supplementation reduced seasonal allergy symptoms by modulating gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
- Research in Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research (2020) confirmed that leaky gut is a contributing factor in systemic allergic responses.
3. Detoxifying the Liver
The liver processes and eliminates toxins from the body. When overburdened by environmental toxins, the liver’s ability to filter allergens diminishes, leading to heightened allergic reactions.
- Strategies:
- Support liver detoxification: Use milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and glutathione.
- Reduce toxic burden: Avoid exposure to synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals.
- Promote healthy bile flow: Bitter foods like dandelion greens and artichoke can enhance bile production, aiding in toxin elimination.
- Evidence:
- A study in Environmental Health Perspectives (2018) linked high toxin load to increased allergy prevalence.
- Research in Hepatology (2020) emphasized the liver’s role in modulating systemic inflammation and immune responses.
Top Indoor Allergens and How to Remove Them
Indoor environments are rife with allergens that can exacerbate symptoms. Here are the top five indoor allergens and strategies to minimize them:
1. Dust Mites
- Problem: Microscopic organisms that thrive in bedding, carpets, and upholstery.
- Solution:
- Wash bed sheets, blankets and linens weekly in hot water.
- Use dust-mite-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- Change your HVAC Filters every 4 weeks
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
2. Pet Dander
- Problem: Skin flakes, saliva, and urine from pets can trigger allergies.
- Solution:
- Bathe pets once weekly at the minim.
- Keep pets out of bedrooms and don’t let them sleep in your bed.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
3. Mold
- Problem: Found in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
- Solution:
- Find and fix leaks and improve ventilation of home
- Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity below 50% at all times.
- Spray down shower with a mixture of 30% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide after each use.
- Pour 1/2 cup of 30% white vinegar into toilet bowl water tank weekly, and ensure there is no visible mold under the lid or in the basin
- Consider having your home tested for mold.
4. Bug Droppings
- Problem: Spiders, palmetto bugs and other pests produce allergen-laden droppings and saliva.
- Solution:
- Seal cracks and crevices of your floors.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Regularly clean kitchen surfaces and floors.
- Hire a non-toxic, essential oil based pest company.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Problem: Emitted by cleaning products, paints, and synthetic materials.
- Solution:
- Use natural cleaning products that are essential oil based.
- Opt for VOC-free furniture, building materials and wall paints.
- Ventilate rooms during and after painting.
- Use a Molekule VOC removing air filter.
Top Outdoor Allergens and How to Minimize Exposure
Outdoor allergens are seasonal and vary by region, but the following are the most common:
1. Pollen
- Problem: Released by trees, grasses, and weeds during specific seasons.
- Solution:
- Monitor local pollen counts and stay indoors on high-pollen days.
- Use a pollen mask when gardening or mowing.
- Take a shower to wash hair/body immediately after outdoor activities
- Change and wash clothes after outdoor activities.
2. Ragweed
- Problem: A prolific pollen producer that peaks in late summer and fall.
- Solution:
- Keep windows closed during peak season.
- Use HEPA filters in air conditioners.
- Avoid outdoor activities during early mornings when pollen levels are highest.
3. Grass
- Problem: Common in spring and summer.
- Solution:
- Keep lawns trimmed to reduce pollen production.
- Wear protective clothing and mask/filter while doing yard work.
- Consider switching live grass to artificial grass.
4. Mold Spores
- Problem: Found in outside air and decaying leaves/soil.
- Solution:
- Avoid raking leaves without a mask.
- Store firewood away from the house.
- Ensure proper drainage around your home.
5. Air Pollution
- Problem: Combustion byproducts and fine particulates exacerbate allergies.
- Solution:
- Use HEPA filters in air conditioners.
- Install an Air Scrubber/UV Light in your HVAC system
- Avoid exercising near busy roads.
Managing allergies requires a shift in perspective. Rather than boosting an already overactive immune system, the focus should be on calming it. Functional medicine provides a comprehensive framework for addressing allergies by integrating chiropractic care, gut health restoration, and detoxification.
By minimizing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens and adopting these functional strategies, individuals can achieve long-term relief and improved overall health. With science-backed approaches and lifestyle changes, we can help the immune system find its balance and ensure a higher quality of life for those suffering from allergies.