Chris D. Meletis, N.D.
The symptoms that are associated with an allergic response serve an important and significant role—to flush out irritants that challenge the body’s well-being. However, when the allergic cascade gains too much momentum, the surge of histamine, leukotrienes, and other biochemical mediators can trigger an overwhelming avalanche of symptoms.
Currently, the trend in the United States is towards increased reactivity and there is a significant per capita rise of allergy-based conditions. Among the most common are hayfever, extrinsic asthma, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and sinusitis. It is estimated that 3 percent of the U.S. population suffers from one of the most severe forms of allergic reaction, extrinsic asthma. The overall rise in frequency of clinically significant reactions has been attributed to a triad of factors: total allergic burden, enhanced reactivity, and decreased resistance.
When addressing allergic symptoms clinically, removal of the offending agent(s) is critical to successful long-term treatment. It is equally critical to nourish the body so that it is capable of maintaining control over the allergic and inflammatory responses that it faces on a daily basis.