Ten Things to Fight Allergies Naturally

I've already written about allergies last year: Springtime Allergies. Well, it's that time of year, so I'm going to do it again.

I love Spring -- birds chirping and building nests, flowers peeping, sandals on, sunlight later... But for many it's not always so pleasant: itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, and a stuffy nose.

I suffer from Allergic Rhinitis (AKA allergies) but they are not nearly as severe as before. Allergies are a over-reactive immune response to pollen, dust, animal dander, etc, releasing histamine and leukotrienes, which in turn cause swelling, itching, and mucus production.

Here are Ten Things you can do Naturally to Fight Allergies (it works for me):

1. Omega 3 Fats: Most likely you're not getting enough, unless you eat fish 2-3 times per week. I recommend at least 2000 mg total omega-3 fatty acids per day (in the form of fish oil).
2. Buffered Vitamin C: Vitamin C counteracts inflammation. You must take high doses though. One guy found relief at 12,000 mg (12 grams) per day -- for reference, that's 12 Emergen-C packets (not that I recommend that - it has added fructose in it - yikes!). High dose vitamin cause loose stools, so start with 3,000 mg (in divided doses) per day and increase to 10,000 mg per day, if tolerated, of buffered vitamin C.
   
3. Nettles: You can find this as either a tea, tincture, or in capsules. It's a plant (stinging nettles) easily found growing in the Pacific Northwest. Nettles is a natural antihistamine.
   
4. Quercetin: This strange sounding substance is a bioflavonoid found in the skin of apples and onions. It has a strong affinity to mast cells. Mast cells release histamine and serotonin when stimulated; quercetin stabilizes mast cell membranes, so that these pro-inflammatory substances do not get released.
   
5. Eliminate Dairy: Dairy (among other foods) is pro-inflammatory and mucus-producing.
   
6. Eliminate Sugar: Sugar, like dairy, promotes inflammation and mucus production.
   
7. Be Organic: Pesticides and herbicides are toxins to the body. Toxins are a major source of inflammation. It's important not to just eat organically, but to live it, meaning toxin-free household cleaners, detergents, etc.
   
8. Clean air: This is so important. We recently purchased a high-end air purifier for the bedroom and I've noticed a significant change. I rarely wake up with sinus congestion anymore. Clean air also means to avoid cigarette smoke, air pollution, exhaust, dust. Get an air purifier for the bedroom -- you spend many hours everyday. There are also plants that are natural air purifiers. Here's a list from NASA: http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h110Indoorair.html.
   
9. Detoxification: Well if toxins are a major source of inflammation, then a detoxification or cleanse helps. This is best done under the care of a health professional.
   
10. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture commonly sees allergies as an attack of "Wind" with underlying Qi deficiency (defensive "wei", lung, and kidney). Acupuncture works!! It's most effective when used in combination with Chinese herbs, to correct those deficiencies as well as release wind.
    

Everyone is different, thus everyone responds differently. It's best to consult with a naturopathic doctor and/or acupuncturist for a more personalized approach for allergic rhinitis.

Time to Spring Clean!

After a gorgeous long weekend in NYC which coincided with the vernal equinox, there's no doubt that Spring is here. According to the 5-Elements of Chinese Medicine, spring is the time of wood; it's the time for growth and hope. It is the time of the Liver and Gall Bladder, therefore it's particularly important to take care of these organs during this season, or else negative emotions like such as anger and frustration (also related to Wood) may arise.

I often explain to my patients that in Chinese Medicine, the liver is responsible for the free flow of Qi and blood. When this flow gets interrupted, many problems may present -- such as lack of energy, anger, headaches, menstrual difficulties, infertility, insomnia, digestive complaints, pain...this list can go on and on...

What interrupts Liver Qi flow then? In Western medicine, one of the major jobs of the liver is as a filter, detoxifying substances in our blood, such as drugs, medication, alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, pollution, hormones, sugar. Stress and emotions also affect the liver by preventing it from functioning optimally. The more of these substances (medications, alcohol, pesticides, pollution, hormones, sugar, stress) that are present in our blood, the harder the liver must work. When the liver is overburdened, Liver Qi gets stagnant, which affects the entire Qi of the body.

It is important to take care of the liver always, but particularly in the Spring.

Some ideas that facilitate the movement of Liver Qi are: exercise, deep breathing, acupuncture, and meditation. But I want to elaborate on the importance of detoxification.

The liver filters blood from the portal vein -- which comes from our intestines into our liver directly. This blood is rich with nutrients (from foodstuff)...and all its additives that come with food. The most important and beneficial thing you can do for your liver is to adjust your diet so the liver doesn't need to spend its energy processing what comes in, but can start handling what's stored in your body. FYI -- toxins are stored in fat cells in the body. Researchers in Korea actually found that even a 5-day vegetarian diet + monk-like activities resulted in lower urinary levels of antibiotics and phthalates (1). {Wow! Just imagine the beneficial effect of detoxification before pregnancy -- scientists have found BPA in cord blood, plus who knows what else -- we can reduce that burden on the baby by cleaning mom!}

I usually recommend detoxification programs where you can still eat. I recommend a whole, non-processed organic foods diet, as well as the elimination of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and foods that may be difficult to process, like gluten, egg, dairy, and soy. By feeding your body a simple, easily digestible diet, you are reducing the "toxic" input into the body. In the meantime, I recommend supporting the liver with either supplements, teas, acupuncture, herbs. And, I recommend aiding in toxin elimination -- increasing fiber intake to create bulk for stool (which also binds toxins), increasing water intake, and other ideas such as castor oil packs, saunas, and/or dry skin-brushing.

Not all detoxes are the same, just as not as people are the same. For the best results, it's best to contact a health care professional before undergoing a detox. S/he can help choose what's right for you!


1) Ji K, Kho YL, Park Y, Choi K. Influence of a five-day vegetarian diet on urinary levels of antibiotics and phthalate metabolites: A pilot study with "Temple Stay" participants. Environmental Research, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 12 March 2010.

Low Blood Pressure -- Nothing to Brag About

Have your ever felt dizzy or lightheaded when you get up too quickly? Perhaps you've experienced a bit of low blood pressure -- orthostatic hypotension. This is a drop in blood pressure greater than 20/10 mmHg upon standing.

Recently I've been confronted with many cases of hypotension (low blood pressure). Generally hypotension is when systolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg or less, and diastolic blood pressure is 60 mmHg of less. I become concerned when someone has blood pressure and consistently complains of light-headedness and dizziness. Other symptoms include: blurred vision, clammy skin, depression, fainting, fatigue, weakness, nausea, palpitations, rapid/shallow breathing, and thirst.

Blood pressure is the measure of pressure exerted by blood on the vessel walls. More commonly we hear about the risks of high blood pressure, however, low blood pressure is also a problem that should not be ignored.

So what causes low blood pressure? Well, anything that would reduce pressure on the walls -- blood volume (anemia) and the inability of vessels to constrict ensuring proper blood flow to vital organs. Hypotension can be caused by pregnancy, heart problems, diabetes, endocrine problems, blood loss, severe infection, severe allergic reaction, eating disorders, and medications.

If you consider yourself healthy and have low blood pressure, then you must consider this. Hypotension can also be due to:

• Low blood volume caused by simple dehydration -- generally, adults should drink at least 64 oz of clean water per day (more if you exercise or have alcohol/caffeine). When you exercise or sweat a lot, you lose water and electrolytes; it's important to supplement with electrolytes (particularly sodium) after long workouts.
• Anemia (qi and/or blood deficiency in Chinese medicine) - get labwork taken so you can rule that out. If so, then you must take care of anemia, whatever type it may be.
• Postprandial hypotension - when we eat, our digestive system needs a large blood supply to process food; this affects blood supply to the rest of the body. This commonly occurs in the elderly and can be helped by eating smaller, more frequent meals (4-5 small meals per day).
• Adrenal insufficiency - The adrenal glands has two parts: the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. The cortex maintains salt and water balance in the body. The medulla produces adrenaline under stress. Certain drugs and oftentimes constant stress "fatigues" the adrenal glands. This could be stress from worry, nutritional deficiencies, or anything else that produces constant adrenal stimulation, eventually tiring the glands out. Caffeine (as blogged on last time) should be avoided as it depletes the adrenals in the long-run, however conventional doctors actually recommend coffee to help with low blood pressure. Caffeine does temporarily raise blood pressure, but the long-term effects actually exacerbate adrenal insufficiency.

If you have blood pressure lower than 90/60 and often get dizzy, get it checked out. It's not healthy. Hypotension can cause fainting which can result in injuries from a fall. It can also cause organ damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, from the lack of blood/oxygen. And it's possibly a sign that you're adrenals are fatigued, and you are not operating at optimal health.

What's the Deal with Coffee?

Is it good for you? Is it bad for you?

The health claims for coffee include: lowers gout risk, anti-cancer properties, diabetes prevention, protection against Parkinson's disease (for men), reduced risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. Some of these positive effects don't seem related to its caffeine content, rather to its high antioxidant content (dark berries would be a better choice). There needs to be more research regarding these claims and whether coffee consumption is more beneficial than perhaps...a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables -- because aren't there better antioxidant options out there?

One positive thing about coffee is that it is a cholagogue, which means it promotes the flow of bile. This is helpful for gall bladder disease (gallstones), as well as liver disease (cancer, cirrhosis). In addition, it may be helpful for those who tend to be constipated, as it acts as a stimulant, increasing peristalsis (contractions in the digestive tract). As a stimulant, it is also a short-term aid with concentration and alertness. Quick-fix.

But its stimulant effect is also why coffee is more harm than good. Wikipedia defines caffeine as a "psychoactive stimulant drug". Seriously. This stimulant drug triggers your pituitary gland to secrete ACTH which signals your adrenal glands to produce adrenalin (epinephrine). Adrenalin is the "flight-or-fight" hormone, which is great if we are being chased by a bear, but when is that the case? And what are the consequences of constant stress hormones production? A path towards adrenal exhaustion:

• fatigue
• non-refreshing sleep
• feeling overwhelmed
• low stamina
• slow to recover from injury or illness
• brain fog
• poor digestion
• poor immune function
• food or environmental allergies
• PMS
• low blood pressure
• difficulty handling stress
• decreased sex drive
• need for naps

Any of that sound familiar?

I often see patients who suffer from adrenal exhaustion simply from the extreme stresses in their life (work, family, etc). Coffee accelerates this and just adds fuel to the fire -- quickening the pace towards exhaustion. From the Chinese Medicine perspective, I relate this to Kidney deficiency. Interestingly, the adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney, and Kidney deficiency signs/symptoms include: fatigue, soreness of back and knees, frequent urination, nocturia. If yin or yang is affected, there could also be: dizziness, impotence, decreased sex drive, central obesity (think cortisol obesity), insomnia. And of course, Kidney deficiency affects the Qi of the entire body manifesting as low immunity, poor digestion, lassitude, depression.

In addition, coffee is associated with: cancers (roasting produces 19 known rodent carcinogenic compounds), a digestive irritant, causing anxiety, increases in LDL cholesterol, increase in stillbirths, iron-deficiency anemia, and coronary artery disease.

I'm not on a anti-coffee crusade. Personally I don't drink it, but if someone is using it as a "pick-me-up" and has any of the adrenal exhaustion complaints, then I would encourage one to quit. It's a "psychoactive stimulant drug" and can be compared to sugar as a quick energy boost. But the long-term consequences make it not worth it (for me, at least). Like sugar, use coffee as a treat -- on weekends or special occasions.

(Now I can't talk about coffee and not mention the importance of choosing organic coffee. Coffee is the heaviest chemically treated food commodity in the world! Synthetic petroleum based fertilizers are used, which seep into our soil. And because coffee normally grows in the shade, man has created sun-resistant coffee tree-hybrids, resulting in mass deforestation. If you choose to purchase coffee, at least buy shade-grown, fair-trade, organic coffee.)