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A blog post explaining how allergies occur and how Chiropractic care can help to reduce them.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, arise when the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens. These allergens are harmless to most people, but for some individuals their immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders and launches a defensive response, resulting in allergies.
How Allergies Happen
Firstly, sensitisation occurs meaning the immune system encounters the "allergen" and "remembers" it. The next time the immune system encounters that "allergen", it launches an immune response complete with Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. After that, IgE signals for the body to release histamine & other chemicals, which are responsible for symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, coughing and fatigue. The release of these chemicals lead to inflammation of the nasal passages, eyes, sinuses and sometimes even the lungs, which in turn causes the classic symptoms of hay fever.
The "allergens" that can cause this cascade of inflammation and symptoms can be very commonly found; pollen from trees, weeds and flowers, grass, mould spores, and dust mites. Other environmental factors that can contribute to hay fever including pollution, living in rural or forested areas with higher pollen levels and dry and windy conditions or climates (like Perth).
Who Gets Allergies
So if these are commonly found items and climactic conditions, how come only some people get hay fever? What is the difference between those who get allergies and those who don't?
This comes down to a handful of factors.
"We now know that up to 90% of your genes can be turned "on" or "off", depending on your lifestyle and environment"
Genetic Expression: One person's immune system may respond differently to someone else's, despite experiencing the exact same situation or object. The mainstream medical take on this is that your genetics determine how your immune system functions and how it responds. However, we now know that up to 90% of your genes can be turned "on" or "off", depending on your lifestyle and environment. This is called epigenetics. So while there are many "fixed" genes - you can't go and change your eye colour at will - you are able to create change in your genetic expression through nervous system function, lifestyle and environmental changes.
Brain Function: The other consideration to make is that your immune system function is regulated by the brain. The left side of the brain is responsible for increased immune function, whereas the right side of the brain is responsible for decreasing immune activity. This means that if you have an overactive left brain comparative to the right side, you may have an overstimulated immune system.
Inflammation: The level of inflammation in the body can also contribute to a person's likelihood of developing allergies. Inflammation often exacerbates hay fever symptoms, as well as many other ailments, so increased inflammation will further aggravate allergies.
"The left side of the brain is responsible for increased immune function, whereas the right side of the brain is responsible for decreasing immune activity"
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system’s response to allergens. However, what’s often overlooked is the role the nervous system plays in regulating immune function, as mentioned previously.
The central nervous system (CNS), composed of the brain and spinal cord, controls every function in the body, including immune responses. Misalignments in the spine, also known as subluxations, can interfere with the optimal function of the nervous system. This interference may exacerbate immune responses, potentially intensifying allergic reactions.
Chiropractic care focuses on correcting spinal misalignments, which can lead to improved nervous system function and better immune regulation.
"Individuals who received regular chiropractic care had a 200% stronger immune system than those who didn’t"
What the Research Says
Here are some scientific research findings that support the role of Chiropractic in reducing allergies:
Reduced Stress on the Nervous System: A 2011 study published in The Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that spinal adjustments could improve autonomic nervous system function. Since the autonomic nervous system is responsible for many involuntary actions, including immune responses, better nervous system function may help manage the severity of allergy symptoms.
Boosting Immune Function: A study conducted by Dr. Ron Pero at the New York Preventive Medicine Institute found that individuals who received regular chiropractic care had a 200% stronger immune system than those who didn’t. Though this study didn't focus specifically on allergies, the findings suggest that regular chiropractic adjustments can enhance the body’s immune defences, potentially helping to combat allergic reactions.
Improved Respiratory Function: Another 2015 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics explored chiropractic care’s effect on asthma and respiratory issues. While the study didn’t focus on allergies, improved lung capacity and less respiratory strain could indirectly benefit those suffering from allergic rhinitis, particularly when congestion and breathing difficulties are involved.
Patient-Reported Outcomes: Many reports from patients suggest that chiropractic adjustments have led to a reduction in allergy symptoms. Conceptually, by reducing stress on the nervous system and promoting better respiratory health, patients may experience fewer flare-ups or a decrease in severity.
How Does Chiropractic Care Work for Allergies?
Chiropractors focus on removing misalignments in the spine, particularly in areas that may be affecting the body’s ability to regulate immune and respiratory functions. Adjustments can help:
Improve sinus drainage: Many seasonal allergy sufferers experience clogged sinuses. Chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine can promote sinus drainage, alleviating pressure.
Reduce inflammation: Misalignments often cause inflammation, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Chiropractic care helps reduce this inflammation.
Enhance respiratory function: Correcting spinal misalignments improves overall respiratory health, making it easier for the body to manage allergic reactions.
Other Strategies to Help Reduce Allergies
Aside from Chiropractic care, there are other natural options for reducing hay fever. Utilising Herbal supplements such as Quercetin, Spirulina, probiotics, vitamin C and Stinging Nettle can reduce inflammation & block histamine receptors. Consuming local honey can also help, as you expose your body and immune system to trace amounts of pollen and allergens, helping to reduce sensitivity to them. Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lavender essential oils have been known to sooth, open airways and reduce inflammation. Switching to an anti-inflammatory diet as well as eliminating trigger foods and increasing hydration also reduces the likelihood of developing allergy symptoms.
Many people report experiencing relief of their allergies through regular Chiropractic adjustments. The connection between spinal health, the nervous system, and immune function is becoming more clear and instrumental as time passes and we learn more about those connections.
If you suffer from allergies and are seeking a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to managing your symptoms, Chiropractic care is a fantastic approach worth exploring.
If you would like to improve your immunity and allergies, please contact Dr. Xanthe Hand at Reconnect Chiropractic on 0472 924 000 or visit www.reconnectchiropractic.com.au to make a booking.
Thank you for visiting our Reconnect Blog
Rannoch Circle Hamersley, WA
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