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By Ray Hinish, Pharm.D., CPT, LWMC www.illnessisoptional.com | 410-356-2169

Ahh, feel that? Spring is in the air. Ahh, the days are getting warmer. Ahh, the flowers are starting to bloom. And, ahh, ahh achoo! It’s allergy season again.

Blame global warming, blame antibiotics in our food, blame the Japan earthquake, but for those of us who suffer from allergies, the symptoms seem to be getting worse for Marylanders statewide. No matter whom you blame, our misery is real and so, by association, is the misery we inflict upon our loved ones who suffer through our suffering.

With most allergy medications now available without a prescription, you would think that we would be able to get through the season with little discomfort. Unfortunately, even with the most powerful drugs many of us continue to suffer through the Spring with puffy eyes, noses that flow like Niagara Falls, and miserable sinus headaches that guarantee that we will not enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

So, if medicqtions can only offer temporary and minor symptom relief, what are we to do?

Being an allergy sufferer myself, I have spent the last decade investigating some of the most powerful anti-allergy compounds available through nature’s laboratory. When you make use of these powerful compounds, you will typically enjoy fewer symptoms and the symptoms that do occur will typically be less severe.

And that’s nothing to sneeze at.

Allergies occur after exposure to some sort of trigger such as pollen, which we call an “allergen”. Once the allergen makes contact with the moist environment of the eyes, sinuses, and/or throat, the body senses the allergen and, being a natural worrier, mistakes the allergen for some sort of bacteria or virus that is trying to enter into the body.

In an attempt to prevent the perceived threat from entering the blood, the body sends out signals that cause mucous flow (to trap and expel the offending organism), sinus swelling (to prevent entry of the organism deeper into the respiratory tract), and watering of eyes (to expel anything that could pose a risk to sight).

As you can see, the body has your best intentions in mind when it mounts an allergy reaction, the problem is, the body is misperceiving a harmless allergen for a potential threat and thus the reaction is exaggerated and unnecessary.

Nature has manufactured many compounds to counteract this exaggerated allergy response. Interestingly, many of these compounds are produced in fruits and vegetables that occur in season with allergy symptoms.

It is almost as if nature was anticipating the allergy reactions and providing the remedy along with the cause. The problem is, we don’t consume these compounds in any volume in our diet any more.

There are many natural compounds that have proven themselves to be powerful allies in the fight against allergy symptoms.

Quercetin – Considered nature’s most powerful anti-histamine, quercetin is a bioflavonoid that is found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, and teas. Sources include apples, onions, parsley, citrus, grapes, dark cherries, and most berries. Quercetin helps to stabilize mast cells, immune cells that are known to leak histamine, the primary cause of most allergies. Most allergy medications work by inhibiting histamine release or by blocking histamine receptors. Quercetin works by a slightly different mechanism, virtually plugging up the holes in the mast cells that leak histamine. Recommended Doses are 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg in divided doses throughout the day.

Stinging Nettle – Stinging nettle is one of the most powerful anti-allergy herbs available and works very well when combined with quercetin. While quercetin works to prevent histamine release, stinging nettle works on other inflammatory compounds that impact allergy symptoms. Recommended dose: 1000 mg – 4,000 mg per day.

Rosemary Extract – This year I have added rosemary extract to my list of recommended supplements for allergy symptoms due to some compelling research that suggests that a natural compound found in rosemary extract, called rosmarinic acid, can actually balance the immune system in such a way that decreases inflammation in the body. The recommended dose is 50 mg of rosemarinic acid twice daily.

Conventional medicine’s model of disease treatment is to find and target one particular compound that is associated with a particular disease. In the case of allergies, the drug companies attempt to decrease histamine while ignoring other important inflammatory compounds and immune cells.

Natural products allow us to approach a health challenge from multiple pathways without risk of side effects. In fact, we have discovered that there is a synergistic effect from the use of multiple natural products. In other words, the benefits accomplished through the use of multiple herbs and nutrients are far greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Product Recommendations

There are many well-balanced natural allergy formulas on the market. For a foundation product containing quercetin, stinging nettle, and other powerful allergy-normalizing compounds, I recommend you try Natural D-Hist by Orthomolecular products (call our office about this product) or Aller-Res-Q by Natura Health Products. The recommended dose is 2 capsules two to three times daily. This year, I am also recommending a product called Butterbur with Standardized Rosemarinic Acid by Life Extension Products 1 softgel twice daily.

A bonus tip is to flush out the allergens. The sinuses are very good at trapping allergens; unfortunately they are not so good at kicking these offending allergens out. To flush them of these offending products, wash the sinuses every morning and evening with a neti pot or Nasaline nasal syringe. These tools are a powerful way to dramatically improve your sinus allergy symptoms. Admittedly, sinus rinsing is uncomfortable at first, however, like many of our patients who are resistant, you too will quickly find yourself addicted to the clean and open feelings that follow this morning and evening ritual.

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In this blog-post, I wanted to touch on the impact of probiotics on allergy reactions, specifically in reference to pollen allergies. In a study on 44 subjects with allergies to a cedar pollen, researchers supplemented the subjects with probiotics, good bacteria that reside in the digestive tract, to evaluate how they impact allergy symptoms. After 13 weeks, subjects who were taking the probiotics noted significant decreases in all symptoms of allergic reaction including inflammation and blockage of the sinuses. When they looked at the blood of the subjects who took the probiotic supplement, they noted a significant decrease in certain chemicals that trigger allergic reactions and an increase in cells which are responsible for calming inappropriate immune reaction.

It is fascinating to see how bacteria that reside in the gut impact allergy symptoms that seem unrelated to gut function. The fact is, the body is complicated and connected. No organ or process can survive without interaction from millions or billions of other cells. It is no secret that probiotics play a very important role in healthy tone to the immune system, this research helps to shed some light on yet another connection that can help millions of people who suffer with allergies.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, is one of our society’s most common health complaints with one in ten Americans having daily episodes of heartburn.  Researchers estimate that GERD is experienced by 25%-35% of the population, which makes Proton Pump Inhibitors, a popular medication used to treat GERD, the third best-selling class of drug in the United States.

There is mounting evidence that drug treatment for GERD does not come without potentially serious risk. Such studies suggest that these drugs increase the risk of osteoporosis, depression, serious digestive tract infection, flu, irritable bowel disease and nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12 as well as important minerals. Although research has demonstrated these potential consequences, it does not take a multi-million dollar study to be able to reason that medications that interfere with acid secretion in the stomach will also interrupt nutrient absorption while making it easier for harmful organisms such as C. difficile to grow and cause havoc in our digestive tracts.

GERD occurs when the digestive juices back up into the esophagus, which results in an irritation to the fragile lining of the esophagus. The chronic irritation to the esophagus potentially results in a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus and then, left unchecked, to esophageal cancer. This process of progression sounds horrible and, drug companies would have you believe, imminent if left untreated.  Research, however, does not support this seemingly rational and unquestionable connection. In fact, a recent review of the data suggests that the connection between GERD and Barrett’s esophagus is so weak that the reviewing scientists felt that the widespread practice of screening patients with GERD, using endoscopy, was not warranted. Other researchers found that patients who were suffering with nighttime symptoms, as well as obese patients, were at a higher likelihood of having GERD progress to Barrett’s and ultimately to cancer. These patients may be the ones who require endoscopy as a screening tool.

What causes GERD?

A common characteristic of GERD is what is known as a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES Valve). This sphincter acts as a door between the esophagus and the stomach. In a healthy person, the door slams tightly shut after food enters the stomach; however, in someone with GERD, this door may not shut snuggly, which can lead to reflux of stomach contents and ultimately irritation of the esophagus. The better question is, “what causes this doorway to remain slightly ajar?”  There are number of reasons for this:

1. Portion size – People who eat large quantities of food can cause the stomach to expand well beyond the normal stretched size. Regular exposure to this degree of stretch can cause a deformity in the doorframe so that a gap remains, even when the door is shut. Portion size of food can have an immediate and a more long-term effect. If you eat a large meal right now, the stretching of the stomach can immediately cause symptoms; long-term exposure to such large portion sizes can result in a deformity in the doorframe even when the stomach is empty. Both of these situations can be remedied by eating smaller quantities.
2. Mint – Mint has a relaxing effect on the esophageal sphincter, you may want to avoid using mint candies and gum if you suffer with GERD.
3. Deep fried food – These foods slow the movement of food from the stomach to the intestines, this increases the likelihood of contents moving into the esophagus.
4. Late night eating – This increases the likelihood that food will be in the stomach while your body is in a horizontal position.
5. Medications – There are many medications that can cause problems with GERD: Calcium channel blockers, beta blockers (metoprolol, Toprol XL, etc.), NSAIDs (Ibuprophen, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve) , aspirin, nitrates, anti-depressant medications, bisphophonates (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, etc.) and progesterone.
6. Excess weight, especially central obesity.
7. Food allergies and sensitivities. Although this is an underappreciated cause of reflux disease, it is important to note and it may be worthwhile to look for offending foods and precede with eliminating these foods from the diet.  These food sensitivities can be worsened by acid suppression through the use of medications like Nexium, Prevacid, Tums, etc.
8. Stress is a major cause of GERD. When you are stressed, the digestive tract does not function properly. This can result in a poorly functioning LES valve and more reflux.
9. Other factors – There are other factors that have been linked to GERD such as: Smoking, spicy food, citrus, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate.

Isn’t GERD Caused by Too Much Acid in the Stomach?

Although there is a condition, called Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, where the stomach produces excess acid, this condition is quite rare. In fact, many doctors have discovered that 9 out of 10 people, who suffer with reflux, actually do not produce enough acid to trigger the closure of the LES valve. In addition, when stomach juices do not reach a particular acid level, the food contents sit stagnant and the food begins to putrefy and rot. As the food sits, it ferments and causes excess gas to form. This bubbling action can further worsen reflux by pushing the contents of the stomach into the esophagus.

So what do we do about it?

1. Have a careful assessment of medications and request your doctor remove or alter any medication listed above that may be linked to reflux. Please note, most doctors and pharmacists do not know about the link between these medications and reflux.
2. Learn about and implement a food elimination diet to try and pinpoint certain food triggers. Wheat, gluten and dairy are common culprits.
3. Replace acid in the stomach. It is a little known fact that a lack of acid in the stomach may be responsible for the reflux. This goes contrary to the conventional belief about what causes GERD; excess acid and poor sphincter tone. See our article about Betaine HCl Therapy for GERD. Taking an enzyme along with the Betaine HCl could result in further improvements.
4. Take an Enzyme – Plant enzymes work throughout the entire digestive tract to break down the food that we consume. Through the use of enzymes, we can decrease the time it takes to move the contents of the stomach from the stomach to the intestines. A potent enzyme that we commonly recommend is OrthoDigestzyme V. What makes these enzymes so powerful is the fact that they work through a broad range of acid levels. If the pH within your digestive tract is off, these enzymes will still work. This will often improve transit times and decrease gas and bloating.
5. DGL Ultra – This is a chewable form of licorice that helps to coat, soothe and stimulate healing in the esophagus and stomach. Chew 1 tablet before each meal and at bedtime.
6. Acid Assist – For symptomatic relief and/or in serious cases of GERD, Acid Assist is a chewable tablet that forms buffered foam on top of the stomach acid. This allows normal digestion to occur beneath the foam while preventing acid from jumping into the esophagus. This is to be used as needed to control symptoms while you are working to rebalance the body.

For children whose vaccinations for DPT were all delayed, the risk of developing asthma decreased by 60%.

Comment by Dr. Bill Pawluk
The fact that these immunizations are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age indicates that if they were delayed by 2 or more months the decrease in the risk of the child developing asthma would decrease significantly. The risk of developing one of these diseases is minimal in the U.S. and the delay would not affect the child’s ability to attend school.

(J Allergy & Clinical Immunology 2008 Mar)

Follow this simple trick and give your sinuses and lungs a break from one of nature’s most allergenic animals. They found that a monthly 10 minute soak in warm distilled water was all it took to decrease the allergy potential of the cat.

To bathe your cat using the proven technique, fill a large pan or sink with 2 inches of warm distilled water. Place a heavy towel on the bottom of the sink or pan to give your cat something to ground herself to so that she does not slip. Put the cat in the tub and while talking to her push down on the center of the back.Soap is not necessary. Rinse well and dry…simple as that.

Comment by Dr. Ray Hinish
Okay, truth be told, I am a dog person but with that said I have many cat-lover friends so I wrote this brief review for them. Cats are considered one of the most allergenic pets and unfortunately sometimes you simple must give the cat away to be able to enjoy a life free of cat allergies. Hopefully, for those people who would rather die of their cat allergies than give their little aloof buddies away, you will gain some benefit from this simple ritual. Other things may help such as:

• Cutting the hair of long haired cats
• Vacuuming often
• Using an air purifier
• Always washing your hands after petting your cat

Environmental Protection Agency released Excessive Heat Event Guidebook this month. Once our flooding rainy weather gives way to the summer humid heat again, here is the information you need to know!

People especially at risk are over 65, infants under 1year of age, the homeless, the poor, and socially isolated people, those with mobility restrictions, on certain medications like high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, those exercising vigorously or working outdoors, those consuming alcohol.

Here are symptoms to watch:

Heat stroke: altered mental state, possible throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, 106 F or higher body temperature, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness, possible hot and dry skin, sweating. You must get to hospital immediately. A delay may be fatal.

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cool skin, pale. Normal temperature possible. Other possible symptoms:: muscle cramps, fainting, vomiting, dizziness, nausea. Get out of sun,  apply cool wet cloths, sip water, if nausea starts, discontinue water intake, if vomiting continues, seek medical attention.

Heat cramps: painful muscle cramps and spasms (usually legs and abdomen), heavy sweating. Apply pressure/massage to relieve the cramps; give sips of water, if nausea starts, discontinue water intake.

On hot summer days, bear these in mind:

• Avoid dark color, heavy, tight clothes or clothes that expose a lot of skin
• Stay hydrated, especially when involved in outdoor activities
• When using alcohol, know that it limits the needed perspiration, and your awareness of need of hydration, so limit your exposure to sun and heat outdoors
• Avoid heavy meals, especially high protein, as this will increase metabolism and body heat that needs to be dissipated
• The more elevated the housing, the higher the heat, so use fans, air conditioning, and plenty of water to drink

(Summary by Kasia Kines, MS, CN, CNS, LDN. Kasia is a nutritionist at Your Prescription for Health 888-794-4325)

1. Folate supplementation
2. Advertising of supplements
   
3. Number of supplements to take
   
4. Scientific studies
5. Esophageal problems
6. WholeFood vitamins
7. Benefits of fruits/vegetables
8. Alcohol
9. Increase energy
10. Colloidal silver
11. Phlegm
12. H1N1
13. Blood pressure increase during stress