Wave: College of Naturopathic Medicine
Your queries about natural health answered by Jacquie Lane for the College of Naturopathic Medicine
Dear Jacquie
At home I sneeze all the time and have watery, itchy eyes. Might it be pets, dust, or something else?
C.O, Brighton
It would be good to find out what you are reacting to. You could have a blood test that measures the antibody blood marker IgE (medically known as immunoglobulin E).
The IgE is a marker the body produces as part of its immune system response. This protection mechanism produces antibodies when we react negatively to certain things, including inhalants such as cat and dog hair, guinea pig and rabbit fur, horse hair, pollens, house dust mites, feathers, various moulds and grasses, and many more breathable particles that inhabit our homes.
Some immunologists use the skin prick method of testing, where they prick the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen to see if a red bump or wheal forms.
Removing carpets and curtains that collect dust may help. Using vacuum cleaners that filter out dust effectively may help, as may changing your pillows to a non-feather variety. Keeping the home as dust free as possible may also help. Don’t use spray furniture polish. Instead, use a damp cloth, which is much cheaper and healthier. You don’t want to be breathing in the chemicals from sprays. Ventilate the house by opening windows whilst you
are there.
Over half of our body’s immune system is in the gut, so build your immune system by starting with your gut health. Probiotic capsules which contain the right strains of friendly bacteria may help, along with a supplement called quercetin, which is a powerful plant pigment that acts like a natural antihistamine. The foods that contain the most quercetin are red apples, red grapes, cherries, red onions, and capers. Foods for the immune system also include those that contain vitamin C, so that’s citrus fruits and kiwi among many others. The mineral zinc is also essential for the immune system, so getting a combined vitamin C and zinc supplement may be useful for you for a few months, especially as we draw closer to winter.
See your health professional for advice.
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