By Dr. Evelyn Le
Spring in the Pacific Northwest is breathtaking, with vibrant blooms and warming sun—but for many, it also marks the start of allergy season. If you find yourself sneezing, foggy-brained, or itching more than usual this time of year, you’re not alone. As someone who grew up in a household affected by severe allergies, I understand the impact firsthand.
One memory stands out clearly. I was a child, coming home from school, and saw a man with a swollen nose sitting motionless in our living room. He looked unfamiliar—so much so that I asked my mom, “Who is that?” She replied, “That’s your father.” He suffered from chronic allergies and later underwent nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum. Spring allergies were a serious issue in our house, and they continue to affect millions of people every year.
Let’s break down what allergies are, what causes them, and how you can get relief naturally and medically—along with a look at how histamine interacts with other systems in the body like the gut, brain, joints, and even hormones.
What Is an Allergy?
An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a foreign substance, or allergen. These can include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Certain foods or medications
When your body encounters these allergens, it releases histamine—a chemical that causes many of the familiar allergy symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion. Everyone has a different tolerance level for histamine, and once your body hits that threshold, symptoms begin.
Common Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes or hives
- Brain fog
- Digestive upset
Natural Anti-Histamines & Supportive Remedies
If you want to avoid over-the-counter medications or supplement your allergy regimen, there are natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory tools available:
Top Natural Histamine Helpers:
- Quercetin: A flavonoid that stabilizes mast cells to prevent histamine release.
- Vitamin C: Reduces histamine levels and supports immune function.
- Stinging Nettle: Traditionally used to alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Butterbur: Effective for both migraines and seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Bromelain: An enzyme from pineapple that reduces sinus inflammation.
- Omega-3s: Found in fatty fish, flaxseed, and chia; help lower inflammation.
- DAO Enzyme: Helps break down histamine in the gut, useful for those with histamine intolerance.
Be sure to talk with your provider before starting new supplements.
Diagnostic Options and Treatments at AIM
We offer skin testing for over 60 different environmental allergens, including grass, dust, dander, and more. Based on results, we may recommend sublingual immunotherapy (homeopathic drops that build your tolerance over time) or other integrative therapies.
Homeopathic remedies like Euphrasia (for watery eyes), Sabadilla (for sneezing), and Histaminum (for general reactivity) can be used daily. Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are also available for long-term symptom relief. These gradually train your immune system to become less reactive.
Histamine’s Effects Beyond Allergies
1. Gut Health
Histamine intolerance can trigger bloating, diarrhea, skin flushing, and more. It’s often linked to low levels of the enzyme DAO. Gut dysbiosis (imbalanced bacteria) may also increase histamine production.
Tips:
- Support your microbiome with probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
- Eat 40+ plant-based foods monthly
- Reduce processed foods and alcohol
2. Brain Health
Histamine affects cognition, memory, and wakefulness. Excess histamine can cause brain fog, trouble focusing, and is linked to neuroinflammatory conditions like Alzheimer’s and ADHD.
Tips:
- Sleep well, manage stress, and avoid environmental toxins
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
3. Joint Health
Histamine promotes joint inflammation, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It activates receptors that contribute to cartilage breakdown.
Tips:
- Adopt a low-histamine, anti-inflammatory diet
- Consider gentle movement like yoga or walking
4. Hormones & Histamine
Low estrogen and testosterone can increase allergy symptoms. In menopause and andropause, patients often report worsened dry or watery eyes due to histamine and hormone imbalances.
Tip:
- Hormone testing and support may help reduce allergic reactions and improve tear gland function.
Medication Notes
- H1 Blockers: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Brompheniramine
- H2 Blockers: Famotidine (Pepcid), Cimetidine (Tagamet)
These can be helpful for histamine-related symptoms but may cause drowsiness or digestive effects.
Emergency Allergy Preparedness
If you’ve had anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions, always carry an epinephrine device.
- EpiPen is the most well-known brand
- Generic options include Adrenaclick® and Neffy® nasal spray
Talk to your doctor about which is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Allergy symptoms can affect far more than your sinuses. From your gut to your brain to your joints, histamine can create systemic issues. The good news? You have options.
At AIM, we’re here to help you explore root-cause solutions and whole-body care. If you’re struggling with allergies this season, come see us for a personalized plan that works with your body and your goals.
Sources: (1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35776034/
(2) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5963652/
(3) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/02601060231173732
(4) https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/01-05.pdf
(5) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/all.13812
(6) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3024511/
