What Are Allergies?

Bottom Line:
The spring season not only starts to bring warm weather- but for over 20% of people, it also brings allergies! Are allergies a sign of a weak immune system? No, quite the opposite. Allergies are a common overreaction of the immune system to a natural product. Every day you come into contact with dust, mold, or pollen. Allergies occur if your body and immune system overreact and over produce antibodies to attack the material. This overreaction of the immune system is what we call allergies. The sneezing, wheezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes are all signs that your immune system has overreacted to a perceived threat.

Why it Matters:
When your immune system is working correctly, it should react appropriately to the dust, mold, or pollen. Each day we all encounter millions of potential allergens. The handles on the door to your office, your countertops, your keychain- the list goes on and on. Most of the time your immune system coordinates the response to these allergens, and you move along in your day not aware that your immune system is taking care of business. It is only when your immune system overreacts and creates a body signal, such as a runny nose or itchy eyes, do you stop and take notice.

Allergies are the body signal of an overactive immune system
Sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and red eyes are frequent symptoms associated with seasonal allergies
Reducing stress through exercise, diet, and adjustments has the potential to improve your seasonal allergies
Next Steps:
It’s not possible (or healthy) to avoid all forms of allergens, and besides- that would be no fun! Just like muscles, your immune system gets stronger as it’s challenged. Help your immune system stay as strong and balanced as possible reducing stress, daily exercise, getting adjusted, and eating right!

Science Source: Allergies and the Immune System. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2018.