Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/644745
26 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | MARCH / APRIL 2016 H ere we go again. Anything that isn't itching madly is running wild. Are you keeping one hand on the tissue box at all times? It must be allergy season. If you suffer from miserable seasonal symptoms, you're not alone. More than 24 million adults and children suffer from allergies. It's one of the country's most common diseases. Every year, allergies account for the loss of more than six million work and school days as well as 16 million visits to the doctor. Given that allergies rank fifth among chronic diseases affecting our population, it's critical to find proactive ways to improve your health and lessen—if not eliminate—your seasonal allergies. THE FOOD CONNECTION Naturopathic doctors often look for the underlying causes of a patient's sensitivity to seasonal allergens. Seasonal reactions usually stem from a combination of two factors: 1. A food that is causing hypersensitivity in the immune system and making the body susceptible to outside allergens. 2. An imbalance in adrenal glands that prevents the adequate production of cortisol, the body's homemade anti-inflammatory. When our adrenals are healthy, we make enough cortisol to overcome mild sensitivities to the environment. When we are stressed or tired, our adrenals run out of juice and stop making enough cortisol, causing ultra-sensitivity to the environmental stimuli we usually tolerate. A typical screening at an allergist's office includes an Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. Found in the skin, lungs, and mucous membranes, IgE antibodies are associated with the immune system's overreaction to environmental antigens. is overreaction to environmental antigens, such as pollen or pet dander, results in bodily responses ranging from sneezing and hives to anaphylaxis. e onset of these reactions can be swift. Wellness By Dr. Sierra Storm, WAC Naturopath; and Desiree Merulli, WAC Acupuncturist T he goal of the WAC Wellness Center is to get members to think differently about their health by encouraging proactive efforts to create better lifestyles. As one of the toughest allergy seasons approaches, we thought it would be both timely and helpful to learn a little about the method- ologies that two of our integrative service providers use to support patients with seasonal allergies. Naturopathic doctor Sierra Storm and acupuncturist Desiree Merulli offer their suggestions for getting through allergy season. Rather than masking symptoms, naturopathic medicine and acu- puncture work to eliminate the problem by creating better overall health of the individual—some- thing very dear to our hearts here at the Wellness Center. Enjoy! Tamela Thomas, Wellness Manager tamelat@wac.net 206.464.4639 A more natural approach Spring is in the air And that means plenty of sneezes are on their way