Why Do We Develop Allergies – How To Cure

Hey there, have you ever wondered why some people are allergic to certain foods, while others can eat anything without any issues? Or why do some people suffer from seasonal allergies, while others can frolic in a field of flowers without any sneezing or itching? Well, my friend, the answer lies in the mysterious world of allergies.

Reason for Allergies

So, why allergy occurs? The short answer is that it’s a complex interaction between our genetics, environment, and immune system that leads to an allergic disorder. But let’s dive a little deeper.

First, let’s talk about what is an allergic reaction?. An allergy is a hypersensitivity of the immune system to a substance that is normally harmless. This substance is known as an allergen and can come in many forms, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods.

Immune System 

Now, let’s talk about the immune system. The immune system is our body’s defense mechanism against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. It’s a complex system made up of various cells, proteins, and organs that work together to protect us from harm.

In people with allergies, the immune system mistakes a harmless substance (the allergen) as a threat and goes into overdrive to fight it off. This causes a variety of symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, hives, and even anaphylaxis in severe cases.

But why does the immune system overreact to these harmless substances in the first place? Well, it’s believed that genetics play a role. Allergies tend to run in families, so if your parents have allergies, you’re more likely to develop them too.

But genetics alone isn’t enough to explain the rise in allergies we’ve seen in recent years. Environmental factors also play a role. One theory is the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that our modern lifestyle, emphasizing cleanliness and sanitization, has led to an under-stimulation of the immune system. This can cause it to become overreactive to harmless substances.

The Bucket Concept 

The bucket concept of allergy development can help to explain why some people develop allergies while others do not. It suggests that individuals who are exposed to higher levels of allergens, or who have a genetic predisposition to allergies, may have a smaller “bucket” for tolerating allergens. As a result, they may develop an allergic reaction more easily than those with a larger “bucket.”

There are several factors that can affect the size of an individual’s “allergy bucket.” These include:

1. Genetics: Certain genes have been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies. For example, if one or both of your parents have allergies, you may be more likely to develop them too.

2. Environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, secondhand smoke, and other environmental toxins can affect the immune system and increase the risk of developing allergies.

3. Lifestyle factors: Diet, exercise, and stress levels can all affect the immune system and contribute to the development of allergies.

4. Previous allergies: If you have had allergies in the past, your immune system may be more sensitive to allergens and have a smaller “bucket” for tolerating them.

The bucket concept of allergy development can also help to explain why some people may experience allergies later in life. As we age, our immune system may become less effective at tolerating allergens, leading to an increased risk of developing allergies.

How to cure allergies?

So, what can we do to prevent allergies from overflowing our immune system buckets? Well, there are a few things we can do to help keep our immune systems in check.

• First, eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. This can help boost the immune system and keep it functioning properly.
• Second, reduce exposure to allergens by keeping the home clean and free of dust, pet dander, and other allergens. 
• Third, avoid triggers. If you know you’re allergic to certain foods or substances, avoid them as much as possible.
• Fourth, get outside! Spending time in nature has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
• Fifth, meditate and keep stress at bay. 

And finally, consider natural remedies like saline nasal sprays, steam inhalation, and herbal teas to relieve allergy symptoms.

Bottomline 

So, there you have it, folks. Allergies may be a complex interaction between our genetics, environment, and immune system, but there are things we can do to help prevent them from taking over our lives. Whether it’s eating a healthy diet, reducing exposure to allergens, or getting outside for some fresh air, we can all take steps to keep our immune systems in check and avoid the dreaded allergy overflow.

Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573758/