In this episode re-release, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss the atopic triad of allergy, asthma and eczema that both perimenopausal moms and their kids can experience. Find out how your hormones are involved, plus what you can do to prevent and treat these inflammatory issues today.
What is an allergy?
Hypersensitivity disorder of your immune system, where you react to normally harmless substances in the environment that most people won’t react to.
Allergic symptoms include:
Itchy, watery, red eyes
Runny nose
Sneezing
Headache or pressure in sinuses
Itchy throat
Postnasal drip
Constant clearing of throat
More serious symptoms include:
Eczema – inflammatory skin condition
Asthma – immune reactivity and inflammation in airways causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath
Hives and anaphylaxis
The prevalence of allergic symptoms is increasing!
Allergic rhinitis, including runny nose, dark circles under eyes and throat clearing, affects as many as 40% of kids in US
CDC reported food allergies increased by 18% in US since 1990s
Eczema affects about 1 in 5 kids in US, with rates tripled in past 3 decades
Asthma affects at least 1 in 8 kids in US, with rates tripled between 1980 and 2008
Increased immune system reactivity causes may include:
Hygiene Hypothesis or Microbiome Disruption
Your immune system needs to learn to respond to components in dirt and soil
Babies born by C section are 5x more likely to develop allergies than vaginal birth, since they are not exposed to mom’s vaginal microbiome
Also influenced with breastfeeding
Good bacteria are needed for “oral tolerance” and immune tolerance, so you are less reactive to foods and environmental allergens
Reduced gut flora diversity linked with increased risk of eczema, damage to gut lining allows foreign particles to trigger more immune reactions since more than half of your immune system is found along your gut – see Episode 8
Germ phobia can make kids more allergic
Insufficient micronutrient and antioxidant intake
Environmental pollution and compromised liver detoxification pathways
Liver filters all the blood in the body from the digestive system and removes toxins, allergens, hormones, chemicals, drugs, etc.
Your liver contains the Reticuloendothelial System (RES) containing immune cells that remove antigens from the digestive system
If overworked with high levels of chemicals and pollution, your liver will not be able to remove allergens appropriately – see Episode 33
Stress and adrenal function
Adrenal glands produce stress hormone cortisol, which is needed for an appropriate immune response
If overstressed or burnt out, you produce less cortisol resulting in more inflammation – for more info, see Episode 24
Genetics
Can be modified by environmental factors
Just because your parents suffer from allergies doesn’t mean you have to!
Immune system balance is like a teeter-totter or see-saw
Th1 vs.Th2 response
Infants born with an allergic tendency and proper amounts of beneficial bacteria or microbiome supports more balance away from allergy while preventing autoimmunity
For example:
Research has shown that children in Estonia are less allergic than those in Switzerland and Estonian children have higher numbers of good bacteria in their intestines
Components of the Allergic Response include:
Allergens are also called antigens, like food, animal hair, insects, pollen, mold, dust, trees, chemicals, drugs, dyes, detergents, additives, etc.
Antigen binds to IgE antibody receptors on immune cells called mast cells, which triggers the release of inflammatory substances including prostaglandins and histamine
Histamine acts in many areas in the body causing:
Vasodilation – swelling, redness, inflammation
Skin – itching, swelling, redness, hives
Nose – runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
Eyes –watery
Lungs – congestion, bronchoconstriction of airways, difficult to breathe
Digestive System inflammation
Conventional medical treatment for allergies, asthma and eczema include:
Foods high in omega-6 increases inflammation and the allergic response – vegetable oils, soybean, canola, sunflower, corn, safflower
Ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 should be 4:1; Western diet ratio is 10:1!
In Japan, with westernization of diet (less fish and omega-3), saw increase in allergies
Can balance with more omega 3 from algae or fish source (anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon), as well as omega 6 GLA found in evening primrose, borage, hemp
Deficiencies in:
Omega-3
B vitamins
Vitamin B6 – found in tuna, calf liver, chicken, salmon, turkey, potatoes, cod, sunflower seeds, halibut
Vitamin B12 – found in calf liver, sardines, salmon, beef, lamb, halibut, scallops, yogurt
Magnesium – found in pumpkin seeds, spinach, swiss chard, soybeans, sesame seeds, halibut, black beans, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds
Zinc – found in oysters, red meat, poultry, baked beans, chickpeas, and nuts like cashews and almonds
Vitamin C – found in blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, oranges, papaya, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kiwi, cauliflower, kale, parsley, lemons, limes, spinach, snow peas, and rose hip tea
Vitamin D – found in small amounts in eggs, milk, best made with UV exposure to skin
Retinol – active form of vitamin A, found in animal liver, whole milk, and some fortified foods
Carotenoids – can turn into active form of vitamin A, found in plant foods like carrots, squash, sweet potatoes
Why Does Perimenopause Cause More Skin Itching and Hives?
Estrogen plays an important role in your skin health, impacting the microbiome of your mouth, gut and skin. Microbiome changes related to menopause may increase intestinal permeability, which increases the likelihood of having food reactions and atopic dermatitis.
Hives, also called chronic urticaria, are about twice as common in women as in men and may be associated with hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, birth control pill or synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Your sex hormones can modulate immune and inflammatory cell functions, including mast cell secretion of histamine.
One study suggests that patients with chronic urticaria have lower levels of serum DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), an adrenal hormone that tends to decline with age. Stress is commonly elevated during perimenopause, leading to high output of cortisol and adrenaline which are frequently associated with hives.
Lab testing you can consider:
Serum hormone testing or DUTCH urine hormone testing
IgG food sensitivity testing
Micronutrient testing – vitamin D, specialized labs for zinc, vitamin A, omega 3
Comprehensive stool testing for microbiome balance and gut health
Prevention and Treatment to Consider for Allergies, Asthma and Eczema:
Support stress management and adrenal glands
Avoid caffeine, sugar, alcohol, stimulants
Stress-relieving techniques including sleep support and routine
B vitamins, Vitamin C, adaptogenic herbs
Increase air quality
HEPA filter (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, vacuum cleaner)
Avoid carpeting
Regular dusting and vacuuming
Keep pets out of the bedroom and bathe regularly
Sinus rinse or Nasal Lavage
Neti Pot or Nevage
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil
Blow your nose regularly
Support gut health with probiotics and fermented food
Avoid antibiotics, PPIs, NSAIDs
Use filtered water to remove chlorine
Nutrition
Avoid inflammatory and histamine increasing foods
Avoid food allergies and sensitivities
Increase foods with nutrients important for immune function, including flavonoids – see Episode 39 for more info on nutrients to support immune activity for viruses
Pomegranate, tomatoes, bilberry, blackberry, blueberry, black currant, sweet cherry, apples, apricots, pears, raspberries, black beans, cabbage, onions, parsley, pinto beans, watercress, green tea, grape skin
Consider regular intake of local honey to decrease immune sensitivity to environment
Supplements to consider:
Urtica dioica (nettles), Ribes nigrum (black currant), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), Pine bark extract, Flavonoids including quercetin
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic Immunotherapy
Topical treatments for eczema can include moisturizing oils like coconut, shea, jojoba (anything except olive), oat baths, calendula
Today’s Mama Must Have:
Dr. Lisa loves roasted beets and beet root powder to provide natural sweetness and extra liver support.
Dr. Toni is a big fan of having moisturizing lotion and creams for hands and body handy. She likes Baby Bum fragrance free every day lotion with shea butter and Rocky Mountain soap company omega 3 vanilla coconut hand cream.
Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing info session for expecting parents looking to trust their instincts and their body during labour and birth is happening in May. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register
Dr. Lisa’s Wild Collective: get on the waitlist: wildcollectivetoronto.com
We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.
You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.
Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this presentation is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss the atopic triad of allergy, asthma and eczema that both perimenopausal moms and their kids can experience. Find out what you can do to prevent and treat these inflammatory issues today. We also uncover why hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause can trigger things such as hives.
What is an allergy?
Hypersensitivity disorder of your immune system, where you react to normally harmless substances in the environment that most people won’t react to.
Allergic symptoms include:
Itchy, watery, red eyes
Runny nose
Sneezing
Headache or pressure in sinuses
Itchy throat
Postnasal drip
Constant clearing of throat
More serious symptoms include:
Eczema – inflammatory skin condition
Asthma – immune reactivity and inflammation in airways causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath
Hives and anaphylaxis
The prevalence of allergic symptoms is increasing!
Allergic rhinitis, including runny nose, dark circles under eyes and throat clearing, affects as many as 40% of kids in US
CDC reported food allergies increased by 18% in US since 1990s
Eczema affects about 1 in 5 kids in US, with rates tripled in past 3 decades
Asthma affects at least 1 in 8 kids in US, with rates tripled between 1980 and 2008
Increased immune system reactivity causes may include:
Hygiene Hypothesis or Microbiome Disruption
Your immune system needs to learn to respond to components in dirt and soil
Babies born by C section are 5x more likely to develop allergies than vaginal birth, since they are not exposed to mom’s vaginal microbiome
Also influenced with breastfeeding
Good bacteria are needed for “oral tolerance” and immune tolerance, so you are less reactive to foods and environmental allergens
Reduced gut flora diversity linked with increased risk of eczema, damage to gut lining allows foreign particles to trigger more immune reactions since more than half of your immune system is found along your gut – see Episode 8
Germ phobia can make kids more allergic
Insufficient micronutrient and antioxidant intake
Environmental pollution and compromised liver detoxification pathways
Liver filters all the blood in the body from the digestive system and removes toxins, allergens, hormones, chemicals, drugs, etc.
Your liver contains the Reticuloendothelial System (RES) containing immune cells that remove antigens from the digestive system
If overworked with high levels of chemicals and pollution, your liver will not be able to remove allergens appropriately – see Episode 33
Stress and adrenal function
Adrenal glands produce stress hormone cortisol, which is needed for an appropriate immune response
If overstressed or burnt out, you produce less cortisol resulting in more inflammation – for more info, see Episode 24
Genetics
Can be modified by environmental factors
Just because your parents suffer from allergies doesn’t mean you have to!
Immune system balance is like a teeter-totter or see-saw
Th1 vs.Th2 response
Infants born with an allergic tendency and proper amounts of beneficial bacteria or microbiome supports more balance away from allergy while preventing autoimmunity
For example:
Research has shown that children in Estonia are less allergic than those in Switzerland and Estonian children have higher numbers of good bacteria in their intestines
Components of the Allergic Response include:
Allergens are also called antigens, like food, animal hair, insects, pollen, mold, dust, trees, chemicals, drugs, dyes, detergents, additives, etc.
Antigen binds to IgE antibody receptors on immune cells called mast cells, which triggers the release of inflammatory substances including prostaglandins and histamine
Histamine acts in many areas in the body causing:
Vasodilation – swelling, redness, inflammation
Skin – itching, swelling, redness, hives
Nose – runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
Eyes –watery
Lungs – congestion, bronchoconstriction of airways, difficult to breathe
Digestive System inflammation
Conventional medical treatment for allergies, asthma and eczema include:
Foods high in omega-6 increases inflammation and the allergic response – vegetable oils, soybean, canola, sunflower, corn, safflower
Ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 should be 4:1; Western diet ratio is 10:1!
In Japan, with westernization of diet (less fish and omega-3), saw increase in allergies
Can balance with more omega 3 from algae or fish source (anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon), as well as omega 6 GLA found in evening primrose, borage, hemp
Deficiencies in:
Omega-3
B vitamins
Vitamin B6 – found in tuna, calf liver, chicken, salmon, turkey, potatoes, cod, sunflower seeds, halibut
Vitamin B12 – found in calf liver, sardines, salmon, beef, lamb, halibut, scallops, yogurt
Magnesium – found in pumpkin seeds, spinach, swiss chard, soybeans, sesame seeds, halibut, black beans, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds
Zinc – found in oysters, red meat, poultry, baked beans, chickpeas, and nuts like cashews and almonds
Vitamin C – found in blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, oranges, papaya, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kiwi, cauliflower, kale, parsley, lemons, limes, spinach, snow peas, and rose hip tea
Vitamin D – found in small amounts in eggs, milk, best made with UV exposure to skin
Retinol – active form of vitamin A, found in animal liver, whole milk, and some fortified foods
Carotenoids – can turn into active form of vitamin A, found in plant foods like carrots, squash, sweet potatoes
Why Does Perimenopause Cause More Skin Itching and Hives?
Estrogen plays an important role in your skin health, impacting the microbiome of your mouth, gut and skin. Microbiome changes related to menopause may increase intestinal permeability, which increases the likelihood of having food reactions and atopic dermatitis.
Hives, also called chronic urticaria, are about twice as common in women as in men and may be associated with hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, birth control pill or synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Your sex hormones can modulate immune and inflammatory cell functions, including mast cell secretion of histamine.
One study suggests that patients with chronic urticaria have lower levels of serum DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), an adrenal hormone that tends to decline with age. Stress is commonly elevated during perimenopause, leading to high output of cortisol and adrenaline which are frequently associated with hives.
Lab testing you can consider:
Serum hormone testing or DUTCH/CHI urine hormone testing
IgG food sensitivity testing
Micronutrient testing – vitamin D, specialized labs for zinc, vitamin A, omega 3
Comprehensive stool testing for microbiome balance and gut health
Prevention and Treatment to Consider for Allergies, Asthma and Eczema:
Support stress management and adrenal glands
Avoid caffeine, sugar, alcohol, stimulants
Stress-relieving techniques including sleep support and routine
B vitamins, Vitamin C, adaptogenic herbs
Increase air quality
HEPA filter (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, vacuum cleaner)
Avoid carpeting
Regular dusting and vacuuming
Keep pets out of the bedroom and bathe regularly
Sinus rinse or Nasal Lavage
Neti Pot or Nevage
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil
Blow your nose regularly
Support gut health with probiotics and fermented food
Avoid antibiotics, PPIs, NSAIDs
Use filtered water to remove chlorine
Nutrition
Avoid inflammatory and histamine increasing foods
Avoid food allergies and sensitivities
Increase foods with nutrients important for immune function, including flavonoids – see Episode 39 for more info on nutrients to support immune activity for viruses
Pomegranate, tomatoes, bilberry, blackberry, blueberry, black currant, sweet cherry, apples, apricots, pears, raspberries, black beans, cabbage, onions, parsley, pinto beans, watercress, green tea, grape skin
Consider regular intake of local honey to decrease immune sensitivity to environment
Supplements to consider:
Urtica dioica (nettles), Ribes nigrum (black currant), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), Pine bark extract, Flavonoids including quercetin
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic Immunotherapy
Topical treatments for eczema can include moisturizing oils like coconut, shea, jojoba (anything except olive), oat baths, calendula
Today’s Mama Must Have:
Dr. Lisa loves roasted beets and beet root powder to provide natural sweetness and extra liver support.
Dr. Toni is a big fan of having moisturizing lotion and creams for hands and body handy. She likes Baby Bum fragrance free every day lotion with shea butter and Rocky Mountain soap company omega 3 vanilla coconut hand cream.
Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing info session for expecting parents looking to trust their instincts and their body during labour and birth is happening in May. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register
On Monday, June 7th, at 8:00pm, join Dr. Lisa and three other health care practitioners for their free webinar to learn how to get the best sleep of your life using naturopathic medicine, yoga, meditation, essential oils, massage, and osteopathy. Sign up HERE and feel free to share with your friends/family members/contacts.
We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.
Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this presentation is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.
Recent Comments