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How Functional Medicine Can Help You Conquer Seasonal Allergies

  • Doris Fregoso, DC
  • Apr 29
  • 3 min read

Spring brings beauty—and allergies. But there’s hope beyond the tissue box.

As the flowers bloom and trees awaken from their winter slumber, many of us welcome spring with open arms—but for millions, this season also marks the arrival of itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and relentless sniffles. Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, can put a damper on even the sunniest day. But what if there were a deeper, more personalized way to manage symptoms beyond the usual antihistamines and decongestants?

Enter functional medicine—a root-cause, systems-based approach that’s transforming the way we address seasonal allergies.


Understanding Seasonal Allergies from a Functional Perspective

Traditional medicine typically views seasonal allergies as an overreaction of the immune system to harmless environmental triggers like pollen, mold spores, and dust. While over-the-counter treatments can provide temporary relief, they often don’t address the underlying imbalances in the body that make you more reactive in the first place.

Functional medicine looks at seasonal allergies as a symptom of broader immune dysregulation. Instead of simply quieting the sneeze, it asks: Why is the immune system overreacting in the first place? This approach involves assessing everything from gut health to stress levels, nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposure, and more (IFM, 2021).


Key Functional Medicine Strategies for Allergy Relief

1. Gut Health: The Immune System’s Command Center

Over 70% of your immune system resides in your gut (Belkaid & Hand, 2014). Imbalances in gut flora (dysbiosis), leaky gut, or chronic inflammation can contribute to heightened immune sensitivity. Supporting gut health through probiotics, prebiotics, and a clean, anti-inflammatory diet can calm allergic responses (Mayer et al., 2015).

2. Diet and Inflammation

Certain foods can trigger or worsen inflammation and allergic reactions. A functional medicine plan might include an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities, reduce sugar and processed foods, and focus on anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3s, quercetin (found in apples and onions), and vitamin C (Li et al., 2013).

3. Detoxification Pathways

The liver plays a critical role in filtering allergens and toxins. Supporting liver function through proper hydration, cruciferous vegetables, and targeted supplementation can help the body process allergens more efficiently (DeLisle & Cherrington, 2008).

4. Histamine Balance

Histamine is the chemical behind many allergy symptoms. In some individuals, poor histamine breakdown (due to gut issues or genetic variations like DAO deficiency) can amplify symptoms. A functional approach might include low-histamine foods and supplements like vitamin B6, magnesium, and DAO enzymes (Maintz & Novak, 2007).

5. Stress and the HPA Axis

Chronic stress weakens the immune system and can increase histamine release. Supporting adrenal health through stress management techniques—like meditation, adaptogenic herbs, and adequate sleep—can indirectly improve allergy resilience (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004).


Functional Testing That Can Help

Functional medicine practitioners often use specialized testing to get a clearer picture of what’s driving your symptoms. This may include:

  • Comprehensive stool analysis

  • Food sensitivity testing

  • Organic acids testing

  • Hormonal and adrenal function panels

  • Environmental toxin screening

These insights allow for a tailored plan that goes beyond symptom management and addresses the root of immune dysregulation (IFM, 2021).


A Personalized Path to Allergy Relief

If seasonal allergies are disrupting your life year after year, it may be time to look deeper. Functional medicine doesn’t just mask symptoms—it works with your body to restore balance and resilience.

Call our office today to schedule an appointment to develop a personalized plan that supports your whole body, reduces allergic reactivity, and empowers you to enjoy the seasons again—without the tissue box.



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