A short article entitled “Celebrating Allergies” is found in the “QuickThots” section of the April/May 2013 issue of Today’s Chiropractic LifeStyle magazine. Due to its short length, I have reprinted it in its entirety.
“In April 2012, researchers at Yale discovered that seasonal allergies are actually a sign that the immune system is functioning regularly and thus protecting the body from harmful toxins more sinister than pollen. There are two types of immunity: The first directly kills pathogens and infections, while type 2 stimulates the body’s T cells and antibodies to battle external toxins. When suffering seasonal allergy symptoms brought on by pollen or ragweed, your type 2 immunity is actually being kicked into overdrive.”
“While it is not necessary in a survival sense to be protected to such a degree from antigens like dust and pollen, scientists argue that type 2 immunity being on such high defense is a good sign the body is ready for anything from parasites and noxious chemicals to animal venoms and environmental irritants. Take the body’s response to bug bites, for example: The swelling and irritation around a bite can stop a tick or mosquito from accessing a blood vessel if the skin responds fast enough, preventing the transfer of dangerous pathogens such as malaria.”
“The next time you’re feeling down about your sneezing and watery eyes, rejoice in the fact that your immune system is strong and your body is doing exactly what it should: working as a dynamic system of functions to keep you healthy.”
Jacqui Frasca explores the subject more deeply in an article entitled “Thriving with Allergies” in the same issue.