Are Allergies Affecting Your Mood and Cognition?

Have you experienced mood swings whenever hay fever season is in swing? When your skin, nose, and eyes itch, do you lose your ability to focus? How about allergic reactions to food and an ensuing bout of depression or anxiety? You're not alone. 

Clinically, we've long observed that patients, especially children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), seem more likely also to have allergy symptoms of sneezing, sinus congestion, wheezing, itch eyes, nose and skin like eczema or psoriasis.

In Eastern Medicine, allergy is considered an invasion of external pathogens, foreign bodies, and exposure to toxins which can affect the healthy functions of the liver organ network. According to Chinese medicine, the liver performs many complex tasks critical in maintaining a person's mental and emotional health. When it is overwhelmed with allergic reactions, the result shows up in mood imbalances and even cognitive changes.

Allergies and Mood Disorder

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that there may be a link between allergies and mood disorders. One study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that people with allergies were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with seasonal allergies had a higher risk of developing a major depressive disorder.

Researchers believe the link between allergies and mood disorders may be due to the inflammatory response from allergen exposure. It is thought to be partly due to the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain function, which may contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Allergies and ADHD

Some evidence suggests that allergies may also affect attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with a history of allergies and asthma were likelier to have ADHD than children without these conditions. The same findings were published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. Researchers suggested immune dysregulation and the inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis may affect brain function and contribute to ADHD symptoms. 

Many of our adult patients who suffer from allergies, including skin rashes like eczema and psoriasis, also have undiagnosed ADHD and mood disorders. When we treat them for their allergies, they experience improvements in their allergy symptoms, mood, sleep, and focus symptoms. 

Acupuncture Relieves Allergies

Patients often get immediate relief from their allergy symptoms after acupuncture treatments. Studies confirm that acupuncture can indeed reduce histamine and inflammatory response. One study published in the journal "Allergy" found that acupuncture may help reduce histamine production in people with perennial allergic rhinitis, a type of year-round allergy that causes a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. 

Quercetin and Allergies 

Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid that has been studied for its potential to alleviate allergy symptoms. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Studies have investigated the effects of quercetin on allergy symptoms, and particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2016 found that a quercetin supplement improved allergy symptoms in people with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Quercetin participants reported less sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye itching than those who received a placebo.

Liver and Allergies 

The liver plays an essential role in the body's immune system. It is involved in allergy control through its ability to process and detoxify allergens. Research has shown that the liver plays a role in producing antibodies involved in the immune response to allergens. A study published in the Journal of Hepatology in 2010 found that the liver produces a protein called serum amyloid A (SAA), which can influence the activity of immune cells involved in allergic responses.

It's important to support liver function to reduce your allergies. That's why we formulated Liver Support containing dandelion, milk thistle, artichoke, and other herbs to help the liver detoxify and lower stress in the body. 

Naturally Elevate Mood with Herbs

In Eastern medical traditions, many herbs are traditionally used to balance mood and support healthy cognition. Our Mood Elevation formula uses three herbs commonly used for mood balancing. 

•  Poria is a mushroom that grows on the bark and roots of pine trees. It is traditionally used for depression, anxiety, digestion, and sleep disorders. Studies have suggested that Poria may be calming and help reduce anxiety. 

•  Licorice. It's not the candy I am referring to but rather the root where the taste of the candy originated. It has been found to support adrenal function. Some studies have suggested that licorice may impact mood, particularly stress, anxiety, and depression.

•  Silk tree bark, also known as Albizia bark, is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support mental health and mood. Some studies have suggested that silk tree bark may have a calming effect and may help reduce anxiety. 

It's important to note that not everyone with allergies will experience mood disturbances or cognitive changes, and not everyone with these problems will have allergies. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety in conjunction with allergies, besides trying my earlier advice, it may be worth talking to our practitioners to be evaluated and treated accordingly.