Do Allergies Worsen Depression?

It makes sense that you might be a little irritable when your allergies flare up, but did you know that it may worsen Depression as well? A study out of the department of psychiatry of the University of Maryland School of Medicine showed that people with mood disorders like Depression or bi-polar disorder, and who are also allergic to tree pollens or rag weed, experience worse Depression in the presence of those allergens.



The researchers followed 100 people who had been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Of these, 53 percent also were allergic to tree pollen and ragweed. And among that 53 percent, their scores on tests for depression were significantly worse in high-pollen season than in low-pollen season. In fact, the worse the allergy symptoms, the greater the change in scores from low season to high.



Of course, it's no wonder. If you're stuffed up, sneezing, watery eyed, and headachey, it seems natural that you'd also be irritable, lethargic, and plain old down. Feeling miserable makes you feel...well, miserable. But the connection between allergies and depression may be deeper than the obvious. For one thing, it may have to do with the fact that your body releases proteins called proinflammatory cytokines in an effort to protect you from allergens that enter your system. Dr. Marshall says, "It's thought that those cytokines directly affect the central nervous system, causing the release of a chemical in the brain called IL-1 beta that induces sickness behavior, such as weakness, lethargy, low mood and the inability to concentrate."



Bruce Bender, head of the division of pediatric behavioral health at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, adds another interesting wrinkle. He says that research shows that people suffering allergy symptoms don't sleep well. "Poor concentration and mood in seasonal allergy patients may be a secondary effect of a very poor night's sleep." Over-the-counter antihistamines may actually contribute to a poor night's sleep because they'll make you sleepy shortly after you take them, but they wear off halfway through the night, causing you to wake up.



So what can allergy sufferers do to sensibly treat their symptoms and stave off depression?



A sensible course might be to combine nasal saline rinses with proteolytic enzymes if you're suffering from allergy symptoms. Proteolytic enzymes regulate every metabolic function of the body. When taken as a dietary supplement, they reduce inflammation and maximize the immune system -- just what the doctor ordered for allergy sufferers, without the nasty side effects of other allergy medication. By the way, if you're using nasal irrigation, the recommendation is to do it three to four times a week, as opposed to twice a day since there are indications that if done too often, they can actually promote sinus infections.



Better yet, ward off symptoms in the first place by getting to the root of whatever is causing your allergies. If you follow the Baseline of Health approach to allergies, emphasizing detoxing, proper diet, and supplementation, you can not only minimize, but also possibly even eliminate seasonal allergies. You may want to read our effective allergy reduction protocol. Not only will this approach improve your allergies without subjecting you to potentially dangerous drugs, but it will also enhance your overall health while keeping you from developing “tree-rage.”



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