Allergies: A Functional Medicine Approach in Orlando
Allergies are an immune system overreaction to otherwise harmless substances: pollen, dust, foods, or chemicals. Orlando’s warm, humid climate and year-round pollen exposure make seasonal and environmental allergies particularly challenging for many residents.
Where Functional Medicine Differs
Traditional allergy care often relies on antihistamines or allergy shots. While these can reduce symptoms, they don’t necessarily retrain the immune system. Functional medicine focuses on modulating immune tolerance—helping the body respond more appropriately over time.
One of the tools we use at Healing Alternatives is Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI). As described on our LDI Services page, this therapy introduces extremely diluted doses of allergens to “re-educate” the immune system. Over time, LDI can reduce hypersensitivity, building tolerance rather than simply suppressing reactions.
A Functional Allergy Protocol
Identify triggers
Functional testing can reveal food sensitivities, mold exposure, or other immune triggers.Reduce inflammation
Diet, antioxidants, and lifestyle changes help calm the immune system so it’s less reactive.Heal the gut
Since much of the immune system resides in the gut, addressing leaky gut or dysbiosis is critical.Retrain the immune system
Therapies like LDI gradually restore tolerance, helping patients respond more appropriately to allergens.Personalized prevention
Environmental adjustments, such as HEPA filtration and mold mitigation, are incorporated into long-term strategies.
The Orlando Factor
Living in Central Florida means longer allergy seasons, mold exposure, and high pollen counts. Addressing these environmental realities while strengthening the body’s internal resilience gives patients the best chance at long-lasting relief.
