AllergiesGeneral

Why Allergies Need a Functional Medicine Approach

Allergies may seem minor, but they often signal deeper imbalances in the immune system. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond antihistamines and skin tests. Our integrative allergy care identifies the root causes—whether environmental, nutritional, or immunological—and works to naturally rebalance your body’s response.

We treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are immune system reactions to substances that are normally harmless—like pollen, dust, food proteins, or pet dander. For people with allergies, the body mistakes these triggers as threats and launches an inflammatory response that leads to discomfort or, in some cases, severe reactions.
Common types of allergies:

  • Seasonal (hay fever): Triggered by pollen in spring, summer, or fall
  • Food allergies: Most commonly caused by dairy, nuts, shellfish, eggs, or wheat
  • Environmental allergies: Mold, dust mites, pet dander, or chemicals
  • Skin allergies: Contact dermatitis, eczema, or hives
  • Chronic sinus or respiratory allergies: Often linked with asthma or rhinitis

Common Symptoms of Allergies

Symptoms can vary from mild to life-threatening and may include:

 If you experience any of these regularly, it may be time to dig deeper into the underlying causes.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Allergies?

Functional medicine helps uncover why your immune system is overreacting. Some common root causes include:

  • Gut dysbiosis or leaky gut: A compromised gut lining can allow allergens to pass into the bloodstream
  • Toxic load: Accumulated chemicals or mold exposure may overwhelm your immune system
  • Chronic stress: Impacts the immune and adrenal systems
  • Nutritional deficiencies: Especially vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s
  • Genetic predispositions: Including MTHFR variants or histamine intolerance
  • Poor liver detoxification: Can result in hypersensitivity to everyday exposures
  • Unresolved infections: Such as candida, parasites, or viruses

Advanced Allergy Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we utilize specialized testing to understand your body’s specific sensitivities and immune triggers:

IgE and IgG food allergy panels

Environmental allergen testing

Comprehensive stool testing for gut health

Mold and mycotoxin testing

Nutritional and detox profile labs

Histamine and DAO enzyme levels

Hormone and cortisol testing

Genetic markers (MTHFR, detox pathways)

Our Integrative Treatments for Allergies

Nutritional Therapy

We use anti-inflammatory, low-histamine, or elimination diets tailored to your food sensitivities and microbiome profile.

IV Therapy

IV infusions of vitamin C, magnesium, glutathione, and other nutrients support immune balance, reduce inflammation, and improve detoxification.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Targeted supplements may include:

  • Quercetin and bromelain (natural antihistamines)
  • Probiotics for gut-immune regulation
  • Omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory action
  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione for liver detox
    All regimens are physician-guided and lab-informed.

Stress Reduction Therapies

We offer acupuncture, breathing practices, and adaptogenic herbs to regulate stress and reduce inflammatory responses.

Gut and Detox Restoration

We rebuild gut lining with L-glutamine, remove microbial overgrowth, and support phase 1 and 2 liver detox pathways.

Hormone and Immune Balancing

We correct hormone imbalances (like cortisol or thyroid) that exacerbate allergic conditions and immune dysregulation.

Real Case Study: Kevin’s Allergy Breakthrough

Kevin, age 36, came to us with chronic sinus congestion, eczema, and fatigue. Traditional treatments had failed. Advanced labs revealed leaky gut, mold exposure, and high histamine levels.

We designed a 12-week integrative plan including:

  • Mold detox protocol
  • Low-histamine, gut-healing diet
  • IV vitamin C and glutathione
  • DAO enzyme and quercetin supplements
  • Stress-adaptogen support
    By week 10, his skin cleared, energy rebounded, and sinus symptoms were gone.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many patients experience significant improvement through natural treatments that regulate the immune system, repair the gut lining, and reduce toxic burden—often reducing or eliminating the need for antihistamines or steroids.

Absolutely. We provide safe, gentle, pediatric-friendly integrative care using functional lab testing, food sensitivity panels, and natural therapies suited for children.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Many diagnostic lab tests may be partially covered depending on your plan.

 We offer a range of advanced diagnostics including IgE/IgG food panels, environmental allergen tests, mold/mycotoxin testing, histamine/DAO levels, gut health panels, and detox profiles.

Yes. Delayed food sensitivities (often missed by traditional tests) can trigger inflammation, brain fog, skin issues, and chronic sinus problems. Identifying and eliminating triggers is often a key part of our approach.

Leaky gut, mold exposure, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalance, and poor detox pathways are often missed in conventional care. We focus on uncovering these underlying imbalances.

Most patients begin noticing symptom relief within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity and complexity of the root causes. Long-term improvement comes with consistency and individualized care.

Yes. We use evidence-based supplements like quercetin, bromelain, and vitamin C, which act as natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories—without the side effects of medications.

In some cases, yes—especially when the root cause is addressed. While some individuals may always have a tendency toward sensitivity, many can significantly reduce or eliminate their symptoms through functional care.

 We provide customized support for pregnant or nursing women using safe, non-toxic therapies. Our physicians ensure all recommendations are appropriate for your stage of life.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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