As summer comes to an end, vacations are over, back to school and work, it is time for Fall Allergies to start making you feel miserable. Good news! If you start now, you can minimize your symptoms and need for trips to the doctor and prescriptions that make you feel lousy.
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system’s natural response to help fight infection. The trick is to get ahead of the allergy reaction and cut it off at the pass.
Allergic reactions can trigger sneezing, wheezing, mucus, coughing, itching and hives. Allergies are not only irritating, but many have been linked to chronic respiratory problems such as sinusitis and asthma. Allergic reactions can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening.
Mast cells are a type of white blood cell which contains histamine, an important natural chemical weapon in the body’s arsenal for fighting infection. However too much histamine increases the inflammatory symptoms associated with allergies.
Healthy adrenal function is very important for mediating the histamine release and inflammatory reactions that produce the symptoms experienced with allergies.
Every day a variety of stressors signal our adrenal glands to produce stress hormones. A wide range of physical and psychological demands like a stressful job, family responsibilities, relationship dynamics, lack of sleep, financial concerns, pain, and emotional distress trigger our adrenals.
According to the findings in the 2014 April issue of the “Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology” people with seasonal allergies who had high levels of stress suffer more severe symptoms.
Stress appears to trigger symptom flare-ups. Dr. Amber Patterson, of Ohio State University states, “Symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes can cause added stress for allergy sufferers and may even be the root of stress for some. While alleviating stress won’t cure allergies, it may help decrease episodes of intense symptoms.”
One of the best things you can do is to reduce your stress factors as much as possible. Don’t take on extras that you don’t absolutely need to do. Get to bed earlier. Sleep is very important for adrenal rejuvenation. Start toning down the amount of caffeine you consume. It may jack you up for the moment but will burn out your adrenals faster in the long run. Eat a balanced diet of protein and carbohydrates and no skipping meals. Hypoglycemia only aggravates the problem of adrenal fatigue.
Quercetin is a bioflavanoid found in ability to stabilize mast cells, which release histamine and other inflammatory signals. It is also a potent antioxidant that is said to help reduce inflammation. It is best used as a long-term remedy and many people start taking it about 3 weeks before allergy season to help prevent allergy symptoms.
Stinging Nettle is a natural antihistamine, which means it naturally reduces the body’s ability to over produce histamine. It is often used in combination with other herbs for allergy relief.
Allergy Support Plus (Health Products Distributors) This formula combines anti-allergy nutrients such as Vitamin C, VinCare® Grape Extract, Nettle Leaf Extract, Bromelain, and Turmeric extract (>95% curcuminoids), plus synergistic nutrients. Take as directed on label.
Butterbur (Solaray) is a flowering herb European clinical studies have demonstrated that can be as effective as the leading allergy drugs Zyrtec® and Allegra®. Best of all it is free of the debilitating side effects of traditional antihistamines used to treat allergies, including palpitations, severe drowsiness, and fatigue. Research show rosmarinic found in Butterbur normalizes the inflammation and immune response that accompany allergic reactions.
Similisan Allergy Eye drops (Similisan) Homeopathic eye drops to relieve the symptoms of red, itchy and watery eyes. Use as often as needed.
Xlear Sinus Nasal spray (Xlear) washed out allergens from the sinuses & rehydrates the tissues, so they don’t get overly dried out. To prevent sinus infections, alternate with a Colloidal Silver nasal spray.
Ivy Extract (Nature’s Way) is an herbal formula that help to keep the bronchial airways open, particularly for those with asthma or COPD.
Adrenal Cytotrophin (Enzyme Process) a glandular formula which is pure nutrition for the adrenals 1 Tablet 2x day. The adrenals need support to limit inflammatory response to allergens and to relieve the fatigue associated with chronic allergic reactions.
Dietary Changes: Decrease mucus producing foods such as dairy (including yogurt & cheese), soy products, and wheat. Try to eat more greens as they are natural detoxifiers. Also drink lots of water.
Telephone or in-office Appointments are just a phone call away. Let us help you navigate your health concerns safely and effectively using natural treatments that assist your immune system’s healing system and won’t interfere or conflict with your medical doctor’s advice or medications.
Jane Jansen Holistic Practitioner Tree of Life Wellness Center Inc. 508-336-4242
Host Holistic Healthline Radio