Natural remedies for allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, an estimated 50-60 million Americans suffer from allergies – 35 million suffer from seasonal allergies including sensitivity to trees, grass and ragweed pollen more commonly known as hay fever. Pollen can torment allergy sufferers any time of year, especially in warmer climates.

Allergies are a result of an immune system gone wild. Instead of recognizing an allergen as benign (such as pollen or mold spores), the immune system identifies the substance as sinister and produces antibodies designed to defuse foreign invaders and protect the person from future exposure. This overblown defense results in sniffling, sneezing, itching, etc.

During the past several decades, allergies have increased considerably and the research is showing it is due to our changing environment. Today, we are exposed to 60,000 different chemicals that can accumulate in our body’s tissues and organs. In the United States alone, more than 2.2 billion pounds of toxic chemicals were released into the environment and one year – 1994. This chemical build-up in the body is referred to as the “rain-barrel effect.” The build-up increases to a point where the last drop finally drips over the top and your body can no longer cope with the extent of toxicity contained in the body. When this happens, the immune system develops hypersensitivities that trigger allergic reactions.

Many over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines and decongestants are losing their effectiveness in treating the symptoms. The side effects are not losing their effectiveness which range from cold-like symptoms to anxiety, insomnia or drowsiness. The good news is there are some natural botanicals and supplements that can give you relief.

Probiotics

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help normalize immune system function and improve or prevent allergic responses. The research is showing that this good bacteria help the immune system how to decide the difference between harmless substances and dangerous invaders. Try acidophilus in supplement form and follow label directions or include low-fat cultured yogurt in your daily regimen.

 Co-Enzyme Q 10

Co-Enzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound that helps to build the immune system and is a powerful anti-oxidant that enhances the effect of other anti-allergy supplements. Allergy sufferers typically have low-levels of anti-oxidants especially during allergy season.

Acupuncture

Some people opt for a more hands on approach and find that acupuncture supports and stabilizes immune function – it works so well that many report complete remission of symptoms. Each acupuncture point stimulates different parts of the brain which are crucial to immune system response especially when it comes to controlling allergies.

Vitamin C

By suppressing the production of histamines, you can often prevent or at least reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Vitamin C and various bio-flavonoids like those found in soy provide natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory effects. Bio-flavonoids work to stabilize cell membranes so histamines are not easily released and are found in citrus fruits, berries of all kinds, herbs and spices like parsley and turmeric. Drinking several cups of green tea daily can prevent allergic responses. Grape-seed extract contain powerful antioxidants. Quercetin (found in apples, onions, berries, cabbage, grapefruit, tea and red wine) contain powerful flavonoids and reduce histamine production.  Quercetin is better absorbed when taken with bromelain – a mix of enzymes naturally found in pineapple. Many natural medicine doctors recommend taking 400 mg. of Quercetin with 100 mg. Bromelain and 500 mg. of Vitamin C with meals up to three times a day.

Milk thistle

This is a supplement I have taken for years because it supports liver function – it is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that prevent allergic reactions as well. Milk Thistle contains sylimarin that protect cells by neutralizing the effects of toxins, chemicals and pollutants.

Omega 3’S

Omega 3's are found in fish, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts and whole grains will help to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms because they reduce inflammation in the body.

Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle contains a host of anti-inflammatory substances along with vitamins, flavonoids and minerals. Hay fever sufferers showed a significant reduction in symptoms after taking freeze-dried nettle leaf.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea can help thin mucus and break up congestion and relieve nasal symptoms.

Garlic

Garlic is rich in flavonoids like Quercetin and acts as an antioxidant enzyme plus it can reduce mucus and congestion. Add garlic to your favorite recipes everyday.

Thyme

Thyme helps calm a cough and soothes irritated bronchial tubes. Add fresh thyme to sauces or soups.

It is important to note that you should avoid foods that inflame or aggravate symptoms like wheat, dairy, sugar, corn, peanuts and eggs – in some people, these are highly reactive foods that cause inflammation in the body and mimic allergy symptoms including bloating and fatigue. The research is showing that people who react to grass pollens may react to certain fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes, onions, garlic, peaches and melons as well as peanuts, eggs and pork.

If you think you are allergic to a certain food, eliminate from your diet for at least 2-3 weeks and see if your symptoms improve.

As with most conventional allergy treatments, natural remedies work best when taken before the fact - from one week to one month before the start of allergy season – and continue until allergy season has passed. OF course, a healthy diet and regular exercise do wonders for building and keeping the immune system strong.