Keep Allergies From “Springing” Up

For some of us, springtime is the reward for surviving a cold and dark winter.  For others, the allergens that accompany the coming of spring make us wish winter could stay around a little longer!

At least 20% of Americans suffer from allergies that make even simple, day-to-day tasks a struggle.  Allergies are essentially an abnormal response from your immune system which trigger your body to fight the incoming allergen as if it were a virus!

But don’t worry, because after reading this helpful guide, you will be better prepared than ever to keep your allergies at bay and enjoy your spring to the fullest.

When your body is exposed to an allergen, either by swallowing it, breathing it in or getting it on your skin, your system goes through a process to deal with what it thinks is a serious problem.

The immune system creates special antibodies that attach to certain cells, called mast cells.  Once the allergens bind to the antibodies and mast cells, chemicals known as histamines are dumped into the blood. It is these histamines which cause the symptoms that we associate with an allergies.

Sneezing

Rashes

Watery, itchy eyes

Running or itching eyes

Rashes

Irritability

How can the foods you eat help with allergies?

While it is obvious to avoid foods that you are allergic to, did you know that certain foods can actually help you fight allergies?  For example, incorporating spices like turmeric and ginger into your cooking can decrease inflammation in the body, which helps with the sniffles and sinus pains that are caused by an allergic inflammation response in the sinus cavities.

Also, eat plenty of fruit!  In addition to being something you should be eating anyway, the vitamin C in citrus fruits acts as a natural antihistamine, which is the main function in allergy pills.

You know that saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well it is especially true if you suffer from allergies, because 5 apples a week appears to improve lung function which can help yoy handle any wheezing or breathing difficulties from allergic reactions.

Cleanliness is next to… Allergy relief!

People often think that allergies are just something to worry about when they are outside, but allergy triggers can lurk inside a dirty house as well! Regular housecleaning can help relieve your symptoms.

Vacuum at least once or twice a week, but make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter

Wear a mask when you clean, this keeps particles from being inhaled

It is also a good idea to leave your house for a few hours after you stir up that dust

Make sure you wash your sheets in hot water of at least 103 degrees

Be careful air-drying your laundry, pollen and mold can blow onto your clothes while they dry outside

Mold can also be a problem in the bathroom due to humidity levels, scrub the tiles in your bathroom regularly and throw your shower curtain into the washing machine on occasion

If cleaning makes your allergies act up too much, get your partner or a friend or family member to do your cleaning for you!

Pet Maintenance

Many people find that the biggest source of their allergies is their four-legged friends.  About 132 million cats and dogs live in American households, which leads to a lot of dander!

What causes allergic reactions to animals is actually coming in contact with the tiny proteins that are found in pet dander, saliva and urine.  These proteins are infamously “sticky” and tough to prevent and eliminate.

Keep your pet out of your bedroom!  Your bedding can become a tough-to-clean trap for allergens.

Shampooing your rugs, frequently changing out both people and pet bedding, and wipe down areas that pets rub against.

Still having trouble? It could be your carpets and upholstered furniture. You may have to cut back on these things (which might mean converting to hard-surface flooring) could mean the difference between suffering and satisfaction.

The Benefits of Controlling Your Allergies

Many of us, perhaps having forgotten over the course of the year how bad allergies make us feel, decide to simply “tough it out” for a while.  This is a terrible thing to do for your health!

Suffering from significant allergy symptoms can bring about some serious mood and emotion changes.  The term for this is allergic irritability syndrome, and the symptoms are exactly what you would expect.  Persistent allergy symptoms take their toll on your body and mind, which can lead to feelings very similar to depression or the flu.

So whether you have a case of the “blues” or the “sniffles,” you owe it to yourself to take action and fight back against allergies!  Your body and mind will thank you for it.

What if These Steps Don’t Cure Your Allergies?

Most people will find significant relief from their allergies by eating the right things, keeping a clean house and taking precautions to avoid exposure to high pollen levels.  And, of course, those with the most sensitive allergies may find that they have discomfort no matter what they do.

In many cases, in order to find a satisfying level of relief from allergies, natural supplements can be the secret weapon your body needs to start enjoying your life again.

Pure Encapsulations Quercetin:  In addition to being an effective antioxidant, studies have shown that quercetin is able to prevent the release of histamines. Because of this, quercetin supplements are considered a great natural substitute for allergy medications.

Metagenics Sinuplex:  Contains quercetin, but includes other ingredients as well to support healthy sinus, nasal, lung and respiratory function.

Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient:  When your body is fighting hard against allergies, it needs some extra nutrients and fuel, and this includes allergy-fighters like turmeric, ginger and vitamin C that were discussed in this article.

If you’ve been living with allergies, the tips and products discussed here could give you the much-needed relief you’ve been looking for.

We hope this slide show was helpful and informative. Should you have questions, or suggestions, please feel free to fill out our Ask the Doctor form found at the Doctors Corner.

Yours in health,

Dr. Gregg Gittins

www.oakwaynaturals.com