The dead of winter slowly thaws into spring and millions of allergy sufferers begin their annual trek to doctors, pharmacists and drug stores for pills and other remedies in hopes of finding relief. For some, allergy relief is needed twelve months of the year as the quest for something that works never ends. This is the plight for up to 50 million Americans each year.
Allergy symptoms may include a runny nose, itchy watery eyes, coughing and sneezing to name a few but can also make breathing difficult with extreme congestion. Allergies can also make you drowsy and lethargic. It lowers your immune system as you find it difficult to sleep and get proper rest. This is caused by your immune system overreacting and producing an over abundance of histamines and other substances being released into the body.
Many prescribed and over the counter remedies are taken daily by multitudes of those affected. Some of these methods attempt to work after the fact and many times only mask the symptoms for a few hours resulting in taking more medication until your particular allergen goes into dormancy or you're able to avoid it.
Others work together with your immune system to prevent the allergies before they start. These more natural treatments work to hold back allergic reactions while reducing the symptoms. These methods may not work immediately and take time to build up your immune system.
Those who go to an allergy specialist will probably be told to do one of three things or all: Medication, avoidance or some kind of immunotherapy. Avoidance can be difficult if not impossible since many times you're allergic to what's in the air you breathe. Medication can be a never ending ritual and quite expensive. Immunotherapy means the treatment of allergies with various antigen preparations.
Some allergists recommend strengthening the body by using nutritional supplements to enhance the body's immune system. These treatments are said to be natural antihistamines and decongestants that work in concert with your body to fight the antigens and keep your breathing passages clear. This is also called the orthomolecular approach that focuses on natural and nutritional supplements to give the body the strength it requires to correct imbalances that comprise your immune system.
Herbs that some recommend for allergy relief include butterbur, freeze dried nettles and goldenseal. Ginger root and rosemary are said to be anti-inflammatory and will strengthen both the immune and nervous systems. Also known to be effective are red wine, grape seed and vitamin C.
Diet affects our entire system and when our system is in good health it can more easily fight off allergens. Fruits are vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Fish, almonds, walnuts and flax seeds may help lessen respiratory problems by reducing inflammation. Spicy foods can increase blood flow and the blood is then able to deliver more oxygen to the nasal passages. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep the body hydrated.
Some of these remedies are not recommended for people who have high blood pressure or other disorders. Check with your doctor first before beginning any new regimen. Allergies are treatable and symptoms controllable.
Tiffany Washko is the editor of Nature Moms, http://www.naturemoms.com - and Goddess of the Garden, http://www.goddessofthegarden.com - a raw foods reform site for women that focuses on transitioning to health and happiness with the power of a raw foods diet.
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