Allergy symptoms commonly resemble a cold: runny nose,mucous discharge,hives or rashs,fatigue,red
and irritated eyes,headache,asthma,and sometimes,digestive disorders,insomnia,depression,and constipation. Allergies can also(and
often do),lead to more severe problems,such as ear-infections,hearing loss,sore throats,tonsillitis,bronchitis,sinutitis,and
even pneumonia. Although allergy symptoms often mimic those of the common cold,they can drag on for days,weeks,or even
months.Some people have allergy symptoms for the majority of the year.
Traditional Practioners and/or Naturopaths believe that allergic reactions often stem from the inability of the Liver to
neutralize certain substances that build up within the body and eventually trigger an immune reaction.A substance that the
immune system recognizes as foreign to the body is often referred to as an ANTIGEN.As these antigens accumlate within
the body-in places such as the LYMPH,INTESTINAL TRACT,LIVER,AND SPLEEN-the immune system is constantly over-working
to rid them from the system.Thus,a person with allergies,may suffer increasingly with allergic symptoms.In addition,many HOLISITIC
Healers believe that there is a definite "PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPONENT" to allergies,including feelings of Isolation,Seperation,(and/or)
Arrogance,and just general TOXIC THINKING. People of ALL AGES AND SEXES get allergies.Some 50 million people
in the U.S. suffer from SEASONAL ALLERGIES,and experts estimate that absenteeism and lost productivity due to allergies
cost the U.S. up to $4.6 billion annually.
Cold-like symptoms are not the only problem with allergies.Many sufferers
complain that they have difficulty thinking when their allergies are in "full-bloom".
No wonder billions of dollars are spent each year on over-the-counter and Prescription drugs,in an attempt to obtain relief.Unfortunately,"Conventional"
or "Allopathic" medicine can only offer temporary solutions,and often have severe drawbacks.While that may not sound especially
harmful,a recent study reported in the "ANNUALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE",found that people who took popular ANTIHISTAMINES,were
MORE IMPAIRED than those given ALCOHOL before the test.In addition,many DR. Precribed drugs,cause DAMAGE
to the already over-burdened Liver,Kidneys,and Intestinal Tract, that are trying to clear out the system.
Allergies are best Tamed by treating the SOURCE,rather than trying to SUPPRESS SYMPTOMS.Many allergy
sufferers find that by STRENGTHENING THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEMS,with Vitamins,Minerals,and Herbs,they are less vulnerable
to allergies.A Good Diet,Moderate Exercise,and Adequate Amounts of Sleep are ESSENTIAL to a HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM,as are
finding Healthy Ways to DEAL WITH STRESS.Stress CAN and WILL Compromise your immune system over a period of time.
So,what can you do? Well the FIRST thing that you need to do is start eating lots of fresh vegatables and fruit.Try
to find Natural,Organic fruits and vegies.Many people have moderate to severe reactions to the TOXINS and PESTICIDES
that are sprayed on fruits and vegies.Even if you wash your fruit and vegetables before eating(which you Should),not all of
the sprays can be washed off,a certain amount absorbs into the fruit or vegetable.More and more people are developing allergies
because of the TOXIC STATE OF OUR FOOD SOURCE AND ENVIRONMENT.
Follow a rotation diet,that will help you identify
substances that may be causing allergic reactions.
If you are going to eat meat,make it a low-fat meat,such as chicken,turkey,fish,tuna.
Beans
of all kinds are an excellant source of protein,and MUCH better for you than meats.
Many meats have added "GROWTH STIMULATORS"
AND "ANTIBIOTICS".THEY FEED THOSE THINGS TO THE ANIMALS, TO "UP" THEIR PRODUCTION OF THEIR PRODUCT.A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF THOSE
ADDITIVES REMAIN IN THE MEAT.
IF you are having a severe allergic reaction,Fast on vegetable juices,(Organic), until the acute phase is over.
Also
try soaking in a warm bath with Vit.C bath salts(or powdered Vit.C),or Pine Needles or Oil,or Eucalyptus Oil,or a combo of
one or more of these,for a period of 20 min. or more.This will greatly help reduce allergic break-outs.
People that are highly allergic or have Asthma,have lower levels than the Norm,of VIT.C,CALCIUM,and MAGNESIUM.ALSO,Reduced
levels of "SELENIUM" have been found in Asthmatics.
Vit.C is very important to the health of the Lungs,as it is
a major antioxidant present in the lining of the airway surfaces.Asthmatics,in particular,have a higher need for Vit.C.
You
need to be taking atleast 2,000 mg. per day of Vit. C for allergy problems(to start out with),as well as to combat
the effects of stress.(I strongly recommend that you find a NATURAL-BASED VIT.on any vitamins that you take.These are not
readily available in most grocery or pharmacy stores.You will probably have to get them at a "NATURAL HEALTH FOOD STORE".)If
your body is not used to Vit.C,you will get diarreha.If this happens,simply cut back to a lower dosage,and slowly build up
to the 2,000 mg. over a period of time.You should be shooting for a Maximum dose of Atleast 4,000 to 6,000 mg. of Vit.C a
day,particularly during those seasons when your allergies or asthma bothers you the most.BUT,again, you will have to slowly
build up to that level.
Calcium and Magnesium relax smooth muscle,as well as strengthen bones,lung function,and promote restful sleep.It
is a MUST for those people who live very active and stressful lifestyles.
It takes a period of 6 weeks to achieve
significant levels in your tissues of Magnesium.
The proper levels of these two Minerals that need to be achieved is:Calcium;2,000
mg. per day;Magnesium;600 to 800 mg. per day.
A Vit.D supplement also needs to be added to the Calcium to help you
body properly matobolize it.The level of Vit.D to take should be atleast 400 to 800 mg per day.
If you are an asthmatic,also take Selenium,atleast 400 to 600 mcg. a day.
Vit.B has also been proven to
be helpful in asthmatic conditions and for HAY Fever sufferers.It is also essential for combating the effects of stress.Get
a good B-COMPLEX,and take atleast 400 to 800 mg. a day.
Although not as well known as Vit.C,the group of substances called "BIOFLAVONOIDS" are a potent weapon when it comes
to allergies.They increase Vit C's effectiveness,and atleast one of them,"QUERCETIN",ALSO LOWERS RELEASE OF HISTAMINES
BY AS MUCH AS 90%.
Quiercetin is found in Onions,Garlic,the White Pulp under Citrus Fruits,and in the Spice,Tumeric.So,start eating lots of
these foods and/or spices.
"BROMELAIN",an ENZYME found in Fresh Pinapple,offers a number of health benefits,most important for allergy sufferers,is
it's ability to reduce inflammation and swelling.
You can eighter start eating and drinking alot of Pineapple,or buy the
supplement BROMELAIN,at your local health food store.
If taking the supplement,take 1,000 mg.,3 times per day.If
taking the supplement,DO NOT TAKE FOR MORE THAN 10 DAYS CONTINUOSLY.BREAK FOR A PERIOD OF 7 TO 10 DAYS,AND THEN RESUME
AGAIN.
"LICORICE" is a widely known and prescribed Herb amoung Naturopaths and Herbalists.It has been used since ancient
times,the world over.
The prefered form of Licorice is known as "DEGLYCYRRHIZINATED"or"DGL".This is Not the type
of Licorice found in the candy.It is available as a tea,tincture,or in pill form.
Licorice has been shown to be a powerful
fighter in the war on allergies and asthma,as well as great for stomach problems,and a good over-all immune booster.
If
taking the pill form,get pills that are atleast 400 mg.each,and take 3 to 6 a day.If taking the tea form,drink atleast 4 to
6 cups daily.Follow the directions on the bottle,for the tincture form.If you have HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE,LIVER,OR KIDNEY
PROBLEMS,DO NOT USE LICORICE.
The inflammation -fighting Herb known as "STINGING NETTLE"(Urtica Dioica) has been used since ancient times to treat
everything from urinary tract infections,to liver, kidney,or bladder problems,to asthma,to fatigue. Nettle is an excellant
over-all immune booster as well.
In studies in Germany,Stinging Nettle was found to be better at relieving seasonal allergies
than most over -the -counter antihistamines,and did not have the draw-back of drowsiness.
BUT,as with Magnesium and Calcium,it
takes a period of 4 to 6 weeks to achieve the required level in the blood stream to be of benefit.
Start with 250 mg. a day,and gradually increase your level to 500 mg. a day,2 to 3 times a day.As with Vit.C,you may
get diarreha from Stinging Nettle,at first.If this happens,simply cut back the dose,and very gradually increase the dosage,until
you are at your Max. level.
Whatever you do,don't resign yourself to having to live with the discomfort of allergies.
There
is a wealth of remedies available;these mentioned,are just a few.There are many more out there.
Remember,what works for
one person,may not work for you,so keep experimenting until you find what does work.
YOU are Responsible for YOUR Health.
Be a PARTICIPANT,NOT A SPECTATOR.
Please scan below for more important info on supporting your Immune System.