Allergies

Allergies
By Cindy Holt, RN, LMT

Is your nose running and are you scaring the dog when you sneeze violently? You’re not alone! I did some research on this, and I found it’s not just about the pollen. Yes, the juniper pollen spikes about now where I live, but pollen of some kind or another is always around. According to one article I read, your diet may be the number one aggravating factor. Foods can increase or decrease allergy symptoms, even if you’re not exactly “allergic” to them. Some foods increase inflammation, others mitigate it. We all have foods we can’t digest properly, and you are probably not aware of most of them. Many people are sensitive to wheat and wheat gluten, even if you don’t have classic allergy symptoms like rash and itching. Next common are milk and dairy foods, and corn is a close third. To check to see if you have a problem with a particular food, eliminate it from your diet for 3 weeks. Then, introduce it back and eat it 3 or 4 times. If you develop symptoms like gas and bloating, indigestion, headache, fatigue after eating, or true allergic symptoms like a rash or increased runny nose, know that you need to eliminate that food from your diet.

Next, try honey- local Arizona honey made from the plant you think you are allergic to is best. Start with a taste and increase to a teaspoon a day gradually. You can also use bee pollen (from local bees) with similar results and less calories. Always ramp up the serving slowly! Foods like blueberries, and herbs like gingko biloba are also anti-inflammatory. I recommend antioxidant blends based on my personal experience with allergies over the years. I virtually eliminated all my chronic sinus problems and frequent bronchitis by taking antioxidants on a daily basis.

Stress can also trigger allergies because it dampens the immune system. Take an exercise class, do some yoga, get regular massage, or try meditation. Whatever works for you! Stress reduction is critical to solving many health issues.

The cleaning products you use to clean at home and in the office can also make allergies worse. I read a report back when I was doing nursing that the most hazardous profession is housecleaning, because of the harmful chemicals used by them. (I have a shocking video I can send you, as well as a CD you can listen to on this subject). Children are particularly vulnerable to chemicals used around them. Pregnant women must be extremely careful as the fetus doesn’t have brain protection as older children do, and are frequently damaged in the womb by what the mother is exposed to.

And, frequent use of antibiotics also harms the immune system and can make you more susceptible to allergens. If you must take an antibiotic, take probiotics afterwards to balance the good and bad bacteria in your colon.

Last but not least, eliminate the use of “fragrances” from your home, car, office, and personal care products. They are usually made from petrochemicals, and are linked to many problems, including allergies but even worse, cancer.