It’s the itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, congestion season. Spring is now upon us and with it pollen, grass, and trees put irritants into the air that have many miserable this time a year. While an immune reaction to a foreign invader, such as a fever to kill a virus, is a sign of a healthy immune system, when you have a strong reaction to a whiff of grass or flower pollen your immune system is overreacting.
Symptoms range from itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, runny nose, sinus congestion, asthma, post-nasal drip, headaches, foggy thinking, fatigue and even diarrhea.
Depending on who you are, these symptoms can be from mild to severe.
So, what can you do?
There are two general routes to diminish seasonal allergies. One is to keep the histamine response to manageable levels, and the second is to encourage the functioning of the liver, which is the primary organ that filters histamine out of our bodies.
You may be tempted to take an over-the-counter antihistamine, decongestant or other drug to get rid of allergy symptoms, but there are other more healthy options that will address not only the symptoms but also the underlying cause. Your payoff: a stronger, more balanced immune system.
There are several natural remedies that help with these symptoms and with no side effects and none of that “drugged up” feeling. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs are immune enhancers and will not weaken the body’s defenses in the long term.
Nutritional supplements will work in different ways to provide you with allergy relief. Some nutrients and herbs strengthen the adrenals so your body can better fend off attack by allergens. Other nutrients and herbs work as natural antihistamines and natural decongestants to keep breathing passages clear. Still other herbs and dietary supplements relieve the inflammation that often accompanies allergies.
Your options don’t end with vitamins. Natural medicine practitioners offer a broad range of solutions for seasonal or year-round allergies including homeopathic and herbal remedies.
We can guide you in these choices. Everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for you.
Common supplements we use for allergies:
Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids, Vitamins A & E, and Zinc, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Quercitin, Stinging Nettle, Probiotics, Magnesium, Antronex, Enzymes, especially Bromelain, Garlic, Euphrasia, Licorice Root, Alibizia and Horsetail.
There is an exhaustive list of supplements that can boost the body’s immune system to help you navigate allergy season feeling great. We find that using a neti pot helps many people with allergies by cleaning out the sinus passages. Just like you need to change or clean your filters, your sinuses and liver are filters of the body. A neti pot helps to rinse out the accumulated pollen in your sinuses.
Our personalized programs help to determine which allergy supplements would work best for you. Depending on your needs and preferences, we may find you need additional solutions:
1. Liver detoxification – this process usually involves diet, supplements, and other natural treatments to cleanse the liver from the effects of unhealthy foods, alcohol, and environmental toxins. 2. Balancing your gut flora. 3. Spinal adjustments from a Chiropractor can also help to relieve allergy symptoms. 4 Stress management techniques can help to boost your immune system generally, balancing your hormones and leaving your body better able to withstand allergenic onslaughts
What can you do to help decrease allergens in your environment? You can cleanse your environment of allergens by: Removing dust from common collectors such as rugs, drapes, and upholstered furniture, purchasing HEPA air filters for your rooms, or a whole-house filtration system, avoiding perfumes and fragrance products, especially those with synthetic ingredients and having your home tested for mold.
Not sure where to begin but want to take a natural approach to your allergies? We can help! For more information contact our office at 770-425-6068 or email us at balancedbodywellnesscentre@yahoo.com
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