Spring Into Action on those Bloom’n Seasonal Allergies

This is my first year in Arizona and I am very much enjoying the warm winter. I have to admit that I am out of sorts trying to keep up with the climate changes in relationship to our health. For instance, this time of year I would be shoveling snow and writing articles on how to ward off the flu or colds. Here it is March, and the endless sneezes from my husband, alerts me we have leaped into Spring with out so much as a flitter of snow!
I am grateful that I have not been one to suffer the perils of seasonal allergies. I had an allergy test once and the doctor could not believe that I had never been treated, or showed symptoms of seasonal allergies. I was allergic, according to the test, to all pollens, molds, dust, trees and grass. ‘Never?’ he said, ‘No, Never!’ I said. I take every day probiotics to continuously reinnoculate my immune system, I eat an abundance of fruit and vegetables and I get adequate sleep and joy in my life. From the research I have done, and the numerous clients I have coached, there is definitely something to what I am doing!

The flowers are blooming and my husband’s raw nose is as colorful as the blanket of Chuparosa cloaking the desert slopes of Superstition Mountains. Spring is a couple of months earlier than I am used to, and is amongst us here in the valley, evident by the bare shelves for over-the-counter relief and tissues.

An allergen is a substance that the body detects to be foreign and attacks it thus causing an allergic response. Typical allergic reactions people have to dust pollen and other substances is the body’s way of fending off the intrusions of toxins that disrupts the body’s equilibrium. The immune system releases specific antibodies to deactivate the foreign invader setting in motion a complex serious of biochemical events. These types of allergic reactions are typically IgE immunoglobulin or antibody proteins involved in the immune system’s response, triggering the mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals. Environmental allergies are caused by the pollen of trees, weeds, grass and flowers. Yes this is a rite of passage of Spring; yet what matters is how well our system is equipped to handle the adverse reactions of seasonal allergies:

Inflamed, blood shot, , scratchy watery, tearing, burning, itching eyes

Sneezing, runny, stuffed nose

Itching nose, mouth, throat, skin

Puffy face, flushed cheeks,swelling

Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing

Hives, skin rashes

Vomiting, diarrhea, headache

Our bodies are invaded every day by foreign substances through the skin, nasal membranes throat and eyes. Sometimes we are aware, by physically reacting to, or if our body is working optimally, our white blood cells-neutraphils will take care of the foreign invader without us knowing or reacting to.

Seasonal allergies account for nearly 16.7 million office visits to healthcare professionals each year. The underlying factor to environmental allergies is dietary and lifestyle factors. A poor diet and lifestyle causes buildup of toxins that burden our immune system. So what, you say? Well, if our immune system is constantly under attack, and our liver is not detoxifying properly, any foreign invader, however small, is too much for the body to handle and leads to the further breakdown leaving one vulnerable to a negative body response.

Here is what can you do to help you through the bloom’s of Spring.

1. A good quality multi/mineral complex is key. An allergy response requires all parts of the body to work syngerstically to get the foreign invader under control. In order for that to happen, the body requires sufficient nutrients to allow for these actions to occur. The mineral magnesium for instance, is utilized by every cell in the body and 350 enzymatic processes depend on magnesium status for activation. As magnesium levels decline, the incidence of allergies goes up. Magnesium directly depresses smooth muscle activity, which may help relieve the broncho constriction seen in asthma (Langsjoen P et al 1994; Hijazi N et al 2000).

2. Probiotics, such as acidophilus and bifidus strengthen your body’s own supply of friendly flora. Researchers in Britain reported consumption of a daily probiotic drink can alter the immune system response to common allergies. The study involved using subjects with an allergy to grass pollen. Half were given a probiotic drink, the other a placebo. The study revealed that those with the allergy, who received the probiotic drink, had lower levels IgE and had higher levels of the protective antibody IgG which plays a protective role against allergic reactions.

3. A diet high in fruits and vegetables increases antioxidants such as vitamin K,E,A,D, C, Coenzyme Q10, flavonoids and catechins which may increase the function of many immune cells, including T-Cells that destroy invading antigens and can protect the cells from damage. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that can help relieve allergy symptoms.

4. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA that are natural anti-inflammatory that reduce the production of cytokins which are involved in the allergic response. Research shows that DHEA levels have an impact on immune-cell function (Bauer ME 2005; Tabata N et al 1997; Kos-Kudla B et al 2001).

5. To flush toxins out, drink good quality water such as reverse osmosis, or spring water. Water helps to protect and hydrate sensitive membranes and flush out irritants quickly. You should consume at least 8-10 8 oz glasses of water daily.

6. Detox! Spring is the perfect time for a good cleanse. Detoxification is a fantastic way to get those winter toxins out, and allows the body to heal and restore. A gentle detoxification is as easy as omitting refined foods, processed, packaged fried foods, caffeine, coffee, soadas and increasing fresh organic fruits and vegetables, juicing fresh fruits and vegetables, taking fresh ground flaxseeds with water first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. Consume good quality water with the juice of half a lemon to kick start your liver first thing in the morning and detoxify the blood. For a more involved detoxification, please consult a quaified healthcare professional versed in detoxification protocols.

7. Stinging Nettle is an herb used for the sneezing, itching, and swelling associated with allergies. The plant contains quercetin, a substance that has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine. In one study of allergy sufferers, more than half of those who took Stinging Nnettle reported that the herb was at least moderately effective in reducing allergy symptoms compared with a placebo. Stinging Nettle, along with other herbs such as Ginkgo Biloba, Licorice, Chinese Skul cap, and feverfew are effective and are considered to be very safe.

Whenever possible, the environment should be kept free of potential allergens. You may not be able to control external allergens, but you do have control over allergens in your home. Here are ten tips to help you control allergens in and around your home:

1. Allergy-proof and mite-proof covers should be used on all pillows, mattresses, and box springs in the sleeping area, and all bedding should be washed weekly in very hot (135°F) water. Change feather pillows, woolen blankets and clothing to cotton or synthetic materials.

2. Removal of carpet and other dust collectors in your home, especially in the sleeping area may help cut down exposure to insect droppings and tiny pieces of insects. Vacuum floors regularly with a HEPA (high efficiency particle air) vacuum. HEPA vacuums suck up smaller particles than do traditional vacuum cleaners, leaving you with fewer allergens left behind.

3. Avoid conventional house hold cleaners. They are full of chemicals that can induce an allergic response and asthma attacks. The chemicals can linger for days polluting your indoor air quality. Switch to natural, non toxic cleaners, laundry detergents and dishwashing soap for cleaner inside air.

4. Pets should be kept out of the sleeping area, and cats and dogs should be bathed frequently to reduce the amount of surface allergens on their bodies.

5. Shoes are for outside not inside! Remove your shoes at the door. Your shoes and boots walk over toxins, dirt, and debris everyday. You then carry those into your home. I think you get the point! Besides, when you walk around in your bare feet, your skin absorbs those toxins burdening your already over-worked immune system.

6. When you come home, take a quick shower to get excess pollution and pollen out of your hair and off your body. Put your clothes in a hamper with a lid, if it is not possible to wash your clothes right away.

7. Maintain home filtration systems. Change air filters regularly in heat pumps and air conditioners. Invest in HEPA air filters for your home, or at the very least have one in your bedroom. There are small HEPA filters for your work area as well. HEPA filters remove 99% of airborne allergens and irritants.

8. Clean and service air conditioning units and have al ducts professionally cleaned to remove pollen and other trapped allergens.

9. Stay indoors on windy days or when pollen counts are high, close windows, use air conditioning, and refraining from hanging clothes out to dry during the pollen season. For pollen and mold-spore counts in your area, The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, website has information on the different types of allergy and you can sign up for email alerts www.aaaai.org.

10. Hire someone to take care of your lawn and garden. If this is not possible, wear a pollen mask when mowing the grass and tending to your garden. Pollen counts are usually highest in late morning and early afternoon.

Taking these measures will help you enjoy Spring and all that blooms.

Karen Langston 1-877-215-6824 karen@iamworthit2.com