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MORE NATURAL APPROACH TO ALLERGIESÓ
This
hot dry summer has been tough on a lot of my clients dealing with allergies.
The heat and dryness relieves those suffering with mold allergies but with no
rain the particulate matter in the air is very high, leaving many allergy
sufferers inside in the air conditioning.
The pharmaceutical
companies have come up with several new drugs that seem to be helping those who
suffer with more severe allergies but just as with all medications the body
will adapt and the medication will become less than effective over time. If you
suffer from severe allergies you may also be dealing with some hidden allergies
to foods or chemicals. So, before we get started talking about natural remedies
that help relieve allergic symptoms, I want to stress the importance of removing
any unnecessary perfumes, dyes, or chemicals from your home, and either with
the use of a food journal or professional testing uncover any dietary
allergies.
Food
allergies can be difficult to detect at first. The experts suggest this simple
test to determine food allergy. Take your pulse after resting in a chair for
ten minutes. Your pulse should be between 60-80 beats per minute. Consume only
the food that you are testing for an allergic reaction. Wait fifteen to twenty
minutes and take your pulse again. If your pulse rate increased more than ten
beats per minute, omit this food from your diet for one month, and then retest.
During that monthÕs time, note in a journal how you feel without that food.
After one month of being without a particular food, if you are still suffering
from allergic reaction to that particular food, you will know, as you will not
feel very well. The more severe the reaction to the food, the more relief you
will have by avoiding it and, the worse you will feel when you retest.
Mold
allergies, allergies to grasses and weeds are certainly harder to control. Chemical
exposures can severely increase sensitivity to molds, grasses and weeds. Use an
air purifier and keep the air conditioner and furnace filters clean. Keep the
basement clean, use a dehumidifier during the warm weather and donÕt store
paper or other natural materials in the basement that may grow molds.
When
using natural remedies to control allergy symptoms start in advance of the
allergy (or your allergy) season. Even if you are not allergic to dairy avoid
it during the time of your worst attacks.
Here
are some favorite allergy remedies I have used and recommended.
Fenugreek tea acts like an antihistamine
and reduces mucous formation. Fenugreek will not cause drowsiness like over the
counter antihistamines.
Quercitin a member of the vitamin C
family also has natural antihistamine properties. Quercitin is many times
coupled with vitamin C or enzymes such as bromelin that work to reduce
inflammation.
Other
herbs good for
allergy are dandelion, burdock and goldenseal. If you are particularly
sensitive to ragweed, choose dandelion or burdock. Goldenseal is a member the ragweed
family.
Homeopathic
remedies
available in health food stores are very useful for allergic symptoms. These
remedies should be used for symptoms and not taken on a continuous basis.
Over-the-counter
allergy medications taken on a long-term basis can deplete stores of B-vitamins
and minerals. Natural remedies work with the body and if taken appropriately do
not upset its delicate balance. Till next time, Rebecca.