ALLERGIES?
First of all...MERRY CHRISTMAS..HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS 2009
Every year we celebrate at my parents in Mililani, as soon as I arrived I felt allergies coming on, within a half hour both of my nostrils were totally plugged and I could hardly breathe? Ughhh why now, why on Christmas?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander.
The immune system produces proteins known as IgE antibodies. These
antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick
or cause an infection. When you have allergies, your immune system
makes antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something
harmful, even though it isn't. This triggers the release of histamines
and other substances that cause allergy symptoms.
Allergies can cause symptoms that involve your skin, sinuses, airways
or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to
person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a
potentially life-threatening emergency. While allergies can't be cured,
a number of treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.
Some natural approaches to battling allergic reactions:
Neti Pots. What could be simpler than rinsing away
allergens with saltwater? Neti pots, small vessels shaped like
Aladdin’s lamp (see the Image Gallery), have been used in India for
thousands of years to flush the sinuses and keep them clear. It’s an
idea that takes some getting used to for most Westerners, but it’s a
bit like using nasal spray. A little douse of saltwater can rinse away
those prickly pollen grains and help treat allergies and other forms of
sinus congestion.
Just last year, an Italian study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
found that nasal flushing was a mild and effective way to treat
seasonal allergies in children, and markedly reduced their use of
antihistamines.
You could simply use your cupped hand instead of
a neti pot to rinse sinuses, but netis are inexpensive, and many people
find them much easier to use. To flush your sinuses, mix a quarter to a
half teaspoon of noniodized table salt into a cup of lukewarm water and
pour it into the pot. (You can adjust the amount of salt, depending on
what feels most comfortable.) Lean over a sink with your head slightly
cocked to one side, then put the spout of the neti into one nostril and
allow the water to drain out the other nostril. Use about half of the
solution, then repeat on the other side, tilting your head the opposite
way. Gently blow out each nostril to clear them completely. Neti pots
are widely available online and at natural food stores. Use your pot
about twice a day during allergy season, especially in the morning and
after spending time outdoors. You also can use a neti pot before bed to
prevent snoring caused by allergies and promote optimal overnight
breathing.
Quercetin. A natural plant-derived
compound called a bioflavonoid, quercetin helps stabilize mast cells
and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a natural
antioxidant that helps mop up molecules called free radicals that cause
cell damage, which can lead to cancer. Citrus fruits, onions, apples,
parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine are naturally high
in quercetin, but allergy sufferers will most likely need to use
supplements to build up enough of this compound to prevent attacks. The
recommended dosage is about 1,000 milligrams a day, taken between
meals. It’s best to start treatment six weeks before allergy season.
Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so please consult
your doctor before using this or any other supplement — especially if
you are pregnant or nursing.
Allergy Fighting Foods. A German study, published in the journal Allergy,
found that participants who ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were
less likely to suffer allergy symptoms than those who didn’t regularly
eat these foods. Omega-3s help fight inflammation and can be found in
cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, as well as grass-fed meat
and eggs.
To help keep
airways clear when pollen counts are high, add a dash of horseradish,
chili peppers or hot mustard to your food — all act as natural,
temporary decongestants. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods that
you’re slightly allergic to until the air clears. Fighting off
allergies can render the body hypersensitive to those foods, causing
more severe reactions than usual.
Stinging Nettle. If you decide you need an antihistamine but want a natural option, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
behaves in much the same way as many of the drugs sold to treat
allergies, but without the unwanted side effects of dry mouth and
drowsiness. Nettle actually inhibits the body’s ability to produce
histamine. It’s a common weed in many parts of the United States, but
the most practical medicinal form is a freeze-dried extract of the
leaves sold in capsules. Studies have shown that taking about 300
milligrams daily will offer relief for most people, although the
effects may last only a few hours. You also can make your own tinctures
or teas with stinging nettle.
Getting allergies comes down to the main reason: a weak immune system. Find ways to build up your immunity and in the long run you will have less allergic reactions!
Merry Christmas anenjoy, but dont overload your body too much, be well!!
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