Guest column: Allergy relief the natural way

Does it fell like this year's seasonal allergies are pretty intense?  The itchy and red eyes, sore throat and  endless sneezing can leave a person feeling exhausted.

The pollen from the  juniper, cedar and ash trees are in the air, and for some, that pollen is why they are taking over the counter allergy medicine and buying boxes of Kleenex.  But, there is hope for allergy sufferers.  Would you believe that one of the ways of treating seasonal allergies is to treat the digestive system? Avoiding certain foods and drinks which can make the allergies worse is something that can be done to prevent allergies.

What is this connection between allergies and the digestive system? If the digestive system is functioning at its optimum and the correct foods and drinks are consumed that are organic and full of life, then the lining of the digestive system is going to be strong.

On the other hand, if food and drinks are consumed that are artificial, processed, full of sugar and chemicals, then the lining of the digestive system is going to become angry, red and inflamed.  Digestion will not be at its optimum and the body is then already behind the eight ball.  Add to this picture the extra pollen in the spring air, and it becomes too much for the body to handle.

The immune system has an exaggerated response to the pollen in the air and now more inflammation is happening in the body. But, if the diet gets cleaned up, then the allergies will be less severe and may even be non-existent.  Cleaning up the diet will always lead one to better health.

Food as Medicine: foods and drinks that help prevent allergies

1.  Drink Water.  Filtered water is best to drink and if liquid  trace minerals are added to it, then the water is that much better.  Each cell of the body is made up of 75 percent water.  The body itself is made up of 75 percent water as is the earth.  Life begins in water and water helps life continue.  Drinking water helps to flush the body and aid it in removing any toxins that the body is exposed as well as makes on its own everyday.  How much water should you drink?  Take your body weight, divide that number in half, and this number is how many ounces of water you need to drink everyday. For example, someone who weighs 160 pounds, needs to drink 160 divided by 2 = 80 ounces of water per day.  A liter or quart is 32 ounces.  People who don't drink enough water are more likely to have joint pain, headaches, sinus congestion, constipation and dry skin and lips.

2.  Green Tea. Green tea is full of compounds that help protect the body from any damaging toxins.  It contains a compound called EGCG which acts as an anti-inflammatory. Drinking 2-3 cups per day is ideal for preventing allergies and for improved health.

3. Hot peppers, onions and dill weed contain high levels of a compound called quercetin. Quercetin acts as an anti-histamine stopping the sneezing and watery  nose. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which is an anti-inflammatory.

 There are beneficial foods to include in the diet to prevent and treat allergies and there are also foods to avoid. Avoid eating any wheat and dairy and any fermented foods which contain histamine.  Wheat and dairy products are foods that many people are sensitive to or may even have an allergy to the food but they do not know it until they stop eating it and see the improvement  in their health. There are several foods that when eaten can make allergies worse and they are: wheat, dairy, fermented foods like vinegar and pickles, eggs, corn, peanuts, oranges, sugar and soy. To prevent allergies, It is best to eat vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet and buckwheat. 

Washing the Nose

When the air is dry and dusty, it is breathed in and this dust and any pollen in the air will end up in the lining of the nose.  This leads to the sinuses becoming swollen, red and painful.  The hands get washed when they are dirty and so can the nose  by using a Neti Pot or doing a nasal rinse with a squeeze bottle.  Using filtered, warm water and sea salt (1/8 teaspoon of salt per cup of water) which is then poured into one nostril and then with the head tilted to the side, runs out of the other nostril.  The sinuses are connected so the water can flow between them and washing clear of any dust or pollens  stuck to the lining of the nose and the sinuses.  This nose washing can be done daily.

Supplements

There are several supplements and one very important herb that help the body to not be inflamed and to turn down the allergy response.  

1.  Taking a probiotic which contains beneficial bacteria for the digestive system helps to keep the digestive strong so allergies are not intense.  2.  Fish oil helps the body to not be inflamed and helps every cell in the body.  It is available in a softgel form or liquid.3. The herb, stinging nettle or its Latin name, Urtica dioica, works wonders for allergy symptoms. The dried herb can be made into a tea.  It has a pleasant, mild, sweet taste that children will enjoy as well.

Chiropractic Medicine

Getting regular adjustments and keeping the spine at its proper alignment is beneficial to prevent allergies.

Massage

Massages do more than relax the muscles of the body.  Massages aid the body to remove toxins which will lead to less inflammation.  The benefits of feeling relaxed after a massage supports the body in its healing process.

Allergy relief and prevention is something that can be attained. It starts by what you choose to put on your plate and in your cup. For more information about how to treat allergies naturally, attend a free talk by Dr. Landino on Wednesday March 25th from 6:30-7:30 pm a Dahl Chiropractic: 2717 N. 4th St, Flagstaff 86004. 928-774-1463.

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