Spring Allergies
Happy Spring! I know it is hard to believe spring is actually here with all the snow around in Toronto, but with the longer day light hours and more sunshine we are slowly feeling it and our internal sense of rejuvenation will start to awaken. Spring is truly an exciting time of year, a time of rebirth and new beginnings. This spring is especially important for me since I am expecting my baby any day now!
As exciting as this time of year is for most of us, it can be quite irritating for some prone to seasonal allergies. The immune system becomes hyper-reactive and reacts to the environment. Most people with allergies find relief through the use of anti-histamines, and find that they have to use them regularly and often in order to find relief.
Factors leading to allergies include:
· Incomplete digestion due to deficiency of stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
· Lowered endocrine functions such as underactive thyroid and adrenal glands.
· Over worked immune function.
· Stressed Nervous system, due to lack of enough sleep and relaxation.
· Exposure to environmental pollutants particularly household products such as air-fresheners, chemicals, lack of proper air circulation and ventilation in the house.
· Nutritional deficiencies; these can be tested through hair mineral analysis, blood work, and urine tests.
Here are a few tips for natural and safe allergy relief:
· Homeopathic medicine such as Sabadilla for acute attacks of allergies involving tremendous paroxysms of sneezing, constant itching and tingling inside the nose, watery discharge from the nose, watery, irritated eyes. The more specific the remedy is to the symptoms it will be more effective.
· Essential fatty acids from organic and pure sources, are important in regulating the immune system and suppress the formation of inflammatory chemicals in our body.
· Take extra daily doses of vitamin C, it helps relieve allergic symptoms and prevents local inflammatory reactions, and provides antihistamine-like effect.
Quercetin and bromelain are also very effective in their antihistamine-like effect when used preventatively.
· Take a good quality multivitamin daily, choose powder, liquid or capsule for easier absorption.
· Take a greens supplement daily, these are full of naturally occurring essential nutrients, however beware of sensitivities to wheat, as most of these products contain wheat grass juice.
· Drink plenty of water from a pure source.
· Be aware of food sensitivities and try to avoid the food you feel is causing discomfort.
· Get tested for food sensitivities, these are different from food allergies.
Think about a proper detoxification program to cleanse your body, this is the perfect time!
Wishing you a wonderful and allergy free spring!