Allergies are an overreaction by the body's immune system to substances that it determines to be foreign. These substances are called allergens and can include pollen, foods, fragrances, dust or pet hair. When the body misidentifies a substance as harmful, it responds by producing histamines that create inflammation in the body. Symptoms may include anything from watery eyes and runny nose to hives or gastrointestinal disorders. Treating allergies begins with identifying allergy triggers and avoiding exposure to those allergens. While many sufferers control symptoms with medication, implementing natural solutions to build the immune system and restore balance in the body can be effective, as well. (ref. 1 also www.health.am/allergies/more/causes_of_allergies/)
Avoiding Allergens
External factors that cause allergies include natural environmental substances such as flowers and grasses, pollen, mold, pet hair and dust mites. If your trigger is pet hair or dust mites, make sure your bedding and pillows are made of hypoallergenic material. Also remove or minimize rugs and carpets, vacuum and dust frequently, bathe pets regularly and keep them off the beds.
The most common food allergens are animal fat, milk, eggs, wheat, chocolate and coffee. Be aware of which foods trigger your allergy symptoms and try to avoid them as much as possible.
In addition, avoid food additives and environmental chemicals found in household cleaning and personal care products which can cause allergic reactions.
Proper Hydration
Histamine plays a primary role in water regulation and drought management of the body. According to Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, author of "Water for Health, for Healing, for Life," chronic dehydration is the primary cause of allergies in the human body. He suggests increasing water intake and developing a daily habit of drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water.
Anti-inflammatory Foods
Eat an abundance of colorful fruits and vegetables. These are the foods that enhance the immune system and can help reduce allergic reactions. Lifedynamix.com says they are also the foods highest in antioxidants and will reduce histamine production and inflammation.
Nutritional Supplements
The orthomolecular approach is a natural allergy solution that focuses on using nutritional supplements to restore metabolic balance. A few of the most effective nutritional supplements for allergies include vitamin C, quercetin, green tea extract, bromelain, magnesium, turmeric and probiotics, according to Lifedynamix.com.
Herbal Supplements
Herbs are powerful natural medicines that can be added to any allergy treatment program. A few of the most effective herbs for relieving allergy symptoms include butterbur, stinging nettle, capsicum, astragalus, garlic, licorice root, burdock, goldenseal and mullein. Always check with your doctor before adding herbs to a treatment program.
Energy Medicine
A wide array of natural treatments for allergies falls under the umbrella of energy medicine. These techniques work with the energetic field of the body, as well as the mental and emotional aspects. Some of the most common of these alternative treatments for allergies include acupuncture, acupressure, emotional releasing technique, hypnosis, yoga, qigong and reiki.
References
- Becomenatural.com: Natural Remedies for Allergies
- Lifedynamix.com: Allergies and Asthma
- Water for Health, for Healing, for Life, F. Batmanghelidj, M.D., 2003
