I have been having peeks at allergy symptoms over the last few weeks, and I’ve heard a lot of the same from even those who don’t usually deal with seasonal allergies. Below is some information and research that i pray will support you in your allergy wellness journey.
The first thing to investigate is the possibility of hidden food allergies, which can make inhalant allergies worse. Some patients have real problems with hay fever until they eliminate milk and cheese products from their diet. Dairy products are common sources of hidden food allergies.
This initially worked for me after I first eliminated these two items from my diet. I believe there are several factors that are contributing to the return of some allergy symptoms: age (changing sensitivities), environmental pollution, and reduced water intake/increased sugar intake.
Taking the following supplements may support combating allergies:
Vitamin C is, among other things, a natural antihistamine, and some allergic people seem to have a greater need for it than others. To see the best results, it needs to be taken in relatively large doses during the allergy season.
Bioflavonoids, closely related to vitamin C, have been found to have anti-allergy effects. Bioflavonoids are most easily procured from the pulp, rind, and juice of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. A simple way to consume them is to cut orange and/or lemon peels into strips and cook them with some honey until they’re soft. Eat one or two teaspoons daily. You can also get bioflavonoids at a health food store or buy vitamin C tablets that contain bioflavonoids.
Pantothenic acid, one of the B vitamins, is especially important in eliminating the symptoms of hay fever. Some people find that a dose of pantothenic acid will clear their stuffy nose within a half-hour. It doesn’t work for everyone, but for those who report success it seems like a miracle. I suggest you take pantothenic acid daily, along with vitamin B complex.
Evening primrose oil is another natural substance that has just recently gotten attention for its powerful anti-inflammatory action that has proven helpful in fighting bronchial congestion. I suggest that patients take evening primrose oil three times daily.
There have been some studies done to support that saicylates (chemicals found naturally in plants and are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They are also found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as many common health and beauty products *1) prevent the body from naturally fighting hay fever.
| Foods That Contain Salicylates | Products That May Contain Salicylates | Salicylate-Containing Ingredients |
| Fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi fruit, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and prunes Vegetables such as alfalfa, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, broad Some cheeses Herbs, spices, and condiments such as dry spices and powders, tomato pastes and Beverages such as coffee, wine, beer, orange juice, apple cider, regular and Nuts such as pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios, and almonds Some candies, such as peppermints, licorice, and mint-flavored gum and breath Ice cream, gelatin |
Fragrances and perfumes
Shampoos and conditioners Herbal remedies Cosmetics such as lipsticks, lotions, and skin cleansers Mouthwash and mint-flavored toothpaste Shaving cream Sunscreens or tanning lotions Muscle pain creams Alka Seltzer |
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid Artificial food coloring and flavoring Benzoates Beta-hydroxy acid Magnesium salicylate Menthol Mint Salicylic acid Peppermint Phenylethyl salicylate Sodium salicylate Spearmint |
(SOURCE: The Food Allergy Initiative.)
In addition to avoiding many of the above foods, maintain a low fat, low sugar (any sugar not naturally found in food) diet and drink plenty of water.
IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY SUPPLEMENTS, TAKE:* Vitamin C: during hay fever season 2 g. (2,000 mg.) of the ester-C form daily.
* Citrus bioflavonoids: 1000 mg. daily or cut strips of orange and lemon peel and cook in honey until soft, eat a teaspoon or two a day.
* Pantothenic acid: 200to 300 mg. daily.
* Evening primrose oil: 500 mg. three times a day.
Some other tips that will help alleviate many of hay fever symptoms are:
* Avoid cigarette smoke, which can make your symptoms much worse.
* Avoid car exhaust.
* Arrange your vacation to coincide with your area’s worst allergy season. A cruise–no plants, no pollen—is ideal.
* Remember that alcohol swells your bronchial tissues, so it’s helpful to avoid drinking during allergy season.
* Use a dehumidifier in your basement if it is damp,
* Try to get rid of any old, damp articles that may clutter your basement, garage, attic, yard, or deck, particularly old upholstered furniture, cushions, carpets or rugs, stuffed animals, and stacks of magazines and newspapers.
* Keep rooms dry and clean: Use space heaters to dry damp rooms. Keep closet doors open during the day to dry them and closed at night with a low, wattage light burning inside them if possible. Don’t keep wet shoes or boots in your bedroom.
* Limit the number of houseplants and terrariums in your home and office.
* Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
* Install a bathroom fan that’s vented to the outside and use it whenever you bathe or shower.
* Don’t let damp clothes sit in the washer; dry them immediately.IF YOU’RE ALLERGIC TO DUST
I’ve noticed that people whose symptoms are worse in the morning are usually allergic to dust and house dust mites. In addition to the things I’ve outlined, there are steps you can take if this is your problem.
* A mattress cover can be of enormous help in avoiding dust mites. Use an allergen-proof plastic cover along with a pillow made of hypoallergenic material like dacron or polyester (you’ll see it noted on the pillow label). Be sure to vacuum the mattress before putting the cover on. You can get a mattress cover from a department store or from a surgical supply house.
* Don’t store anything under your bed, as this can encourage the accumulation of dust mites.
* Try to avoid rugs and carpets, possible breeding grounds for mites.
* Don’t vacuum yourself, and try to be out of the house when someone else vacuums. On the other hand, be sure your living areas are wet-mopped and vacuumed frequently. There are vacuums that come equipped with allergen-absorbing filters.
* Consider installing a high-frequency particulate-arresting filter (HEPA filter) on your furnace. They’re expensive but extremely effective. Consult with a heating expert for more information.
* There are chemical agents for testing and for eliminating dust mites. You can discuss this with your doctor.IF YOU’RE ALLERGIC TO POLLEN
* Try to stay indoors between 5:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M. when the pollen levels are the highest.
* Dry your clothes and bedding inside rather than outside, where they’ll collect pollen.
* When outside, wear glasses or sunglasses to keep your eyes free of pollen.
* Try to keep windows in your car and home closed during pollen season.
* Keep air-conditioner filters and dehumidifiers scrupulously clean. Many people have reported a reduction in their symptoms when they clean these filters regularly. Don’t forget the filter on your humidifier if you use a room humidifier in the winter.
* Mow your grass low to prevent it from blooming and producing pollen. Be sure to wear a mask when mowing or gardening.
* During pollen season, it’s helpful to wash your hands and rinse your eyes with fresh water every time you come in from outdoors.IN ADDITION: If the natural remedies suggested here don’t work, you may have to consult with an allergist for medications and possibly allergy desensitization.
Most of this information was provided by the Ash Center Reference Library:
*source The Ash Center
*1 WebMD
