Itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing…..sounds familiar?
Spring is here and so are your allergies
So what is it?
An
allergy is a reaction of your immune system to something that does not bother
most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than
one thing. Allergies are relatively common. Both genetics and environmental
factors play a role. The immune system normally protects the body against
harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It also reacts to foreign
substances called allergens, which are generally harmless and in most people do
not cause a problem. But in a person with allergies, the immune response is
oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals such as
histamines which fight off the allergen.
Spring
is a season when may deal with aggravated symptoms. Here are some common dos
and don’ts that can help manage your symptoms and enjoy the season
What helps?
1. Butterbur
extract and tablets are widely used as natural treatments for allergies.
2. Green
herbal tea contains antioxidants that reduce over production of inflammatory
substance, histamine.
3. Traditionally,
organic natural honey has been prescribed for allergies. The bees eat the
pollen that’s in your region of the country, then they produce the honey and
you consume that, so it’s kind of like a mini allergy shot.
4. Including
detoxifying spices in your daily diet might help. Turmeric in particular has
anti-allergy, immune-balancing effects.
5. Vitamin
C is also believed to help. Citrus fruits like Oranges, Tangerine or Lemons are
great natural sources of Vitamin C
6. Grape
seed extract, which can be found in vitamin or health food stores, has been
shown to be effective.
7. Sinus
Massage can help relieve symptoms. This massage concentrates on the face, head,
neck and ears to move along blocked residue as well as enhance blood flow to
get the sinus cavity clear and healthy.
8. Using
a Neti Pot to Clean your Nasal passage with saline solution also seem help many
9. Several
Yoga exercises focused on controlled breathing help relief symptoms of allergy.
To name some, Shoulder Stand and the Bridge Pose.
10. Finally,
don’t open your windows. Letting allergens
into your house can aggravate your symptoms significantly.