Our Holistic Health Advocate:

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

By Carisa Holmes

Columbus, OH - Do you have a stuffy nose? Are your eyes red, itchy and watery? Have you been sneezing so much you fear that your head is on the verge of exploding? Welcome to fall allergy season!

Seasonal allergies can be anything from a minor nuisance to full blown misery. In the spring and fall, plants release pollen that ensures the continuation of each species, but also seems to wreak havoc on some people's sinuses. So, why do allergy sufferers have these uncomfortable reactions to pollen? It’s all about system overload.

The human immune system is designed to seek out, identify and destroy anything foreign within the body. Most of the time this defense system serves us well, keeping us safe from infections and harmful substances.

However, the modern world is a veritable soup of toxins; from pesticides and chemical fertilizers in our food to pollutants in the air and water. The unnaturally high level of toxins in our living environment coupled with chronic high stress have caused our immune systems to become hyper-reactive.

Once the immune system is in this state, the body will overreact to all manner of benign substances – pollen, dust and animal dander to name a few – and you end up sneezing your head off and heading to the local drug store for relief.

Since living in an allergen-free bubble is not a viable option for most of us, we must find ways to reduce the toxic load on our immune systems and help our bodies cope more effectively with all the foreign substances – harmful or harmless – that end up inside the body. Lightening the load in this way spells fewer allergies and better overall health.

What are Some Natural Ways to Reduce the Toxic Load on My Body?

These simple habits will greatly reduce the amount of toxins your body is forced to process, which will reduce your allergy symptoms:

• Choose organic and whole, natural foods
• Consume cultured foods and drinks, like kombucha and cultured veggies
  
• Filter all drinking and bathing water
  
• Get rid of mold and mildew in the home
  
• Vacuum frequently to reduce pet dander and dust
  
• Use supplements that aid the liver and other organs of elimination
  

But, I'm Miserable! What Can I do Right Now That Will Help?

If you want real relief from your allergy symptoms instead of just masking them for a few hours, your goals should be to:

1. Reduce inflammation
2. Thin mucous secretions, and
   
3. Calm the over-reactive immune response
   

Here are the tools you will need:

Allergy Fighting Foods

Certain foods contain a substance called quercetin that is a real panacea for allergies. This flavonoid helps calm the body’s reaction to antigens (things that trigger the immune system to attack). Quercetin is anti-inflammatory and also works as a natural antihistamine.

Foods rich in quercetin include green and black tea, chamomile, citrus fruit, buckwheat, onions, apples, broccoli, leafy greens and tomatoes.

Notably, a recent study found that organically grown tomatoes have 79% more quercetin than conventionally grown. Still think organic produce isn’t worth the extra money?

Helpful Enzymes

Enzymes are chemical catalysts, or turbo-chargers that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes help with every task that goes on in the body, from digestion to healing, and can also be a great help for allergy sufferers. Here's the scoop:

• Bromelain - This handy proteolytic (breaks down proteins) enzyme is great for a variety of uses. In regards to allergies, it reduces inflammation and can help with the absorption of quercetin.
• Doctor’s Best Quercetin Bromelain - This product combines two of the heavy hitters in the allergy relief game. Take this supplement throughout allergy season for symptomatic relief and to reduce general inflammation.
  
• Doctor’s Best Serrapeptase - If you're battling sinus congestion, this enzyme will help thin secretions of the mucous membranes and prevent the sinus infections that result from unmitigated allergies.
  

Herbal Remedies

In addition to enzymes, natural herbal remedies for seasonal allergies can bring fast relief. Here are two of the best:

• Stinging Nettle Leaf - This herb offers immediate symptomatic relief of allergy symptoms with the very first dose, but best results are seen with 30 days of consistent use. Research shows that nettle blocks the action of inflammation-inducing immune cells. Look for an organic nettle leaf supplement, preferably in tincture form (it works much faster). Take it whenever symptoms start to flare, not exceeding the recommended dose on the bottle.
• Butterbur - This herb appears to work by blocking the chemicals that trigger swelling in the nasal passages. Some research shows that extracts of butterbur root are just as effective at relieving nasal symptoms as prescription drugs, without the drowsiness.
  

How Can I Get Rid of My Allergies - Permanently?

I have used all natural and herbal remedies to get rid of my allergies, and you can, too! During my healing time, I focused on optimizing my liver and digestive function, eating whole, organic foods and consuming cultured or fermented foods with each meal. I am happy to say, I am allergy free!

In addition, check out this story of how Donna Schwenk, the “Queen of Cultured Foods”, got permanent relief from her seasonal allergies.

I used many of the same techniques that are listed on Donna Schwenk's website, and she has tons of recipes and tips on how to make your own fermented and cultured foods. Check it out, and get started on the road to relief today!

To access all of Carisa's health and wellness articles from previous issues of GrapeVine Columbus, CLICK HERE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carisa Holmes (614) 787-0583 or info@carisaholmes.com
www.carisaholmes.com/Contact-Carisa.html
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