Natural Remedies To Manage Environmental Allergies
Do you love the spring but hate The Conventional Approach:
how it makes you feel? Are Antihistamines & Nasal Sprays
itchy eyes, dizziness, asthma/difficulty
breathing, sinus problems/headaches, tional medicine offers a variety of pre-
counter (OTC) or prescription allergy tions, all of which have potential side
medications and nasal sprays made you effects, including: (1) antihistamines most often from corn cobs/stalks, birch feel worse? If so, consider trying some of (e.g., Allegra®, Claritin®, Zyrtec®)- dry trees and strawberries. Its unique mo-the natural remedies discussed below.
eyes/nose, headaches, altered vision, lecular structure makes it a valuable stomach upset; (2) decongestants (e.g., antibacterial. When the saline-xylitol
Definitions & Symptoms
solution (available as Xlear) is sprayed
somnia, nausea, nervousness; (3) nasal into the nose, bacteria lose their ability
Allergy symptoms are abnormal corticosteroids (e.g., Flonase®, Na-
immune system reactions to specific sonex®, Nasacort®)- nose bleeds/irrita-
tion/burning, predisposition to sinusitis, by preventing bacterial growth in the Eu-
clude airborne substances, chemicals suppressed immunity, headaches, throat stachian tubes. Don’t be surprised if you and particular foods. Grass, tree, and irritation; and (4) nasal decongestants/
gies. Some people find that dust mites, Afrin®)- nervousness/irritability, hyper-
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs):
pet dander, feathers, or mold/fungus tension, heart palpitations, insomnia, Omega-3 & Omega-6 cause year-round discomfort. The most nausea, headaches, weakness. common food allergens include gluten
(found in wheat, rye, barley and oats), Natural Approaches to
the omega-3 essential fatty acids (i.e.,
lactose/casein (found in dairy products), Environmental Allergies
ture) found in the oil of fatty fish (e.g.,
tivities and intolerances are true aller-
stance is the best way to reduce or mackerel), resolve the inflammation un-
gies, these terms are commonly used eliminate an allergic reaction, this is not derlying allergy symptoms and asthma. to mean the same thing. Exposure to always possible. When environmental (Vegetarian flax oil contains only ALA, offending irritants provokes the release allergens irritate your eyes, nose, sinus-
of various pro-inflammatory substances es, lungs or throat, try these naturally thorities maintain that GLA, found in such as histamines, enzymes and leu-
and borage oils, is an omega-6 fatty acid
the allergic responses noted above, Nasal Washing: The First Line
that is also a potent anti-inflammatory.
of Defense
Since a deficiency or imbalance in these
Rinsing the nose with a hypertonic health, the recommended therapeutic
tightness, eczema, throat soreness, and (saltier than the body’s natural state) sa-
sleep difficulties. Various health condi-
line, aloe and xylitol rinse safely clears GLA (including that from food).
tions, including candidiasis/leaky gut it of airborne contaminants, including syndrome, digestive problems, and a pollens, pollutants, viruses, and irritants. weakened immune system, can aggra-
non-habit forming and safe for children. The saline/aloe solution shrinks and heals swollen membranes, improves
Quercetin - Vitamin C – Bromelain
Quercetin, Vitamin C, and bromelain are commonly used together to combat multiple allergy symptoms. Quercetin and
Vitamin C are natural antihistamines, and bromelain makes quercetin more bioavailable. All three nutrients can reduce inflam-mation, including that related to asthma. Quercetin is a safe, well-tolerated, inexpensive bioflavonoid found in high levels in onions, red wine, and green tea. It is also found in apples. Ester-C® is a highly bioavailable Vitamin C that will not irritate the stomach and works best when combined with bioflavonoids. Some double-blind research supports the use of bromelain, derived from the pineapple, to treat sinusitis and asthma (by reducing the thickness of mucus). Stinging Nettle
For several decades, naturopathic physicians in the United States have used stinging nettle leaves to stimulate the immune
system, reduce inflammation, and treat allergies (including hay fever). As an antispasmodic and expectorant, it can also treat coughs. In clinical practice, this writer has thus recommended 300mg, 3 times per day, to stop a runny nose and prevent itchy eyes and sneezing.
Conclusion
Why suffer? Though nature may be torturing you, it also has an answer. You can try these and other clinically proven allergy
remedies with minimal-to-no health risk or side effects and at relatively little expense.
Submitted by Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Certification #00203), with J. Erika Dworkin, J.D., Dip.C.N./Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (pending). Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester), Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. References are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the natural remedies discussed herein are in-tended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See ad on page 17.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAIs) for the Treatment of Glaucoma While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be controlled. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) may damage the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering IOP to a level that is unlikely to cause further optic nerve damage. This is known as the "target pressure" or "goal
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Natural Remedies To Manage