Difference between revisions of "Allergies"

Revision as of 12:58, 10 April 2012

Symptoms

Home remedies

• auriculotherapy, also called auricular therapy (applying pressure on various points on your outer ear) is helpfull to fight stress, pain, allergies, High Blood Pressure, insomnia, excess weight, diabetes, Drug Abuse,...
• a natural enzyme supplement, known as serrapeptase offers help for allergies, asthma, arthritis, MS, and other inflammatory diseases.
• Spirulina holds some promise in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) and eating spirulina every day significantly improves allergy symtoms.
• butterbur extract and spirulina may help treat hay fever symptoms.
• children who eat a diet rich in fish and “fruity” vegetables are less likely to suffer from allergies. Fruity vegetables have seeds and come from flowering plants, such as zucchini, eggplant, green beans, butternut squash and tomatoes.
• Eat Foods Rich in Anthocyanins : The phytonutrient group known as anthocyanins give foods their purplish-red color. They have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Anthocyanins are found in most dark red and purple-colored foods. Some food sources include: beets, berries, cherries, and dark purple and red grapes.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a yellow-colored spice commonly found in Indian curries. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance.
• Hesperetin/Hesperidin for Hay Fever : Hesperetin and hesperidin are almost identical except that the latter is bound to a sugar molecule. Research shows that these potent phytonutrients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and cholesterol-lowering actions, and also protect blood vessels against damage. These are just some of the therapeutic side-effects of hesperidin. Hesperidin is also beneficial for allergies and hay fever because of its antihistamine properties. Green vegetables are a source of hesperidin / hesperetin. You can also find them in their highest concentration in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, especially the white part, or pith. Of course, avoid citrus fruits if you suspect that you are sensitive to them.
• Take Quercetin to Quell Allergy Symptoms : Quercetin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-histamine phytonutrient. Apples and onions are excellent sources of quercetin. Some studies show that people who eat a lot of apples have improved lung function and reduced risk of lung conditions. Other good sources include: berries, cabbage, cauliflower, nuts (not peanuts), and black, green, or white tea.
• Chamomile tea is reputed to relieve hay fever symptoms. Some herbalists suggest smearing chamomile and lemon oil on a tissue and inhaling to prevent hay fever symptoms.
• Ginger tea and raw honey works to break up chest congestion and loosen phlegm. It strengthens the immune system and acts as a natural antihistamine.
• Green tea blocks the production of histamine and is one of the best homemade remedies for building the immune system.
• Peppermint tea relieves nasal and sinus congestion. Drink it cold to sooth coughing associated with hay fever and allergies.
• Butterbur reduces inflammation, blocking histamines and leukotrienes. Studies suggest the herb is effective for relieving sneezing, itchy eyes, sinus congestion and headaches. People allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemum should avoid butterbur.
• Stay Hydrated : It’s impossible to stop the pollens during spring time. It is also impossible if one goes walking out and enjoying spring time wearing a protective bubble. But it is possible to prevent allergies by not necessarily taking drugs for allergy as a prophylaxis. One way to prevent allergy is by keeping the body hydrated with water. According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, author of the book “Water: for Health, for Healing, for Life”, histamine, the substance triggered during allergic reaction, helps in the regulation of the body’s thirst mechanism. When the body is in drought, there is increase in the production of histamine. Histamine makes sure that all the available water in the body is preserved.Furthermore, if the body is dehydrated, the antibodies weaken its activity. So when there is suppression of the actions of the antibody, any allergens, such as pollens, can easily trigger the allergic reaction. It is therefore recommended to increase intake of fluid so that the amount of histamine in the body is decreased while the antibody is increased, which can help in avoiding the effects of spring allergy.
• Eat Vegetables : Do not take just any vegetables; take fruity vegetables when you want to avoid the symptoms of spring allergy. According to a study made on 460 children in Spain, eating fruity vegetables can help reduce the symptoms of getting allergies or asthma. Dr. Leda Chatzi of the University of Crete in Greece explained that children who are consuming at least 40 grams of tomatoes or cucumber or green beans or eggplants are not more likely to suffer from the symptoms of asthma or allergy. It is not clear why the children have these positive reactions to these types of vegetables. What the researcher can deduce is that it might be due to the reduction of the inflammatory processes that are associated with allergy. From the evidences, it concludes that avoiding the effects of spring allergy is possible if one consumes huge amounts of fruity vegetables.
• Take Probiotics : There is a current rage on probiotics these days. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are added in food products to provide health benefits to the host organism, such as human. In a study made by the Institute of Food Research, ingestion of probiotic foods has reduced the reaction of the body towards allergens. The molecules that are also implicated in the development of allergies are lowered with increased probiotic consumption. Allergic reactions are produced when there is increasing number of histamine in the body. Histamine production is triggered by the IgE, the immunoglobulin produced when pollen materials enter the body. While it is normal reaction for the body to defend itself, it is quite bothersome. Drinking high amounts of probiotics will inhibit the over production of histamine, in spite the increasing allergens in the environment that enters the body.
• Try herbs : Three are certain herbs that are beneficial in avoiding the effects of spring allergy. Below are some of them:
• Ginseng : Ginseng is commonly used herb and has been used as a medication for centuries in China and Japan. One of ginseng’s active ingredients is ginsenosides. This substance is said to have the capacity to boost the immune system of the body. When the immune system is enhanced, any allergen that enters the body, such as the pollen grain will not cause the body to overreact. Another benefit of ginseng is its ability to improve the inflammation processes of the body. Allergic reaction is suppressed when ginseng will strengthen the inflammation system of the body.
• Licorice : Eating licorice may cause allergy to some people, but licorice can also be helpful to those who are suffering from spring allergy. The component called glycyrrhizin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin and 18beta-glycyrrhetinic are what gives licorice the anti-allergic properties. Licorice can relive the symptoms that are commonly associated with the IgE reactions, such as asthma and dermatitis.
• Ginger : Those suffering from the effects of spring allergy may be relieved if they take garlic tea boiled in water. Regularly taking this will help some of the allergic symptoms disappear.

Warnings

References

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.