Controlling Seasonal Allergies Naturally
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) |
Prescription and over the counter antihistamines can cause death due to serious cardiac arrythmias (heart beat irregularities). Other negative reports on the long term side effects of antihistamines (weight gain), decongestants (strokes) and steroids (ulcers) have prompted many with environmental allergies to seek safer, more natural alternatives. Whether these commonly used drugs that suppress the symptoms of seasonal allergies are swallowed, inhaled or rubbed onto the skin, they have long term deleterious effects on the immune system. Dependency is a common problem and no drug really offers a cure for allergies to grasses, trees, molds, pollens, dust and environmental pollutants. There is a better way to control seasonal allergies and it happens to have virtually no side effects.
To begin with, several good studies have shown a positive correlation between sugar consumption and allergic symptoms. Eliminating refined sugar and foods containing chemical additives from the diet is a good place for most allergy sufferers to start. The diagnosis and elimination of unsuspected food allergies (usually to dairy and wheat products, yeast, corn, chocolate and eggs) can also have a significant beneficial effect for environmental allergies. Although one does not necessarily notice any specific allergic reactions on an immediate basis after consuming certain foods, there may be delayed reactions, the net effect of which cause an abnormal immune response in the form of chronic sinus congestion, runny nose, wheezing and sneezing. Dark circles and swelling around the eyes are common signs of unsuspected delayed food allergies, especially in children.
Environmental allergies can also be lessened by correcting nutritional deficiencies, especially to zinc, selenium, carotenoids, vitamin C and vitamin E. Studies on vitamin C have shown that in very high doses, it has antihistaminic effects but without the weight gain and the adverse cardiac consequences. The only side effect of vitamin C is loose bowel movements or diarrhea if the dose taken is too high for the given individual.
Deficiencies in essential fatty acids (omega-3 from fish oils and omega-6 from evening primrose oil) can aggravate most allergic conditions as well as cause dry skin, eczema or, in women, worsening premenstrual syndrome. Several other food supplements may be of help to chronic allergy sufferers: vitamin A, pantothenic acid (vitamin B 5), vitamin B 6, and the bioflavonoids, especially quercetin, grape seed extract or pycnogenol. Bicarbonate powder (calcium, magnesium and potassium bicarbonate mixture) is another drug alternative that can be used to neutralize acute allergic reactions in many individuals.
Stinging nettle is a very effective remedy for allergy symptoms. So is the natural food extract MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane). Curcumin, an extract of tumeric, has been shown to be as effective an anti-inflammatory remedy as prescription cortisone. Unlike steroids, curcumin has virtually no side effects. In selected cases, treatment of bacterial overgrowth, parasites or a chronic candida (?yeast syndrome?) infection improves allergies. A personalized natural allergy relief program can be determined through testing available from a natural health care practitioner.
Dr. Rona
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I have found with treating for enhalent allergies that evening primrose and Omega threes have been of great benefit, particularly if the allergies are IGg immune response mediated allergies. Also a larger dose of digestive enzymes for food sensitivities and or full intolerances are showing to be beneficial.
Thank you Dr. Rona for your invaluable information and selfless work for our benefit.