Natural Remedies For Allergies

It is estimated that over 60 million people suffer from allergies in the United States alone and they are the result of an immune system gone wild!  Instead of recognizing the allergen as BENIGN, the immune system identifies it as something sinister and produces antibodies designed to defuse the foreign invader to protect us.  This defense mechanism results in sniffling, sneezing, coughing, runny nose and more. 

Today. we are exposed to over 60,000 different chemicals that accumulate in our body’s tissues and organs.  The chemical build-up in our body is known as the “rain barrel effect” which means the toxins build up to a point where the last drop spills over the top and the body can no longer cope with the extent of the toxicity contained in the body.  When this happens, the immune system develops a high sensitivity that triggers the allergic reactions.

Many over-the-counter drugs,  prescription antihistamines and decongestants are losing their effectiveness and can lead to cold-like symptoms as well as anxiety, insomnia and drowsiness.  The good news is there are some natural remedies that can give you some relief:

QUERCETIN – is found in onions, apples, berries, cabbage, grapefruit, tea and red wine and is very effective in preventing symptoms of allergies.  It is available in supplement form so you do not have to eat onions everyday or drink red wine.  A friend of mine worked in a beautiful furniture store for the home and she was suffering from allergy symptoms everyday.  New textiles would arrive from all over the world and she was just miserable with a runny nose that would not stop.  The Quercetin supplement really helped alleviate her symptoms the very first day. 

PROBIOTICS – are friendly bacteria that help normalize the immune system and prevent allergic responses.  They literally help the body differentiate between harmless substances and dangerous invaders.  Try ACIDOPHILUS in supplement form and follow label directions or include low-fat yogurt as a delicious snack.

CO-ENZYME Q10 – is a vitamin-like compound that helps build the immune system and enhances the effect of anti-allergy supplements.

VITAMIN C – provide natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory benefits by stabilizing cell membranes so histamines are not easily released.  Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits so squeeze a lemon into your water bottle, add berries to your oatmeal or smoothie in the morning and use herbs and spices like parsley and turmeric.  Vitamin C can help prevent allergic responses from happening in the first place.

MILK THISTLE – is an herb that contains Sylimarin that supports liver function and protects the cells in our bodies by neutralizing the effects of toxins, chemicals and pollutants.

OMEGA 3’S – are found in fish, ground flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts and will help reduce inflammation throughout the body. 

STINGING NETTLE – contains a host of anti-inflammatory substances as well as vitamins, flavonoids and minerals.  Hay Fever sufferers do very well in reducing their symptoms by taking freeze-dried nettle leaf.

PEPPERMINT TEA – helps thin mucus, break up congestion and relieve nasal symptoms.

GARLIC – is rich in flavonoids and acts as an antioxidant  enzyme to break up mucus and congestion plus kill bad bacteria.

THYME – helps to calm a cough and soothes irritated bronchial tubes. Add fresh thyme to soups or sauces.

Do all you can to keep your immune system strong and start taking a natural supplement at least 2-3 weeks before allergy season starts for best results. 

Sherry L. Granader, ACE, AFAA, NETA, ACSM
http://www.sgfit.com
sgfit12@aol.com
517-899-1451

Find More Natural Remedies For Eczema Articles

Eczema Free Forever™