 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Spring Flowers Trigger Allergies
| 
| 
Did you ever think we would see so much rain again?
We are having a beautiful spring season this year but unfortunately many allergy sufferers are having a rough time of it. Seasonal allergies flare up after the rain when flowers, trees and plants, such as grass, release pollen into the air we breathe. More than 40 million Americans, including 25% of Atlanta residents suffer from allergies.
Your body’s immune system is designed to attack harmful substances like bacterial and viruses. But with allergies, you body launches an assault far beyond what is called for on substances such as plant and tree pollens, mold, dust mites, pet saliva and dander.
Excess histamines that your body produces bind with other cells to produce the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose. When the body’s immune system is weakened, such as after a cold or illness, the reaction is even worse.
So, what can you do? The most important thing is to make sure you are doing everything you can to help your immune system. Regular chiropractic adjustments improve the function of your nervous system, the prime controller of your immune system. Many of our patients report great improvement with their allergies while under care. My husband is a good example. Before I met him, he would get allergies so bad that spring was just a miserable time for him. Since getting regular adjustments he has not complained of allergies for over 10 years! Here are some other ideas that have helped our patients in addition to regular chiropractic adjustments:
1.) Drink ½ a squeezed fresh lemon in a glass of water 2-3 times/day. Lemon is a wonderful antihistamine. You will get hooked on drinking your (sugarless) lemonade—it’s great first thing in the morning!
2.) Supplement with 1500-2000 mg’s of Omega’s 3’s daily and add other inflammatory lowering substances to your diet such as turmeric.
3.) If your allergies are particularly bad and you are considering allergy shots, first look into a new, interesting treatment called Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT).
4.) Irrigate your sinuses with a Neti Pot 1-2 times/day in the shower. We have an article on managing sinus problems naturally that we will be happy to send you. Email Tara at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or drop in and visit us. We have Neti Pots for sale in the office.
5.) Keep your bowels regular with a plant-based diet and regular exercise. I have definitely observed a correlation between a healthy digestive system and healthy immune function in my patients. Consider taking a daily probiotic such as Primal Defense from Garden of Life. Cut sugar and simple carbs from your diet and lose unwanted weight as well as reduce digestive stress!