Posts Tagged ‘Hayfever’
Natural Remedies for Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis
Posted by admin in Mold Remediation Thursday, 15 July 2010 01:28 No Comments
Evenings are getting lighter – leaves on the trees are unfurling – the promise of summer is in the air!
Most of us look forward to the arrival of the warmer weather but for some unlucky people the season brings misery in the form of hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis often caused by pollens from trees and grass.
Proteins in the pollens irritate the delicate membranes of the nose and eyes causing inflammation. Symptoms include red, itchy, watery eyes and runny or congested nose.
Not all hay fever sufferers react to the same pollen therefore the timing of symptoms should be noted. Generally tree pollen is present from February to May with the peak time being in April. Grass pollens are prevalent in June and July and weed pollens (eg nettle) will be worse in July and August. Hay fever that begins in late summer and continues into the autumn may be a mould allergy. It is possible to have allergy testing to pinpoint which plant pollens you are sensitive to – consult your GP or nutritional therapist.
So what can be done to alleviate the symptoms? As always being forewarned is forearmed: some simple preparations now can reduce the severity of attacks later in the season.
If you are lucky enough to be able to buy honey produced locally, take a teaspoon every day. It has been suggested that ingestion of tiny molecules of pollen in local honey is believed to help build resistance to pollens when they appear in full force later in the season.
Amongst various natural remedies butterbur is a herb that has undergone scientific trials showing a substantial health benefit for relieving hay fever.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been shown to relax blood vessels and various smooth muscles in the body. It contains chemicals that are also known to reduce inflammation, as demonstrated in human studies. Some studies have also shown that butterbur extract performed as well as a common antihistamine drug taken by hay fever sufferers, but without causing drowsiness.
Bioflavanoids are plant compounds that have shown anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity. Along with Vitamin C, these supplements can help prevent the formation of histamine – the chemical that causes the common reactions of streaming, itchy eyes and runny nose. Foods rich in the bioflavanoid quercitin include onions, garlic, green tea, red wine and dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa solids). Vitamin C is found in broccoli, green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cabbage and cauliflower.
Plant sterols (phytosterols) are fats found naturally in plant foods. Phytosterols are highly versatile substances that have been shown to be useful in the management of several conditions include immune disorders. Phytosterols inhibit the release of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) thus reducing the production of histamine and its attendant symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing. Plant sterols are present in all plant foods with soy and whole grains, particularly whole oats, being rich sources.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds and cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel, can affect chemical pathways in the body to help ease allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin E taken during the pollen season alongside other anti-allergy treatments has been shown to reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms by 23%. Good sources of dietary Vitamin E include cold pressed wheatgerm and sunflower oils, hazelnuts, sweet potato, avocado and spinach.
A strong immune system is essential to help fight off allergic symptoms. The Vitamins A, C, D, E and minerals zinc and selenium are all antioxidant supplements that can help immune function.
Vitamin A is found in calves liver, egg yolk, watercress, squash and oily fish such as mackerel and herring. Likewise, top sources of Vitamin D include mackerel, herring, sardines, as well as eggs and cheddar cheese.
Zinc can be obtained from pumpkin seeds, wholemeal bread and red meats. Eating just four to five brazil nuts daily can provide your recommended intake of selenium but other sources include fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, wholemeal bread and cashew nuts.
There are other measures to help ward off the worst effects of pollen:
• A thin layer of petroleum jelly around and just inside the nostrils can trap minute pollen particles and prevent them from being inhaled and starting an allergic reaction.
• Steam inhalations help to reduce the “blocked nose” feeling.
• Most national weather forecasts now include a pollen count so take note and keep windows and doors shut to reduce the chances of pollens invading your house!
If you are taking any medication, always check with your GP or health practitioner before taking any herbal or vitamin supplements.
Pippa Mitchell is a certified nutritional therapist. She graduated from the Raworth International College of Natural & Sports Therapies, one of the few colleges to be accredited by the British Association for Nutritional Therapy (BANT), of which she is also a member.
Brought up by parents who grew their own vegetables and introduced their children to a variety of foods from around the world, Pippa has significant personal experience of diets based on the principle of wholesome and unadulterated foods.
She has always understood how this can have a dramatic impact on a person’s health, vitality and energy and it was this that prompted her to train as a Nutritional Therapist, in order to share her knowledge with her clients and help them improve their lives and their well-being.
Pippa travelled widely throughout Asia, the Far East, Australia and New Zealand, before returning to the UK to enter a career in PR and later to start a family. She is married and a mother to three hungry boys. Her interests include art & literature and rock climbing. She is passionate about food, cooking and the benefits of a healthy and nutritious diet.
She is fully insured to practice as a Nutritional Therapist. For more information visit www.pippa-mitchell.com.
Allergy and Hayfever
Posted by admin in mold allergy symptoms Friday, 16 April 2010 00:46 No Comments
All of us have heard about allergy and some of us have also suffered from one or the other allergy. Have you ever thought that who discovered the term “allergy”? The term Allergy came into existence in 1906 by Dr Von Pirquet.
There are various allergies which effect human beings and there health conditions. Some common are Food allergy, Chemical allergy, Dust and pet allergy. There are four routes by which allergens enter the body. Four routes are: Ingestion, Injection, inhalation and contact.
Food Allergy and Chemical energy are more pervasive than any other allergy. Food allergy symptoms can never be same among two different persons. Problem will be one but symptoms will vary from person to person.
Hayfever is a form of allergy. Hayfever was introduced at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. At that time it was very rare health condition but now one person in six is affected by Hayfever. Hayfever can be provoked by chemicals like dye, perfumes and latex. Seasonal change can also trigger Hayfever in some person. Seasonal Hayfever gets worst in the month of May and June.
Allergy conditions can be avoided by taking proper precautions and drugs but they can not be cured fully. There are so many antihistamine drugs to prevent allergies.
Sufferer should keep in mind about the allergens from which allergy triggers. For some people dust might be the cause of allergy and for some dander or moulds might be the cause.
Cover your mouth and nose while you think that you might get in contact with any of the allergen.
Anti allergy drugs can only prevent allergy triggers but can not cure allergy permanently. Anti allergy drugs should never be taken without consulting a doctor. They might have side effects also.
The most prescribed anti allergy drug is Allegra and should be taken under the supervision of a good doctor.
Roger is an associate editor to the website http://www.allergybeware.com . The website offers complete information on forms of allergy anrd related disease . We also provide vital information about the other types of, allergy . Your feed back comment and suggestions will be highly appreciated at roger.sandler@gmail.com.