Relief for Seasonal Allergies

Hard to believe that something as tiny as a speck of pollen can wreak havoc on one's health. But as millions of people know, seasonal allergies (sometimes called hay fever or allergic rhinitis) due to pollen can cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning eyes, runny nose and itchy throat.

Those symptoms occur because in some individuals, the body responds to pollen by producing chemicals known as histamines. Designed to fight foreign substances that threaten our health, histamines are our friends when they target true enemies, like bacteria or virus. Although pollen is not a danger, the histamines mistakenly go on the offensive anyway, creating a series of events that causes uncomfortable inflammation of the mucous membranes, lungs and even the skin.

Histamine over-reaction often results in asthma, sinusitis, ear infections, headaches and other discomforts. For some 14 million allergy sufferers -- approximately one in six Americans – allergies are among the top ten reasons for trips to the doctor’s office.

These days, there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription remedies available for treating seasonal allergies. While they may provide some symptomatic relief, all have downsides, especially when compared to natural remedies. The first step in choosing what will work best for you is understanding how these medications work and where they fall short.

How Allergy Drugs Help the Symptoms But Not the Problem Conventional medicine treats seasonal allergies by suppressing the symptoms of the allergic response, rather than treating the cause. So when you pop an over-the-counter remedy, your nose may stop running for a while. But inevitably, the medication wears off, and the runny nose returns. Thanks to what’s known as "the rebound effect," your nose (or other problem symptom), may be even worse. This rebounding leads to a vicious cycle of taking medicine more frequently or in higher doses, and getting a bit of relief, followed by even more misery.

Of course, there’s another major problem with pharmaceutical allergy remedies – side effects. Not long ago, products containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA) were pulled from the market after it was discovered the drug increased the risk of stroke. In addition, some people find allergy drugs make them sleepy or hyperactive. For others, the "brain fog" caused by these medications makes it difficult to get through the day.

Furthermore, although brain fog may sound like more of annoyance than anything else, the condition can be dangerous. For example, a study at the University of Iowa compared driving abilities of four groups of subjects. One segment was given a common antihistamine, diphenhydramine. Another group took fexofenadine, another antihistamine. The third group was given alcohol and the fourth received a placebo. When driving abilities were compared, those taking diphenhydramine drove worse than the alcohol group. And although the drivers taking fexofenadine fared better, they also had difficulty handling some basic driving tasks.

The bottom line: while pharmaceutical solutions may provide temporary relief, the underlying problem – inappropriate histamine release – is still there. In addition, unwanted side effects are very likely.

The Natural Way to Alleviate Allergies

On the alternative remedy front, there are two categories worth looking at. One is a group of substances that work as immune stimulators. The second are products that provide symptom relief. The first group provides support for the immune system, the body's first line of defense against health threats. The second targets histamine production and the resulting inflammation. Together, this two-pronged approach provides a one-two punch that can help minimize allergy symptoms, without creating a rebound when the substances wear off.

Probiotics are among the best immune system stimulants available. Probiotics are sometimes called "friendly" bacteria. They reside largely in our intestines, bearing names like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics are important elements in good overall health, because they support a strong immune system, helping it stay fully equipped to fight allergies and other assaults on our health.

Much of the immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, unless you eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and little or no alcohol, the friendly bacteria that should be living in your intestines may not be thriving. Furthermore, with broad-spectrum antibiotics dispensed freely – and often unnecessarily – these days, many people have far fewer good bacteria than they should.

Fermented foods – high-quality yogurt, sauerkraut, kim chee and related products – can be good sources of probiotics. Be wary, though, of depending on conventional, supermarket yogurt to supply good bacteria. Most of these brands contain a lot of sugar and few, if any, living organisms. Instead, opt for a high-quality probiotic supplement providing 1 to 3 billion units in each serving.

Vitamin C for Symptom Relief

The only downside to fighting allergies by strengthening the immune system is that it may take six to eight weeks for the full effects of immune improvement to appear. Obviously, that's an awfully long time to wait for relief! Fortunately, there are plenty of natural options for reducing allergy symptoms. Vitamin C is one of the best choices. Although it's most famous as an antioxidant, vitamin C is a natural antihistamine with the added benefit of being able to stimulate infection-fighting white blood cells. Remember, though, that vitamin C is water-soluble. That means that it can’t be stored in the body, so small doses of supplements should be taken at least three times a day.

Is Your Health Being Harmed by Hidden Allergies?

Not all allergy symptoms are caused by pollen or seasonal substances. For many people, chemicals in everyday products, animal dander, certain foods (including dairy products and grains), dust and/or molds can trigger allergies.

Nor are the symptoms limited to runny noses and itchy eyes. Migraine headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic fatigue symptoms, joint pain, recurring infections, skin disorder and even learning difficulties may be caused by allergic reactions.

An allergy specialist can determine exactly which substances are causing problems with a physical examination and a detailed allergy and environmentally oriented history. Based on the results, an individualized plan may include immunization therapy, environmental control, dietary changes and avoidance recommendations.

If you suspect your health issues may be connected to an allergic response, don't resign yourself to living with discomfort. There's a wealth of remedies available for easing the symptoms and restoring your health.

Allerplex

Humans are exposed to many different types of pollen, grasses, and trees that can cause people who are sensitive to these environmental factors considerable discomfort. This product was created this to help people adjust more easily to seasonal changes in the spring, summer, and fall.

Guna-Rhino Nose Spray

An effective and rapid acting formula for treatment of both acute and chronic allergic rhinopathy.

Sinatrol

Combines a powerful substance to break up mucus, along with immune enhancing agents and turmeric and bromelain to reduce inflammation. Sinatrol was developed for people who suffer from sinus related issues.

Natural D-Hist

Formulated for maximum effectiveness, with carefully selected dosages of critical natural components to provide optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways.