Healthy Information

How Are You Handling Allergy Season? Apr 17, 2008
Dr. Carlos Santo

 Everywhere you look, the shelves are empty where there once stood rows and rows of antihistamines and decongestants. People are trying to find some relief from allergy season 2008. Here in the Phoenix area, our air is particularly challenged because of a combination of the extreme dry air, the presence of many foreign plants, and a super high pollution count, all of which spell disaster for the eyes, nose, and throat.

Numerous TV commercials promise the next greatest allergy cure, as people frolic happily along all because they’ve taken their allergy medication.  But as with everything, there’s a downside. Allergy medications come with a host of side effects, ranging from the common drowsiness or jitteriness to more severe symptoms of dizziness, elevated blood pressure, and even suicidal behavior.

Fortunately natural relief is available. Consider the following approaches if you’re wondering how to beat the problem.

 

1.     Watch your diet. Certain foods can contribute to congestion such as milk, cheese, ice cream, soy products, bread, fried foods, and junk foods.

2.     Humidify your air. Dry air irritates the mucous linings from your nose all the way down to your lungs. If you don’t have a humidifier, try visiting a steam room at your gym, or breathe in some vapor from a pot of hot water.

3.     Purify your air. Many air purifiers are available. Shop around and look for a good ionizing unit that works best for your budget.

4.     Know your herbs. Did you know that some herbs greatly reduce your allergy symptoms? Try adding some eucalyptus oil or leaves to some hot water and breathe in the vapor. Great herbal teas can be found in any market. Look for ingredients such as rosemary, ephedra, eyebright, bayberry, goldenseal, and ginger.

5.     Know your vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, quercitin, and glutathione, are a great start, along with vitamins B5, and B12, fish and or flax oil, and magnesium.

6.     Take care of your digestion. Inflammation and mucous production start in the digestive tract. In addition to the dietary suggestions above, be careful not to overeat, consume too much alcohol, or eat too much meat. Meat can slow the digestion process and inflame the intestines.

7.      Here’s a solution to rising gas prices – quit the $5 coffee habit. Coffee can worsen allergies by aggravating the nervous system and making you more susceptible to sneezes and sniffles.