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Doctor Recommended Supplements for Allergies *Scroll down below the Table for a discussion and related Categories.
Go On The Offensive by supporting your immune system. A healthy immune system can better resist stress and reduce the length and severity of allergic reactions and symptoms. A daily supply of essential nutrients may help defend the body from allergens and microbial invaders that cause secondary infections, maintain the skin's natural defensive barriers, repair tissue, protect mucous membranes and help flush toxins from the body.
*Scroll below for more information and related sites. ALLERGIES CATEGORY AH-CHOO! Airborne allergens including pollen, ragweed (which can cause the symptoms called hay fever ), and cottonwood can cause symptoms of itchy, watery, sandpaper eyes with a sneezing, running nose and congested sinuses. We may be fighting allergies more often than we recognize. Allergies can cause a sore throat, rash, respiratory problems, digestive disorders, headaches, etc. It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from respiratory allergies alone. The CDC (US Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 14 million visits a year made to physicians can be classified as allergic rhinitis alone. One in five Americans report suffering from hay fever which is really an allergy to pollen and not to hay. Anyone can tell you allergies can affect your quality of life. Allergen VS Antigen
The immune system’s function is to attack and destroy microbial invaders such as bacteria, fungi, mold or viruses so that the body does not get sick. When a threat like bacteria is detected, T-cells cause the release of interleukins which cause B-cells to produce proteins called antibodies. Antibodies are formed to target a specific antigen (microbes like bacteria or virus) and destroy and eliminate them. However, the immune system can mistakenly identify a foreign substance (allergen) that is not a microbe such as pollen, food, perfume or chemical as a microbial invader and produce an ‘allergic reaction’. In the case of allergies, the antibodies formed by the immune system react to the allergen such as pollen resulting in the release of histamine and other inflammatory or irritating chemicals which produce the ‘allergic reaction’.
Allergens are not restricted to things like pet dander or irritating plants like poison ivy or weeds, but include thousands of man-made chemicals and pollutants like smog, ozone, herbicides, fertilizers, food additives, insecticides, bug bites, dust mites, metals, prescription medications, latex, perfumes and perhaps genetically modified food. Allergic reactions manifest as rashes, blisters, fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throats, sinus congestion, swelling of tissue, diarrhea, painful joints, headaches, respiratory problems … Allergic reactions can be harmful or fatal as in asthma or anaphylaxis.
WHAT TO DO. Whether you have an allergic reaction to an allergen or a cold or influenza caused by a microbe (infection), the goal is to eat foods that support a healthy immune system and to supplement that diet with extra nutrients as needed on an individual basis. Eat high fiber foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, foods rich in omega fatty acids, whole grains, B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, selenium and iron. Herbs such as green tea, red grape seed, alfalfa, echinacea, ginseng, garlic, black pepper and ginger root are power houses of immune supportive nutrients. It is important to increase distilled water consumption. Eliminate foods that weaken the immune system or damage the body such as sugars, especially artificial sweeteners, artificial dyes, non organic meat, polluted drinking water, alcohol... Some people are even allergic to over the counter drugs like antihistamines taken for allergy relief. Smoking undermines the immune system and affects delicate tissues of the respiratory and digestive systems. Then microbes or allergens can easily enter into those damaged tissues.
Hot herbal tea, steam, aromatherapy (eucalyptus, menthol, lavender), and nasal sprays can help soothe irritated membranes. Reduce exposure to allergens, microbes and cigarette smoke in the air you breathe especially at home or the office. Green house plants such as ivy not only release oxygen, they also improve air quality. Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against many allergens, so bath often and use cold pressed and essential oils along with natural lotions to help keep your skin healthy.
Boost your Immune System-Reduce Exposure to Allergens-Supplement Often!
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