by Varsha Rathod, M.D. Spring is in the air and is exciting for most of us. To others, spring is a season of suffering- sneezing, coughing, asthma, runny eyes, itchy rashes, fatigue and that awful ‘fog in the head.’ If this is you or you recognize a friend or family member who you recall is married to their box of tissues and appear to be in a daze while they watch others enjoy the season, give them this article for encouragement and tell them that there is a better way.
Here are some simple ways to deal with allergies:
1. Understand that the reason your immune system is hyper-sensitive to environmental allergens is because something has caused itto go into overdrive.In many cases, inflammation is an underlying cause for this condition. In turn-inflammation is usually caused by a poor diet, an altered gut flora or a missing nutrient(s), etc.So- clean up your diet!Eat whole foods that are devoid of refined carbohydrates such as sugars and white flour products. Refined sugar heightens the allergic reaction and makes a bad situation worse. More importantly, your diet should be plentiful in colorful vegetables and fruit, whole grains and legumes with a limited amount of animal products, if needed. Dairy products tend to cause a lot of nasal stuffiness that makes allergies worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid dairy altogether.
2. Some nutrients in your tool-box can be very valuable and can help with the fight against allergies. These are – Vitamin C, helps fight off infections, maintains proper energy and decreases the allergy response; Quercetin is a yellow pigment obtained from the skin of vegetables. This substance can prevent the release of histamine from mast cells in your tissues.; N-Acetyl Cysteineis useful if you are congested with thick mucus, i.e., it helps thin mucus; Bromelain and other Proteases help with the pain from sinus congestion and need to be taken on an empty stomach; In a recent paper in theJournal of Allergy and Immunology, Vitamin Ddeficient children had far more sensitivities compared to people who had normal levels. Probiotics, good bacteria that maintain gut health have a profound impact on the entire immune system and therefore allergies.
3. Mechanical tools such as a Neti–Pot can be used to rinse pollen and other allergens out of the nasal cavities. I personally love this device and use it routinely. Various Homeopathic eye-drops containing eye-bright are helpful in relieving red and itchy eyes.
All of these steps can be incorporated into your daily routine to improve allergy symptoms. It is a possibility though that your allergies and symptoms may continue to manifest. So if your desire is to eliminate allergies altogether, you may want to consider a simple technique I use at my office.
At Preventive Medicine we utilize a technique known as NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique). More on this therapy is available at my website www.preventivemedicincestl.comor at NAET.com. This technique is used to treat anaphylactic reactions, common environmental and food allergies utilizing muscle response testing and acupuncture meridian stimulation, in the presence of the allergen. Keep in mind, NAET therapy requires commitment to quite a few treatments. Therefore, it is best to plan ahead of the allergy season. However, acute treatment of particular pollen can be done for temporary relief.
Here’s to hoping that you will be outdoors and enjoying this spring!!
Dr. Varsha Rathod is a board certified Rheumatologist and Internist at Preventive Medicine in the Westport Plaza Area of St. Louis, MO. The practice has focused on a combination of traditional and holistic medicine since 1967. For more articles and information about integrative solutions please visit online at www.preventivemedicinestl.com or call Preventive Medicine at 314-997-5403.
by Varsha Rathod, M.D. Spring is in the air and is exciting for most of us. To others, spring is a season of suffering- sneezing, coughing, asthma, runny eyes, itchy rashes, fatigue and that awful ‘fog in the head.’ If this is you or you recognize a friend or family member who you recall is married to their box of tissues and appear to be in a daze while they watch others enjoy the season, give them this article for encouragement and tell them that there is a better way.
Here are some simple ways to deal with allergies:
1. Understand that the reason your immune system is hyper-sensitive to environmental allergens is because something has caused itto go into overdrive.In many cases, inflammation is an underlying cause for this condition. In turn-inflammation is usually caused by a poor diet, an altered gut flora or a missing nutrient(s), etc.So- clean up your diet!Eat whole foods that are devoid of refined carbohydrates such as sugars and white flour products. Refined sugar heightens the allergic reaction and makes a bad situation worse. More importantly, your diet should be plentiful in colorful vegetables and fruit, whole grains and legumes with a limited amount of animal products, if needed. Dairy products tend to cause a lot of nasal stuffiness that makes allergies worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid dairy altogether.
2. Some nutrients in your tool-box can be very valuable and can help with the fight against allergies. These are – Vitamin C, helps fight off infections, maintains proper energy and decreases the allergy response; Quercetin is a yellow pigment obtained from the skin of vegetables. This substance can prevent the release of histamine from mast cells in your tissues.; N-Acetyl Cysteineis useful if you are congested with thick mucus, i.e., it helps thin mucus; Bromelain and other Proteases help with the pain from sinus congestion and need to be taken on an empty stomach; In a recent paper in theJournal of Allergy and Immunology, Vitamin Ddeficient children had far more sensitivities compared to people who had normal levels. Probiotics, good bacteria that maintain gut health have a profound impact on the entire immune system and therefore allergies.
3. Mechanical tools such as a Neti–Pot can be used to rinse pollen and other allergens out of the nasal cavities. I personally love this device and use it routinely. Various Homeopathic eye-drops containing eye-bright are helpful in relieving red and itchy eyes.
All of these steps can be incorporated into your daily routine to improve allergy symptoms. It is a possibility though that your allergies and symptoms may continue to manifest. So if your desire is to eliminate allergies altogether, you may want to consider a simple technique I use at my office.
At Preventive Medicine we utilize a technique known as NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique). More on this therapy is available at my website www.preventivemedicincestl.comor at NAET.com. This technique is used to treat anaphylactic reactions, common environmental and food allergies utilizing muscle response testing and acupuncture meridian stimulation, in the presence of the allergen. Keep in mind, NAET therapy requires commitment to quite a few treatments. Therefore, it is best to plan ahead of the allergy season. However, acute treatment of particular pollen can be done for temporary relief.
Here’s to hoping that you will be outdoors and enjoying this spring!!
Dr. Varsha Rathod is a board certified Rheumatologist and Internist at Preventive Medicine in the Westport Plaza Area of St. Louis, MO. The practice has focused on a combination of traditional and holistic medicine since 1967. For more articles and information about integrative solutions please visit online at www.preventivemedicinestl.com or call Preventive Medicine at 314-997-5403.