The sun’s warmth bursts forth flowers and pries open leaf buds. Spring’s beauty is welcomed by all except those prone to allergies. A release of histamine triggered by allergic substances causes a runny nose, itchy eyes, post-nasal drip and congested head. Reducing histamine is what needs to be done, and most likely, a run to the store for an over-the-counter anti-histamine is what occurs. While this may work for the short term, it does not address the cause of allergies.

Why are some individuals more prone to allergies than others? Genetics? Perhaps, but that seems to be the response to every question without a clear answer.

Here may be the clear answer:

Hyperactive immune function, weak cell membranes, poor water intake and obstructed airways cause individuals to be overly sensitive to the environment. If these four issues are addressed, drugstore runs can be diminished.

Let’s look at these issues:

• Hyperactive immune function: Stress plays a big role in immune function. Stress signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol which temporarily shuts down immune function. Over time, the adrenal glands become fatigued and cannot supply enough cortisol. Low cortisol levels cannot keep immune function in balance anymore. This causes numerous sensitivities with pollen being one.

Finding stress relieving activities and rebuilding the adrenal glands nutritionally helps restore balance to immune function.

• Weak cell membranes: Foods can be inflammatory. If so, they cause cell membranes to be weaker and easier to break. Weaker cell membranes then release histamine causing undesirable symptoms. Ingesting foods which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like cold water fish, stabilize cell membranes. The typical American diet consumes a high ratio of inflammatory causing omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in grains and grain-fed animals. Consuming more cold-water fish, reducing meats and grains and supplementing with EPA/DHA derived from cold water fish) helps stabilize cell membranes. Unfortunatly we need to be aware of mercury in fish.

• Poor water intake: If the blood is thick and concentrated with chemicals, hormones and proteins, inflammation is more likely to occur. If histamine is more concentrated in the blood, inflammation occurs readily as histamine is more likely to bind to a receptor.

The easiest and least expensive way to reduce histamine concentration is to drink pure filtered water. Water will penetrate the cells, enter the blood and dilute the solute concentration, giving histamine less chance to bind to a receptor. Water is an anti-histamine. Drink a minimum of 8-10 cups filtered water daily. Do not drink chlorinated water. Chlorinated water increases the solute concentration and destroys cell membranes.

• Obstructed airways: Obstructed nasal passages are a perfect habitat for bacteria and viruses. Why? The immune system cannot wade past thick mucous to consume bacteria and viruses. Allergies trigger sinus infections routinely from this basic principle.

Maintain an open airway by reducing histamine levels as described above and by nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation uses a neti pot filled with warm filtered water and a pinch of non-iodized salt. Water flows into a nostril, then into the opposite sinus and out the opposite nostril. This procedure removes mucus and pollen from the immediate airway reducing the chance of a sinus infection and allergic attack. For the new user this can be awkward, but it gets easy with practice. Neti pot nasal irrigation is done as needed - one to three times daily. If a neti pot is not handy, snort non-iodized salt water into one nostril, tilt the head and have the water run out the opposite nostril. Blow with both nostrils open. Never blow with only one nostril open as this forces mucus and bacteria deeper into the opposite sinus.

Prepare early and prepare now. To prevent or reduce allergies, one must begin this protocol as soon as possible. It takes time to rebuild cell membranes: supply adrenals with proper nutrition and learn nasal irrigation. In about four weeks time, cell membranes and adrenals will improve. During this time, nasal irrigation should be underway keeping the nasal passages clear of pollen and other allergens.

Enjoy a trouble-free spring - year after year! Tell your friends about this simple protocol as well. They will thank you.

In health,

Ben

PS. Freeze-dried Nettle is excellent for controlling allergies. It works by reducing the inflammatory process. May sure it is freeze-dried. If not, it does not contain the bioactive elements and will not work as well.

(c) 2005 Benjamin Lynch of HealthE Goods

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