September 2, 2008

Fall has fallen. And for many, that means hay fever. Ragweed and mold are the primary triggers of autumn allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that fall allergies affects people so severely, that many are willing to resort to drastic measures to rid themselves of the suffering.

"People are struggling with allergies so much that they're willing to move," said Angel Waldron, communications manager for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "We speak to consumers daily and that's probably the most popular question I can get it: 'where can I move to make this better?'"

The frequency of this question led the AAFA to create a list of the most challenging places to live with fall allergies. The list considers pollen levels, number of allergists in the city to help, and how much allergy medication is purchased by residents.

And the "winners" are:

1. Greensboro, North Carolina
2. Greenville, South Carolina
3. Little Rock, Arkansas
4. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
5. Jackson, Mississippi
6. Knoxville, Tennessee
7. Grand Rapids, Michigan
8. Wichita, Kansas
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. Madison, Wisconsin

But before you plant a "For Sale" sign in your front yard and hire a moving company, consider the many natural remedies for effectively dealing with allergies.

Reduce your toxic load

Reducing the toxic load in the body calms the immune system. A calmed immune system produces fewer antibodies. Reducing toxins decreases inflammation in the intestines, which helps the body and the immune system react less vigorously to potential allergens. Certain coloring agents commonly used in food and drugs, along with many synthetic preservatives, cause non-specific inflammation because they are dangerous and the body needs to eliminate them. The workload of the immune system is reduced when it is exposed to fewer synthetic food additives, such as artificial dyes and preservatives. Herbs that can assist with reducing toxicity include those that support the liver and elimination of these toxins: Milk thistle, Dandelion root, Burdock and Artichoke.

Specific nutrients that reduce symptoms

Specific nutrients will reduce inflammation in the body and stabilize mast cells so they are slower to release histamines. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold water fish, help to improve respiratory function by reducing the amount of inflammatory leukotrienes the body produces. Antioxidants, as well as many minerals, protect the lungs and stabilize mast cells. These vitamins and minerals are abundant in vegetables and fruits. Magnesium, found in whole foods, prevents smooth muscle tissue from a hyper-tendency to spasm. Increased consumption of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and decreased consumption of synthetic chemicals can be helpful in reducing asthma and allergy symptoms.

Herbs that support the immune system and offer relief from allergy symptoms

Stinging Nettles
A powerful study that included ninety-eight individuals that took part in a double-blind randomized study comparing the effects of a freeze-dried preparation of Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettles) with placebo on allergic rhinitis showed that the patients that used the Stinging Nettles had greater relief than the control group when it came to allergic nasal symptoms. Over the decades, freeze-dried stinging nettles have been used to help patients suffering from sinus and overall allergy symptoms.

Quercetin
Quercetin, a flavonoid, is widely used in preventing allergic rhinitis. Research supports its ability to help inhibiting the release of histamine from MAST cells. Quercetin was found to significantly inhibit allergy induced histamine release in the nasal passages of allergic individuals, with approximately twice the histamine-blocking activity of the drug sodium cromoglygate. Additional benefits include its ability to strength connective tissue and vascular integrity better allowing for the diminishing the allergic cascade.

NAC and Vitamin C
As reported in a review of the medical literature reported in Alternative Medical Review, "Urtica dioica and quercetin" along with "N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and vitamin C are safe, natural therapies that may be used as primary therapy or in conjunction with conventional methods." NAC has been shown to help clear the body of mucous resulting from allergies and respiratory illnesses. NAC is so effective in breaking up and helping alleviate excess mucous that it has been used in conventional medicine as well to treat respiratory ailments. Another benefit of using NAC is that it serves to help sustain the natural glutathione production within the body, and is a potent protective antioxidant for the respiratory tract. In turn, vitamin C also serves to help the body in controlling the adverse effects of histamine while supporting enhanced immune function and providing antioxidant protection.

The synergy of blending the powerful therapeutic effects of freeze-dried stinging nettles, quercitin, NAC and vitamin C provides effective overall support so that the body can better withstand and fend off the allergic symptoms associated with the arrival of fall. The best natural treatment for allergies incorporates both lifestyle modification, diet changes, and supplements. Fueling and nourishing the body's natural defenses is essential when combating allergies and enjoying the beauty that comes with the arrival of autumn.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The Contraindications and Potential Drug Interactions information provided on this website is not intended to be all-inclusive. A health care professional should be consulted regarding the use of herbal products. Always keep your Doctor or other healthcare professional informed about the herbal and other dietary supplement products that you are taking.