Hay fever also known as "allergic rhinitis"
and it
is an allergic response to pollen that affects the mucous membranes of
the eyes, air passages, and nose. The symptoms include: itchy eyes, watery
discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing, nervousness, and
irritability or bad mood. Most of the symptoms of hay fever are very similar
to that of a common
cold. But, allergies cause a distinctive clear, thin nasal
discharge, whereas secretions caused by colds normally become thick and
yellowish green as the illness progresses. And colds are often include
a mild fever and are normally gone in a week, while people who suffer
allergy problems will have a feeling of being tired pr "wiped out"
for weeks.
Well over 25 million, persons in the USA suffer from the seasonal
sneezes, runny nose, and itchy eyes with hay fever season. But there
are really three hay fever seasons, caused by the different
types of pollen during different times of the year. Tree pollens appear first,
normally between the months of February to May, based on the local climate.
However, the worst problems appear in late spring and summer, because both tree
and grass pollens occur and of course people are outside more often. Fall is
the
ragweed pollen season Depending on which pollen or pollens a person is allergic to, hay fever may
happen at any one or all of
these times of the year. Person's who suffer from hay fever will
usually suffer from
other atopic disorders, such as asthma
and dermatitis. Those who suffer from
hay fever symptoms throughout the year are said to have perennial
rhinitis. The symptoms may be triggered by animal hair, dust,
feathers, fungus spores, or some other environmental item. People
vulnerable to allergies are normally very aware of the time of
year and conditions under which they are likely to have problems. The
nutrient program outlined below is beneficial for hay fever treatment
and for some people may even prevent most of the problems.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Calcium |
9 |
this mineral helps
people with allergies to help with the stress
caused to the body by allergic reaction. (See also magnesium) |
Magnesium |
9 |
helps reduces body stress and
is needed to balance out calcium a good natural multi-vitamin
and mineral supplement will
have both and maybe even some royal jelly. |
vitamin
B5 |
9 |
anti
stress vitamin as stress normally makes hay fever and allergies worse and
may even help to trigger the allergic reaction |
vitamin
B6 |
9 |
aids the
immune system |
vitamin
B12 |
9 |
required
for proper processing of nutrients in the body |
Carotenoids |
8 |
these
are free radical scavengers that help stimulate
immune system and allergy sufferers normally need
immune help. Supplements
made from fruits and vegetables are a good source
of carotenoids. |
Bioflavonoids |
8 |
protects the body from
allergens and helps to moderate inflammatory responses by the body of the person with
allergies. Supplements made from fruits and
vegetables are a good source of bioflavonoids. |
Grape
seed extract |
8 |
powerful
free radical destroyer and enhances the effects of vitamin C |
Chamomile |
9 |
herb
that can aid in reducing duration and intensity of allergic
reactions |
Nettle |
9 |
can
provide relief from hay fever and aid with runny nose |
Ginger |
8 |
herb
that helps with allergic inflammation |
vitamin
A |
9 |
helps with immune
function |
vitamin
E |
8 |
powerful antioxidant
and healing vitamin |
vitamin
C |
8 |
required for immune
system and has anti-inflammatory properties |
vitamin
K |
8 |
helps with healing
often extracted from the herb alfalfa |
Zinc |
7 |
people with
hay fever or allergies may not
be getting enough zinc. Often a multi-vitamin and
mineral supplement can
help or a good immune system
building formula. |
Potassium |
6 |
needed for good adrenal gland function. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|