Natural Remedies for AllergiesBelieve it or not, natural remedies for allergies may be more effective than conventional allergy medications, particularly as time goes by. As opposed to antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants, natural treatments for allergies do not lose their effectiveness and typically do not cause unwanted side effects.
If you suffer from allergies, here’s what you should know.
First, it helps if you understand that allergy symptoms are overactive immune system responses to certain substances. The naturopathic community has found that allergies are typically found in people with weak immune systems or in the case of food allergies, a weak digestive system.
With that in mind, it is easy to see why some of the most effective natural remedies for allergies work by improving the function of the immune and digestive systems. The second step is to support those newly strengthened systems with proper nutrition and lifestyle.
Now, you must remember that in the case of severe allergic reactions, the only solution is to avoid the allergen. When we refer to natural treatments for allergies, we are mainly talking about allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Symptoms commonly include sneezing, itching, watering eyes and headache.
There are, however, some symptoms that may be caused by food sensitivities; though they tend to be milder than full-blown allergies, they are still uncomfortable. Indeed, food sensitivities can cause a wide range of allergies. Most involve the stomach, but headaches and sinus problems can also be caused by certain foods. One of the most effective natural remedies for allergies like these is called the “elimination-challenge diet”.
It really helps to have a naturopathic physician evaluate your symptoms and your history, so that you know what course of treatment is appropriate. But, for now, you may be interested in the following natural treatments for allergies. Natural Anti-Inflammatories
Inflammation is at the root of many unwanted symptoms and poor health in general. Both hay fever symptoms and digestive problems involve the inflammatory process. Aspirin relieves pain precisely because it is an anti-inflammatory. Corticosteroids also relieve allergy symptoms by mitigating inflammation.
However, one need not rely on aspirin or corticosteroids because they can have undesirable side effects with long term use. There are nature made anti-inflammatories that present excellent alternatives and many of them can be effective natural remedies for allergies, of all kinds.
In fact, including more foods in your diet that have natural anti-inflammatory properties can improve your overall health, not just help combat allergies.
For instance, although it may sound shocking, some researchers now believe that inflammation is at the root of all types of cancer. So, incorporating these natural treatments for allergies into your family’s regular diet can protect their future health and well-being, especially against deadly killers like cancer.
Here are just some of the natural anti-inflammatories well known by naturopathic physicians: quercitin, bromelain, ginger root, resveratrol, turmeric, grape seed extract, mangosteen juice, tart cherries, omega-3 fatty acids, bioflavonoids, flaxseed oil, and the vitamins A, C, E and the mineral zinc.
Mangosteen juice has also been identified as having natural anti-histamine effects equivalent to prescription medications, according to Japanese researchers at Tohoku University.
Herbs and Botanicals
People have suffered from hay fever for thousands of years and the only remedies available were herbs and other plants. As natural treatments for allergies, herbs can be very safe and side effects quite rare, as long as they are taken in appropriate amounts and their use monitored.
There are as many herbal remedies for hay fever, from all over the world. The following are only a sampling and by no means exhaustive. Dong Quai is an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory.
Eyebright relieves nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes.
Gingko biloba is a natural remedy as well, even though we usually think of it as an herb that improves memory. Its bioflavonoids can help alleviate inflammation.
Milk Thistle has a long history of use among many native people. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects. It is also said to support healthy liver function.
Red Clover is used primarily to support the body’s natural resistance to allergies.
Stinging Nettle is used as a natural remedy for allergies in two ways. First, it acts similar to antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. Second, when given early on, before allergic symptoms begin, nettles seem to help prevent hay fever.
Other Natural Treatments for Allergies
It may sound strange to some people, but there is research suggesting that acupuncture is one of the natural remedies for allergies, in particular allergic rhinitis. In one study, participants concluded that acupuncture relieved their symptoms as well as antihistamines did.
Other suggestions include a nasal rinse made with water and salt to help reduce swelling in the sinuses and improve drainage.
Your naturopathic doctor, however, is likely aware of many other natural treatments for allergies. He or she can help you plan for a more comfortable spring or whenever allergies strike you.
My name is Dr. Rami El-Hussieny and I am a highly trained naturopathic doctor who practices in East Lansing and Ann Arbor, MI.
If you are in need of the services of an ND or just looking for a healthy alternative to traditional medicines, please feel free to contact me using the form below.
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