In light of increased pollen counts and the greater than normal sinus issues that are occurring, this week's blog is dedicated to allergies. According to Pollen.com, an allergy is a heightened sensitivity to a foreign substance (an allergen) that causes the body's defense system (the immune system) to overreact when defending itself. Normally, the immune system would only react if a harmful substance, such as bacteria, attacks the body. In people with allergies, their immune system is working too hard, and it reacts even to relatively harmless substances, such as pollen. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from mild discomfort to life threatening situations. Allergens can stimulate an immune response when you breathe in or touch an allergen, or when you ingest a certain food or beverage, or when you take a certain drug or medication. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hay fever, asthma and hives. Common triggers are food allergies, pet dander allergies and reactions to the venom of stinging insects, such as wasps and bees. The most common medical treatments for allergies include avoidance of known allergens, use of anti-histamines, steroids or other medications, and immunotherapy to desensitize the allergic response. On the other end of the spectrum (the end that we think is best), there are the following commonly employed natural treatments. First, you may use a neti pot. Neti pots rinse away allergens from the sinuses with salt water. A recent study found that flushing the sinuses with salt water was an effective way to fight allergies. Also, the study found that neti pot users were less likely to use medication. Second, there is Quercetin, a plant compound that is a natural anti-histamine, which inhibits allergic responses. Quercetin is found in citrus fruit, onions, apples, tomatoes and broccoli, and is also available in supplement form. Third, Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, walnuts and flax seeds, have also been shown to lower inflammation that occurs with a allergy attack. Fourth, Stinging Nettle and Butterbur weeds are herbs that have large anti-histamine qualities, but have none of the dangerous side-effects of anti-histamine medications. Stinging Nettle and Butterbur are also sold in health food stores in capsule form. Last, but certainly not least, is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care, while not a treatment for allergies, improves the function of the immune system. As discussed above, the immune system defends the body against allergens. In conjunction with the aforementioned remedies, spinal adjustments to the upper neck, open up the sinus passages and allow the sinus mucous to drain. When spinal nerve pressure is removed from the upper cervical vertebra, the sinuses are better able to receive their nerve impulses from the spinal cord. When the clarity of nerve impulses increases, the function of the sinuses improves and the sinuses work better. The bottom line? While sinus allergies are nothing to sneeze at, there are definite ways to help your body adapt to the runny situation without relying on dangerous drugs and medications.
