Allergy Problems: Don’t Cry…Remedies DO Exist! 
by Marci Crane

Poets may acclaim the charms of springtime but allergen sufferers curse the season even at its brightest moments. Perhaps these watery eyed, and red nosed seasonal victims wonder, “Is there really a way to escape the endless supply of Benadryl? The drowsy discomfort? The aggravation of allergy problems?

The answer is perhaps a resounding YES! However, the YES requires something that may seem hard to come by---a bit of self-discipline. 

Step #1: Making Dietary Changes and Combating Allergy Problems

One of the hardest parts about being an allergy sufferer is that it seems like everybody else isn’t affected. There you are with watery eyes, a runny nose, and Billy Bob in the rec room is eating yet another doughnut and grinning cheerfully as he stands right next to the bouquet of flowers that Jimmy bought for Mary Jane. This may seem a bit depressing, but look on the bright side. Your allergic reactions to allergens are signals or cues for change. They let you know that something (whatever that something may be) needs to change in regards to your health. The hard part is knowing what those changes should be. As you may have suspected, some (or many) of those changes will be dietary. And remember, just because Billy Bob doesn’t have the self discipline it takes to change certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t become a health-conscious person.

Foods to Avoid When Fighting Allergy Problems

For instance, an informational piece I found online recommends (please don’t become overwhelmed) avoiding “caffeine, alcohol, hot or spicy foods, shellfish, fried foods, dairy products, and all processed foods – white flours or sugars.” The article goes on to state that “these foods are [ideally] eliminated or reduced because they create heat, wind and phlegm in the body, which aggravate the allergic response.”¹

That’s a lot of dietary changes! However, if you take these “dietary cuts” one step at a time, you will start to notice how you feel when you don’t consume dairy products for instance, or caffeine. After an initial “depressed” period, you might be surprised how good you feel after you cut various items from your habitual diet. You might even find that your abilities to think, exercise, get “in touch” with emotions, play sports or communicate with others are enhanced. It will certainly take patience but the rewards will come when your allergy problems are alleviated.

What about dietary add ins? Are there foods that can help you in the brawl against allergy problems?
There are—as I mentioned above--certain comestibles that you should avoid when eating your daily meals and snacks but there are also some dietary recommendations that you can use to try to belie those dreaded allergy problems. Below is a small and certainly incomprehensive list of possible “allergy blockers:”

Local Honey: A Potential Remedy for Those Who Suffer with Allergy Problems
Natural honey, if made with the pollen in your community’s area, can actually help you to achieve a greater immunity towards the local pollens (i.e. allergens) when you go outside during the spring and summertime. Give it a try! You might find it makes a big difference.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Another Potential Relief for Those Who Suffer with Allergy Problems
Apple cider vinegar, though not exactly tasty, is an allergy remedy in more than one way. Take 2 tablespoons per day, 3 times a day, and if you prefer not to drink it alone (which is likely) take it with ginger ale, apple juice, grape juice, mango tea, etc. An online source ² claims that apple cider vinegar can also alleviate sinus infections, arthritis, contact dermatitis and other ailments.

A Xylitol Nasal Wash: Clean Up One of the Causes of Allergy Problems
A good amount of bacteria enter the body through the mouth and the nose. Some (and possibly the majority) of bacteria can be flushed away from the nose with a nasal wash and the xylitol nasal washes³ are natural since xylitol comes from corn birch trees or from other natural sources. Xylitol nasal wash may be another good way to battle your allergy problems.

Yogurt: Will It Cure my Allergy Problems?
“A study done at the University of California-Davis found that eating yogurt every day significantly reduced the incidence of hay fever.4

Steam: Yet Another Relief for Those Who Suffer with Allergy Problems

Boil water and include a bit of tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, hyssop or eucalyptus in the calid liquid.5 The steam plus the specific natural ingredients may alleviate allergy problems as well.

Fruits and Veggies: Battle Those Nasty Allergy Problems!
Eat lots of fruits and veggies! You don’t have to be shy when it comes to these guys. Eat dark greens such as broccoli, spinach and dark green peppers. Wheat grass juice is also beneficial but can be a bit hard to swallow. Take it with juice and that should help. Your body will be likely to thank you for it.

Air Purifiers: Will They Really Lessen your Allergy Problems?
Air filters, Ionizing purifiers, HEPA and ozone generators may also alleviate your symptoms. Be aware however that all air purifiers might not do exactly what the neighborhood salesman claims they will do. Before you invest, read, read, read about your air purifying options and talk to more than one expert. Then decide.

Reminder
Remember that many—if not most—people do NOT have the discipline it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Be the one who stands out! Practice what your body already preaches and make the changes you need for a happier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
 
1. http://www.insightdirectory.com/hj-articles53.htm
2. http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvinegar.html
3. http://www.xlear.com/articles/allergy-symptoms.aspx
4.  http://searchwarp.com/swa30443.htm
5. http://www.allergies-asthma-sinus-relief.org/allergy/aromatherapy-respiratory.php

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