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Allergies Originally published in Natural Living Magazine Volume 1-Issue3 Allergy season is upon us. Spring brings grass and tree pollens, while fall brings weed pollens. Many people suffer from hay fever symptoms all year long. These symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, headaches, and ear buzzing. Causes of Allergies Until recently, scientists were looking for one specific cause of allergies. They are now finding that allergic reactions have many causes. Heredity plays a major role in allergies. A person may inherit a predisposition to an allergy. It is, however, the tendency to become allergic to foreign substances rather than a specific allergy that is inherited. A person's biochemical individuality can be another cause of allergies. Their genetic requirement of nutrients may be much higher than normal for the prevention of disease. The metabolic pattern of other people may cause them to react very differently to similar substances. Exposure to drugs and environmental chemicals can decrease liver function, causing a chemical overload in the body and the destruction of enzyme systems. Illness or infection can bring on allergies. Changes take place biochemically in the body during prolonged illness, leading to decreased resistance to allergens. Daily overeating of a specific food can stress enzyme systems so much that they may not be able to handle that particular food efficiently any more. Stress is a major factor in allergies. Any stress that is beyond the person's ability to cope can lead to weakness in the organs and immune system. Weakening these systems leaves the person more susceptible to allergies. Allergies are the result of the cumulative effect of many insults to the body over time that have overwhelmed the immune system. We are not actually allergic to substances; we have just lost our ability to cope with these substances properly. The substance itself is not the cause, but the trigger of the allergic reaction. The Immune System The immune system is the body's main line of defense against foreign invaders. It sends messages throughout the body to both attack and destroy foreign substances, and to leave certain other substances, such as food, alone. A strong immune system will neutralize and dispose of allergens efficiently. The tonsils, adenoids, lymphatic system, thymus gland, spleen, and bone marrow all play important roles in the process of eliminating these substances. If any of these glands are weakened, congested or removed, then the immune system will not be able to do an efficient job at eliminating foreign substances and allergic reactions will occur. If any one nutrient is missing in the body, then cell permeability is increased. If the cell walls are weak, then allergens are able to enter the cells with ease and cause allergic reactions. Hay Fever In the case of hay fever, the mucous membranes of the sinus cavity, esophagus, and lungs are generally in a weak state. This enables pollen and other substances to penetrate the membranes. The immune system recognizes them as foreign substances and produces antibodies to attack the pollen. The white blood cells to which these antibodies attach themselves release a chemical called histamine. Histamine weakens the small blood vessels making them "leaky" to the fluid of the body. This leads to swelling of the tissue, which then acts on nerve endings causing pain. Classic respiratory allergy symptoms include runny nose, coughing, asthma, bronchitis, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sinusitis. Strengthening the mucous membranes and cell membranes is of utmost importance in the prevention of allergies. The mucous membranes must be strong and structurally firm so as to not let any allergens into the bloodstream. The cell membranes must be strong to prevent the spilling of inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream. Supplements such as Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids, Quercetin, Grapeseed Extract, Pycnogenol, Elderberry, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Essential Fatty Acids are just a few that will help to strengthen these membranes and the immune system. Prevention and Treatment of Allergies Taking Bee Pollen on a gradual basis will help inoculate you six weeks prior to the onset and throughout the allergy season. Detoxification of the liver, kidneys, bowels, and bloodstream will help to strengthen the immune system. It would be best to work throughout the winter months to strengthen the membranes and the immune system so that, when allergy season hits, you are not bombarded with hay fever symptoms. When allergy season does come along and you find yourself suffering with hay fever symptoms, then there is a wide range of vitamin and mineral supplements as well as herbal remedies that will help to increase your immunity and reduce the inflammation caused by allergic reactions. Helping the adrenal glands to produce natural cortisone, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, will help to offset allergic reactions. Vitamin C and Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) will help in this respect. Vitamin E, Vitamin B complex, and Essential Fatty Acids from Flax, Cod Liver Oil, Wheat Germ, and Evening Primrose Oil have been found to help lessen allergic reactions. A herbal remedy called ALRG Plus has been specially formulated to help reduce inflammation in the sinuses and rid excess mucus from the sinus cavity. Closing Thoughts Over the counter preparations are made to dry up mucus in the sinuses. This causes it to crystallize in the sinus cavity and will drive the mucus deeper into the membranes. Doing this over a long period of time can cause chronic sinus and bronchial problems. ALRG Plus is designed to help your body drain the mucus naturally without drying up the mucous membranes. Building the health of the mucous membranes and cell membranes will help you ward off the nasty symptoms of hay fever that so many people experience. Eating foods to which you have sensitivities during allergic reactions will cause the symptoms to worsen. Dairy and wheat products are two of the main foods to which people have sensitivities. These foods can cause a buildup of excess mucus in the body, which is a perfect breeding ground for the formation of bacteria and parasites. Eating a more alkaline diet rich in raw vegetables and fruits along with less protein, flour products, sugar and grains will help prevent allergies from taking hold. It is always best to build up your immunity and strengthen your whole system with the proper foods and supplements. Exercise and stress management is just as important for a healthy body. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world with perfect diets and foods so, in times of need, it is best to use something that will help strengthen your body to fight off symptoms instead of just treating the symptoms themselves. ALRG Plus is one of those supplements that can help the body do this naturally. By Sharie Hohn, Master Herbologist   <back to Natural Living Magazine Online Archive Directory>

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