Allergy season is upon us.  Along with the daffodils, lilacs, and tulips is a light green veil of pollen covering our cars, porches and decks.  It is estimated that  20% of all Americans are affected by allergies.  Allergies are most commonly expressed as a runny nose, tearing eyes, burning or itchy eyes, red or swollen eyes, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, skin rashes, stomach cramps, vomiting, headache and itchy nose, post nasal drip, impaired smell, and itchy mouth, throat or skin.

Fortunately, Naturopathic medicine offers us relief from these symptoms without sedating us.  We can remain alert as we contend with the multifaceted aspects of our lives.

Identify the cause.  One of the six principles of Naturopathic Medicine.   The most common allergy triggers include pollen, dust mites, molds, animal dander, latex foods and insects.  Identifying your trigger is essential as there are some homeopathic combination products that work wonderfully. 

Household dust mix  10 drops 2- 3 times per day.  Having hardwood floors instead of carpets especially in sleeping areas can prevent dust mites from accumulating.

Weed and grass mix  10 drops 2-3 times per day

Animal mix  10 drops 2-3 times per day  offers relief of symptoms due to pets  (cats and dogs) as well as farm animals cows, horses, pigs, chickens and more!

Identifying Food Allergies.   Many times the foods we are eating may be the trigger.  A blood test is performed testing 150 foods.  Any of the foods the patient reacts to severely and moderately need to be eliminated from their diet for 2- 3 months.  Patients usually notice an improvement and can cut back on their medicines.

Helpful Supplements.

Quercetin is a predominant flavanoid found in the plant kingdom.  It works by inhibiting leukotrienes and preventing mast cells from degranulating and releasing histamines.

Quercetin is flavorless and in cases where my patient is experiencing acute symptoms of itchy, red eyes and runny nose, I recommend actually chewing the capsules and deeply inhaling.  This can quickly put an end to these annoyances.  However due to the bright yellow color, the patient will need to brush their teeth to remove the bright yellow pigments from their teeth. It also boasts other wonderful qualities including anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-allergy, and antiviral properties. 

Vitamin C  Vitamin C shows to be protective against allergies.  Vitamin C has anti inflammatory properties and works synergistically with quercetin.  I strongly encourage patients to include  papayas, apples, oranges, and tomatoes in their diet.  Supplementation will likely be necessary.    For adults I recommend gel caps of 500 mg each.  For children, liquid Vitamin C tastes pleasant and can be easily ingested for children of 1 year of age and older.  Therapeutic dose for an adult may be 3,000 mg per day, where as children only 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day.

Practical measures to keep your allergies in check.

Keep your windows in your home and car closed.  In the morning, when plants and flowers release pollen for reproduction.  Reducing your exposure in enclosed areas of the house and car is very helpful.

Avoid pollution:  Some people may think getting into the city is an attempt to get away from the trees and pollen.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Allergies in heavily polluted areas are more common and more severe. This is because manmade pollutants, especially nitric oxide, a major component in air pollution, react with pollen to make it more immunogenic (more apt to stimulate the immune system). This is also true of people exposed to second hand smoke.  In addition, the mucus membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat are already raw and irritated by these pollutants.

Dr. Greaves is excited to use her skills to help all her patients that suffer with allergies.  Initial appointments are between 60- 90 minutes and include an effective treatment plan.  All the products mentioned are of superior quality and are available through FirstHealth of Andover and Dr. Greaves.

-- Dr. Tara Greaves, ND

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