According to eMedTv.com over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. The immune system of an individual that suffers from allergies will react to a normally harmless substance. Examples of allergens that may cause an allergic reaction include:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Mildew
- Pollen
- Medication
- Food
- Insect bites
When a person experiences an allergic reaction their immune system is treating the substance as an invader and goes into attack mode. Even though this is a false alarm the symptoms generated are real. All allergies are caused by an unhealthy immune system. The immune system generates a compound called IgE antibodies releasing chemicals into the bloodstream. An allergic reaction can be anywhere from a mild inconvenience easily remedied on your own to a life threatening endeavor requiring medical attention.
Allergies fall into two categories. They can be annual or perennial with perennial allergies being the most difficult to treat. Annual allergies occur at specific times of the year, and perennial allergies can happen at various times throughout the year.
Common annual allergies:
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weeds
- Fungi and mold
Common perennial allergies:
- Dust and dust mites
- Animals
- Tobacco smoke
- Fungi and mold
Common air-born allergy symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- Running and/or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, nose and throat
- Watery eyes
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye membrane)
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Eye swelling
One of the best ways to head off allergies is to eat a healthy diet. Consuming pleny of fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to help build a strong immune system. Other natural remedies include:
- Consuming raw juices
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Flax Seed Oil
- Oil of Oregano
- Daily Multi-Vitamin
In my personal experience in a lifetime of suffering from annual allergies including the perennial dust and mold allergies cleanliness is extremely important. Doing the following will help deter an allergic reaction and/or reduce current symptoms:
- Wash hands and face regularly
- Keep bedding and pillows laundered
- Keep hair pulled back from face
- Dust and vacuum carpet and furniture regularly
- Use a vacuum that filters the air or wear a mask when cleaning
- Run room air filters 24-hours per day
- Bathe pets regularly
- Seek chiropractic care
- Use a neti pot to clean sinuses
Using a neti pot is something I discovered in the past year or so, and what a difference it has made for me. It is simple but does require a little practice. Neti pots have gained in popularity, so they are easily found at your local health store, department stores and Online at http://www.peacefulcompany.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=14 for your shopping convenience.
To use a neti pot remember the following tips:
- Make sure neti pot is clean before use
- Remember to put in the correct amount of salt
- Use warm water
- Tilt head at appropriate angle
Once you have experienced the benefits of cleaning your sinuses with a neti pot you will be so happy. It is such a simple way to reduce, maybe even eliminate, your allergy symptoms. I have experienced tremendous relief since discovering the neti pot. If you have severe allergies, you may want to use the neti pot several times per day. You may wish to visit http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20070426_350_106.jhtml for a demonstration on the use of a neti pot.
