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.

It has been years since I have purchased an over the counter medication from a pharmacy or drug store.  I have made it a priority to educate myself on the alternatives to chemical medications pushed on us by the government, lobbyists and the media.  In doing so I discovered homeopathy.

Homeopathy has been a trusted means of wellness for 200 years.  According to Samuel Hahnemann, the originator of the “like with like” theory,  diluting and succussing (shaking) remedies, which homeopaths call potentisation, not only produced fewer side effects but also produced better results than the way of opposites, most commonly used by conventional medicine.  This has been my experience over the last eight years or so that I have been using homeopathic remedies for myself and my family.

It is very easy to learn about remedies as well as locate and purchase them.  You can do Internet research, consult a homeopath, visit your local vitamin shop or natural food store, or acquire a book on the subject from a book store or library.  It is important to pay attention to the details of your symptoms.  The more accurate you are with how your feel and what you are experiencing the easier it is to find the appropriate remedy for your circumstance.  One book that I have relied on for years as a catalyst is The Prescription for Nutritional Healingby James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.  It was recommended to me by a friend, and I have referenced it countless times over the years and even given it as a gift time and again.

If you are suffering from any ailment that has not been cured through conventional medicine, I highly recommend that you seek an alternative.  Visiting your local health food store is a great place to start.  You never know what you can learn when you venture outside of conventional thinking.

Welcome to The Well Life!  It is my goal to provide you with personal inspiration that encourages you to live a well life.  Within this blog you will find resources on the following topics:

• Spiritual Growth
• Natural Remedies
• Nutrition
• Simple Living
• Family Life
• Community Involvement

As this is a work in progress, please visit often.  Information and resources will be updated regularly.  You just never know what you may find!