There's so much reference material available and so many therapies available that it can be confusing deciding which person to believe and which program to try. Below I've combined information from Nature's Sunshine, Judy Cobb, Dr. Airola, and Informed Choice.
Allergy is defined as "any body reaction that cannot be explained by infection or injury or tumor growth. The term allergy should really be limited to eczema, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), bronchial asthma, drug reactions, serum sickness, and contact dermatitis." (Lendon Smith)
'Something' is taken into the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or digestive tract. The body, recognizing this 'something' as being unfriendly or foreign, sends out antibodies to devour the invader. In the process of eliminating and/or neutralizing the invader, histamines are released. The liver must then supply antihistamines to neutralize the histamines. Histamines are responsible for all allergic reactions that involve swelling, itching, fluid production and retention, etc.
Often in allergy situations we see weakened adrenal glands (hence, very little stress hormone production), a congested liver, poor digestion, hypoglycemia (especially cravings for sweets, bread, and cheese), and Candida overgrowth.
As many as 50 million people in the U.S. have some kind of allergy or asthma. The most common type of allergy is allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, which affects as many as 22 million Americans. The total bill for allergy treatments is estimated at up to $5 billion annually, a large part of it for decongestants and antihistamines. About 9% of those people with hay fever are sensitive to tree pollen, 40% to grass pollen and 75% to ragweed and other weed pollens. Symptoms of hay fever include swelling sinuses, itchy eyes and noses and wheezing. With hay fever; your body's immune system mistakes pollen or mold spores for menacing invaders and starts to produce antibodies. The next time you encounter the culprit, the antibodies trigger powerful inflammatory chemicals called histamines and prostaglandins which causes cold-like symptoms like stuffy or runny nose, itching and sneezing. Some allergic reactions can turn into asthma, characterized by sneezing, shortness of breath and coughing. About 7% of allergy sufferers have asthma.
Trees - there are approximately 6,700 trees native to North America but only about 65 of these cause hay fever. Among the offenders: alder, aspen, birch, fir, hemlock, pine, poplar, spruce, beech, birch, cedar, elm, hackberry, hickory, hazelnut, maple elm, oak sycamore, walnut, willow, olive and mesquite.
Grasses - There are about 4,500 species of grasses, but only a small percentage cause hay fever. They can be found all over the U.S. even heavily urbanized areas and they release enormous amounts of pollen. The most common grass pollens include: Bahia, Bermuda, Bluegrass, Fescue, Johnson, Orchard, Rye, Timothy, Sweet Vernal, Red Top and Velvet.
Weeds - The single most potent weed family is Compositea, or ragweed. This family consists of some 20,000 species. Other problem weeds for hay fever suffers are Redroot pigweed, Western water hemp, Russian thistle, Burning bush, Lambs quarters, Sheep sorrel, Nettles and Buckhorn plantain.
Early Spring Pollen Season begins in February, goes through March and involves predominantly tree pollen. Late Spring Pollen Season lasts from April through June or July. Trees and grasses are the biggest problems. Summer Pollen Season lasts from June through August. Tree and grass pollens stop by mid-summer. Fall Pollen Season is weed season, especially ragweed. Winter Pollen Season usually occurs only in south central Texas, Florida and Southern California.
Tiny reproductive spores released by molds, are second only to pollen as a cause of hay fever. They, too, are carried by air currents. Mold can be a problem year round, but usually peaks in mid-summer because they thrive in damp places and hot, humid weather.
Common sources of mold are humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners, shower stalls, damp basements, musty garages, plant debris, sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows and tents, outdoor furniture cushions and flower pots. Some seasonal molds grow on field crops and foliage or thrive in wetland areas and along the shores of seas and lakes.
You may have a mold allergy if you start sneezing when the car or home air conditioner is turned on or if you become congested while working in the garden, basement or garage. If you feel lousy on rainy days, molds may be to blame.
Most insect bites are trivial, but some bites or stings may cause reactions. Local reactions may consist of pain, swelling, and redness at the area of the bite or sting. A more serious and systemic (involving the whole body) reaction may require emergency treatment. People who know they are allergic to bee, wasp or hornet stings can carry a sting kit, that usually contains epinephrine.
If you are stung, remove the stinger using a scraping, not a squeezing motion, wash the area with soap and water, rub an ice cube over the sting and apply a paste made from baking soda or salt and water to draw out the poison. Sometimes antihistamines can be helpful to relieve local reactions and itching.
The following can help to prevent insect bites and stings: Take B-Complex. Avoid using perfume, scented soaps or lotions. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing. Wear protective clothing such as shoes, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt when outdoors. Cover garbage cans tightly. Keep food packed before and after a picnic. Move slowly when around a nest.
Decongestants help relieve stuffy noses, but may keep you awake. A nasal spray or nose drops rather than an oral decongestant can avoid the increased risk faced by people with high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes and depression. Antihistamines specifically treat reaction to allergens such as pollen, molds and dust. They often have sedative effects. They are not the best for alleviating cold symptoms. It may help asthmatics to avoid over-the-counter (OTC) mists that delay asthma treatment as well as aspirin and Ibuprofen. Reading labels can be important to learn what is in the OTC substances you are taking and to learn the amount that can be most helpful.
Allergies can increase your risk for a sinus infection because your nasal passages are frequently irritated and bacteria may more easily enter into the sinuses, as your own bodies defenses may also be inhibited. It may be helpful in reducing irritation to keep the membranes inside your nose moist with a saline spray.
Besides decongestants, anti-histamines, and saline solutions, it is helpful to drink plenty of liquids, which will help thin mucus secretions and to avoid alcohol, cigarette smoke, and automobile emissions. Keeping your windows closed and using an air conditioner with a clean filter may also help.
We do very little for the symptoms and work with the cause instead. This way we can monitor the progress.
With allergies, it is mandatory to support the liver, adrenal glands, digestion (many food allergies begin with poor digestion), and pancreas.
For the liver, LIV-A is preferred. An alternative is LIV-J. LIV-C (Chinese) is also excellent. These cleanse the liver and nourish it so it can function properly. Chlorophyll is often helpful too. LIV-Guard is excellent to rebuild and protect the liver from abuse. Enviro-Detox helps with cleansing the liver. BLG-X is beneficial for the liver and gallbladder.
Formulas for the adrenal glands and pancreas often work well also. HY-A, HY-C (Chinese) and Pantothenic Acid are beneficial for the adrenals. PBS, P14 and NBS-AV are effective for the pancreas. Licorice can also be used. Hawthorn extract can be very helpful in supporting the pancreas and stabilizing the blood sugar as can Chromium. Digestive enzymes are virtually mandatory in building the digestion in allergic people.
The organ/system which is manifesting the symptoms may need support. For example, HSN-W, SKN-AV, gentian, pau d'arco lotion, and yellow dock are good for the skin; SN-X, AL-J, AL-C (Chinese) Fenugreek & Thyme and Marshmallow & Fenugreek may help the sinuses; CC-A, CC-A Relief, mullein, BRN-AV, LH, LH-C (Chinese), FOUR or yerba santa can be used for the respiratory tract; LBS-II, LB-X, UC3-J, slippery elm or Acidophilus could be used for the bowel.
Some people have found relief by using Bee Pollen (start with small doses and build it gradually) as a preventative and curative. They usually use it for up to 12 months, and then find they don't need it anymore.
Supporting the body with vitamins and minerals can also help. Vitamin A can help to build respiratory tract integrity, and of course vitamin D is needed to help in the assimilation of vitamin A. Vitamin B complex supports the adrenal glands and helps them to function properly. Vitamin B is utilized best when taken with vitamin C. Vitamin C has demonstrated antihistamine properties with some people, and is used best when taken with bioflavinoids. Vitamin E helps vitamin A to work better, and also helps body cells retain their proper permeability, decreasing their susceptibility to histamines.
Many people have food allergies. Generally food allergies happen immediately after eating a food that doesn't agree with your body. Sometimes it takes up to 20 minutes to have an allergic reaction to a food or chemical substance.
Typical items that can cause allergies are milk, yogurt, ice cream, various cheeses, white flour, white rice, wheat, cauliflower, soda pop, preservatives, sulfites in wine, artificial sweeteners, over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
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