Allergies

Allergies can be uncomfortable and horribly inconvenient! Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer, because there are natural ways to prevent allergies. We’ll help you be prepared this allergy season so you can finally be able to breathe easy.

First let’s take a look at why allergies occur. An allergic reaction takes place when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as dangerous. As a result, the immune system overreacts to different degrees and attacks the substance. Symptoms begin to manifest in the body, including sneezing, itching, redness of eyes, increased mucus, and coughing.
Many people take allergy medications when they get these symptoms. However, medication only covers up symptoms, it does not treat the underlying cause. The medication only treats the symptoms temporarily and thus it needs to be taken regularly- sometimes at higher doses if the body adapts to it- in order to be effective. A plethora of side effects can occur as a result of taking medications, including dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, infection, sleep problems, and weight gain. So, you could be causing additional problems for yourself by taking the medication.

One strategy, especially for young kids is to increase exposure. Exposing kids to typical allergens early on may help prevent them from developing an allergy. Early exposure to potential allergens teaches the body that they are not harmful substances. In one study, children who grew up with pets were 45% less likely to develop allergies than those who didn’t. Letting children play outside when they’re young can strengthen their immune system. The soil has a lot of beneficial bacterial that is great for kids to be exposed to. This being said, don’t expose children to substances that they are dangerously allergic to, without doctor supervision.

Another strategy is to take a look at your cleaning products. Some natural products that make good cleaning agents are white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and olive oil. Most commercial cleaning products available at the store have chemicals in them which can irritate the senses and make seasonal allergies even worse. Don’t mix bleach and ammonia, as this can worsen breathing problems, especially in those who already have allergies. Better yet, avoid Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), triclosan, ammonia, and bleach.

Another area to look at is your diet. Eating foods that cause inflammation can worsen allergic reactions. Eating healthy, nutritious food can help the body function optimally as well as support the immune system. Consume natural, organic foods, without additives or preservatives, and take probiotics (or probiotic-rich yogurt), which may reduce allergies. You can eat foods high in quercetin, which naturally supports the body in avoiding allergy symptoms. Foods with quercetin include green tea, red grapes, raspberries, and red onions. You might also consider a supplement called AllerDHQ, which we have in the office and helps out a great deal with allergies.

Many people have had success with getting chiropractic care. A chiropractic adjustment helps put your spine in alignment. When the spine is in alignment, the central nervous system can function more optimally. When the spine is out of alignment (in a subluxated) state, it means that the signals can’t travel through your nervous system as well. The nervous system is the master controller for the entire body! It controls everything from your breathing to your digestive system to your muscles. When the nervous system functions optimally, your mind and body are both able to function optimally as well!Chiropractic can help the body not only avoid the symptoms of allergies, but avoid allergic reactions altogether! When the nervous system is functioning properly, the body is less likely to have allergic reactions because it’s more in balance. Allergic reactions are caused by the body’s reaction to a substance; not by the substance itself, so it’s the body that generally needs to be adjusted.

Some other things you should consider are getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and getting some exercise. These are general, good ways to take care of your body. Hopefully, this helps you understand allergies a bit better so you can take control of your health! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We would be happy to help! If you thought this article was helpful, please share it!