Allergies (including hay fever) arise when the immune system becomes oversensitive to a foreign substance such as dust, animal dander, mold spores, pollen, or various chemicals. Food allergies are also common, with wheat, corn, dairy products, soy, shellfish, peanuts, and chocolate serving as the most frequent offenders. Symptoms of allergies include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, fatigue, and headaches. Allergies may also play a role in chronic illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, migraine headaches, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression. Natural treatments involve identifying and avoiding the allergen (when possible), strengthening the body to reduce sensitivity, and alleviating allergic reactions when they occur. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements A rotation diet, which requires increasing the variety of foods eaten and not eating a specific food more than once every four days, is a simple and effective method for identifying food allergens and preventing the development of new sensitivities. A rotation diet may also be helpful for people suffering from other types of allergies. Choose from a wide variety of additive-free whole foods, emphasizing fresh vegetables and fruits, seeds and nuts, low-fat vegetable and animal proteins (avoid dairy products), and whole grains. Also emphasize brown rice, Millet, and amaranth over gluten-containing grams (wheat, rye, barley, and oats) if gluten sensitivity is a problem. Many people with allergies are addicted to the same foods to which they are allergic, so it may be helpful to eliminate foods that are eaten most often. These foods can often be reintroduced as a part of the rotation diet after a few weeks if they do not cause the reemergence of allergic symptoms. A variety of supplements can help in the treatment and prevention of allergies. The types and severity of allergic reactions vary widely, and a supplement program should be tailored to meet individual needs. Dosages are daily amounts divided into two to three equal doses unless otherwise indicated. vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams or to bowel tolerance: for its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects essential fatty acids, 250-1,000 mg: to reduce the inflammatory response quercetin, 1,000 mg with bromelain, 500 mg: to stabilize the membranes of cells that release histamine, which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Start taking two weeks before the beginning of pollen season. vitamin B complex, 100 mg, with extra B6, 100 mg, and extra pantothenic acid (B-5), I 00 mg: to support the adrenal glands, which are often weakened by allergies digestive enzymes, one to two tablets with each meal: to aid digestion, because many people with allergies are deficient in digestive enzymes BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies nettles, 1/2 teaspoon tincture or one to two capsules (preferably freeze-dried) every two to four hours; for its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects ephedra (ma huang), I cup of tea, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, or one capsule two to three times daily: a powerful stimulant that opens bronchial passages. (Ephedra should be used with extreme caution. It should not be used by people with heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid gland.) Siberian ginseng (eleuthero), 1/2 teaspoon tincture two to three times daily: to support the adrenal glands BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Homeopathic remedies for allergies and hay fever include: Allium cepa: for the relief of runny nose and burning, watery eyes Apis: for acute respiratory allergic reactions Also available are combination remedy formulas that include the above single remedies as well as ones such as Euphrasia and - Histaminum (from histamine). BACK TO MENU Essential Oils To relieve allergy symptoms, essential oils can be used as a massage oil applied to the chest and sinuses, as a gargle, or as a steam inhalant. Use any of the following essential oils singly or in combination: eucalyptus: antispasmodic, decongestant, expectorant frankincense: anti-inflammatory, expectorant, sedative lavender: antispasmodic, sedative PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use