Beating the Spring and Summer Allergy Blues

By Dr. Tim Fargo, Chiropractor

Around the month of May a delightful, and simultaneously horrifying, event takes place. Trees, bushes, and flowers begin to bloom, and when they do, they emit vast quantities of pollen into the air. This quaint, and altogether necessary, reproductive habit is a wonderful thing for the propagation of these plants. However, it may not be such a wonderful thing for you and me, if we suffer from seasonal allergies. Itchy and watery eyes, chest and sinus congestion, cough, runny nose, and foggy thinking may all follow in the wake of the onset of the spring and summer bloom. It should be noted that this event can also follow in the Fall, but involves other plants than are the main culprits in the springtime.

Some of us may never have experienced much in the way of allergies when we were younger, but now find that we are afflicted. This is largely the result of repeated exposure to these allergens, in combination with the ravages of stress and aging. We simply become more sensitive to things as we get older, and our resiliency naturally declines. Of course, if you watch any television, you might well resort to over-the-counter, or even prescription, medications to quell some of the natural consequences of exposure to allergens. The problem with such medications is that they all have side effects. Drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea are the most common reactions. Short of moving to Arizona, where they don’t have the same kind of plants that you are sensitive to if you’re from the upper Midwest, there are some other simple, safe, and common-sense things that you can do.

First of all, if you are also aware of having, or suspect you have, food sensitivities, then you should avoid those foods especially during airborne allergy season. When you combine the negative impact of food and environmental allergens the overall load puts tremendous strain on your immune system. Even though you may continue to have sensitivity to airborne allergens, limiting consumption of foods that you know you are sensitive to will allow you to better handle the airborne antigens. If you have suspicions about food sensitivity, then talk to the doctors at Chiropractic Health and Wellness; we do food sensitivity testing.

There are also a number of supplements that are completely natural that can be very beneficial if you have airborne allergies. There is a supplement called “Natural D-Hist” produced by Ortho Molecular Products. Natural D – Hist is a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, enzymes and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens. The formula includes quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles leaf, and N-Acetyl Cysteine. This potent combination of ingredients can significantly reduce the histamine response normally generated by exposure to airborne allergies. This product is totally natural and can, all by itself, eliminate the need for medications. I have found two other products that are extremely helpful for airborne allergies. One is called Antronex and the other Allerplex. These products are produced by Standard Process. They are an all organic, whole-food blend of nutrients designed to alleviate allergy symptoms. For example, there are occasions when I will be feeling allergic with runny nose and sneezing, and can take 4 to 6 Antronex, and have complete alleviation of allergy symptoms within 20 minutes. Like the previous product discussed, these supplements are all-natural and have no side effects. Vitamin C is also helpful with airborne allergies. This nutrient can be safely taken by virtually anybody, as it is water-soluble and does not accumulate in the system. If you are having allergy symptoms, then 3000 to 5000 mg of vitamin C can be helpful.

The overall message is that there are usually natural methods that can be used to alleviate symptoms without any side effects. I have known all too many people who spend their lives living on one medication or another. If we can move toward more natural solutions, then overall health can be benefited. Please chat with any of the doctors at Chiropractic Health and Wellness if you have concerns about seasonal allergies. We are here to help, naturally.

Learn about our other all-natural solutions:

Chiropractic Care
Headaches & Migraines
Massage Therapy

If you struggle with allergies give us a call @ (952) 209-7447 or click to schedule online.