Thursday, May 1, 2008

It's Back.....Allergy Season!

According to conservative estimates, approximately 15 million people suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and 17 million more from asthma.

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a seemingly harmless substance. Allergens are absorbed into the body by the way of skin, nasal passages, lungs, or digestive tract. Once inside the body, the allergens stimulate the lymphocytes (white blood cells) to produce what is known as allergic antibodies. The reaction between allergens and these antibodies is what produces inflammation of the nose, eyes, lungs and digestive tract. A stuffy nose, sneezing, wheezing, skin rash, watery eyes, nausea and stomach cramps are some of the common results.

The common allopathic or traditional medical approach is to reduce the inflammation with such medications are steroids. But this approach does nothing to get to the "root" of why the allergy is happening in the first place.

Adrenal insufficiency is a major cause of allergies relating to dust, pollen, animal hair/dander, foods, chemicals and environmental pollutants. Nutrition and stress play important roles in the proper functioning of the adrenal glands. A stagnant liver congested with toxins and fatty tissue cannot effectively then neutralize an allergic reaction.

Allergies can be overcome by simply treating the root cause of the problem. Addressing adrenal insufficiency and liver congestion are at the forefront of treatment. There are also some simple homeopathics that can help desensitize your body to the specific allergens. Either way, addressing the root of your allergies is nothing to "sneeze" at. It can help you be rid of that hay fever for good!

I will be offering a class on how best to overcome allergies at Whole Foods in Lakeview in the next month. I will keep everyone posted!

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