Spring time brings long-awaited blossoms after bare months of winter, but along with beauty comes the misery of allergy season for many people.  Allergies can be frustrating, affecting the quality of life and productivity at work or home, school studies or athletic pursuits.

Many people find that natural remedies can be the answer.

Natural allergy treatment seems like common sense when we understand what is actually happening in the body during an allergy attack. An invader, (a prickly grain of pollen) enters the nasal passages and latches onto soft mucous membranes. These mucous membranes line the bronchial and nasal passages and contain immune cells, called mast cells, which are loaded with histamines. Receptors sit on top of these mast cells, and when an allergen, such as pollen, lands on top of the receptor, it alerts the mast cells, which respond by releasing histamine and other chemicals. The histamine initiates a series of reactions designed to help the body get rid of the intruder, including sneezing, coughing, itching and watery nose and eyes.

Allergy medications treat the symptoms that the body has created to get rid of the allergen.  Doesn’t it make more sense to build up your defenses before your body’s immune system is intensified and forced to attack?  Here are seven specific nutrients or remedies that many people do on a daily basis and especially during allergy season to naturally prevent a reaction before it occurs:

1. Vita- C (using a proprietary sustained release system)

• Boosts the immune system, infection fighter, natural antihistamine
• It is depleted by stress such as pollution, anxiety, fatigue and illness.
• Bioflavonoids raise the concentration of C in certain tissues,  especially important with inhalant allergies because it helps concentrate “C” in the mucous membranes.
• Helps to prevent inflammatory reactions
• Assists in production of adrenal hormones needed to combat the stress imposed by allergic reactions

2. Neti Pots- What could be simpler than rinsing away allergens with saltwater?  Neti pots, small vessels shaped like Aladdin’s lamp, have been used in India for thousands of years to flush the sinuses and keep them clear.  A little saltwater can rinse away those prickly pollen grains and help treat allergies and other forms of sinus congestion.  To flush your sinuses, mix a quarter to a half teaspoon of non iodized table salt into a cup of lukewarm water and pour it into the pot. (You can adjust the amount of salt, depending on what feels most comfortable.) Lean over a sink with your head slightly cocked to one side, then put the spout of the neti into one nostril and allow the water to drain out the other nostril. Use about half of the solution, then repeat on the other side, tilting your head the opposite way. Gently blow out each nostril to clear them completely. Neti pots are widely available online and at natural food stores. Use your pot about twice a day during allergy season, especially in the morning and after spending time outdoors. You also can use a neti pot before bed to prevent snoring caused by allergies and promote optimal overnight breathing.
An Italian study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that nasal flushing was a mild and effective way to treat seasonal allergies in children, and markedly reduced their use of antihistamines.

3.      Alfalfa

• Contains large amounts of chlorophyll, a natural antihistamine
• It is a source of many of trace minerals essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
• Some historical uses are  sinus problems, allergies and  hay fever

3. NutriFeron™

• Increases activity of macrophages which identify foreign cells and clean up dead or infected cells
• Increases activity of neutrophils, which are T killer cells that attack & eliminate bad guys (germs, viruses, bacteria, parasites, and cancer cells)
• Increases interferon production- interferes with replication of foreign cells
• Pumpkin Seed Extract – phytonutrients which together induce interferon production naturally
• Plantago Seed Extract – bioactive polysaccharides stimulate
• Safflower Flower Extract – contain polysaccharides which prompt macrophages (white blood cell “pacmen”) to form cytokines, small proteins that serve as messengers between white blood cells, and destroy invading cells
• Japanese Honeysuckle Flower Bud Extract – saponins, luteolin, and trace minerals which increase immune cell activity

5. Defend and Resist™

• Features standardized extracts of Echinacea, Black Elderberry,  & Larch Tree with immunoactive arabinogalactans to stimulate the body’s natural resistance during allergy season challenges.
• It contains zinc, which is known to help support healthy immune function.
• To be used as extra support if symptoms arise.

6. Optiflora™

• When there is proper balance with friendly microflora the immune system is released to work in other areas of the body.
• Unique, patented triple encapsulation technology protects “live” microflora, completely survives stomach acid and guarantees live delivery of Bifidus  & Acidophilus to the colon.
• Each pearl releases 500 million beneficial microflora.
• Counteracts the side effects of antibiotics.

7. Garlic

• It has been used for centuries as a natural decongestant and a natural antibiotic
• Shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-viral properties

For more information or to purchase any of these safe, effective herbal and nutritional products email mel2urhlth@aol.com or call 336-643-6494.