Seasonal Allergies
An allergy is a hypersensitive response to a substance or multiple substances that come in contact with the body and cause an allergic reaction, or an "allergen." When you are allergic to a specific substance, your immune system reacts to it as if it was a foreign, harmful substance, and tries to destroy it. Allergies are very common, as approximately 30% to 40% of people in North America suffer from some type of allergy. Fortunately, however, a lot of allergies are harmless.
In numerous areas in the United States, spring allergies start in February and last around until early summer. Some of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies are: wheezing, runny nose, sneezing, itchy, and watery red eyes. Allergens affect about 40 million Americans each year from airborne pollen and mold. Airborne pollen can be triggered from trees, grass, flowers, and plants, that makes its way into the air. Mold can grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, and also grows quicker in the heat and high humidity.
For many, relief is just a pharmacy away -- with a large selection of traditional medications available to help. However, for an increasing number of allergy sufferers the road to relief is best paved by Mother Nature, with an assortment of all-natural treatments that studies show can help -- often without many of the side effects attributed to drugs. Nature-based products can be very helpful in treating allergies, and there are many types of treatments you can safely try including: apple cider vinegar, quercetin, and probiotics. Apple cider vinegar is able to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system. It can help relieve allergy symptoms and help prevent allergy attacks immediately. Quercetin, on the other hand, is best used as a long-term remedy which you should begin taking 4-6 weeks before allergy season begins. It is a natural bioflavonoid that helps to calm mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine which causes several allergic symptoms. Lastly, consuming probiotics in supplements, foods, and liquids can help boost your immunity, as well as prevent and remedy allergies. As far as traditional treatments go, not only can prescription medications ease symptoms, but allergy shots help tremendously. The type of medication varies depending on the type and severity of your symptoms, your age, and your overall health. With proper management and patient education, allergic diseases can be controlled, and people with allergies can lead normal and productive lives.
