20 Dec April Showers Bring Spring Allergies!

Yes it’s that time again, your eyes begin to itch, your nose is runny and the sneezing does not stop.  You turn to antihistamines to stop the madness, but have you thought about what’s really behind your allergy symptoms.  Yes symptoms, that’s exactly what an allergic reaction is; it is a symptom of an imbalanced immune system screaming out for help.

When a substance such as pollen, ragweed or your best friend’s cat hair is inhaled, the body may recognize it as foreign and react by producing an overabundance of histamine. This leads to an inflammatory response such as sneezing and runny nose.  The same process happens in you digestive tract if you consume foods you are sensitive too.

So what should you do if this process continues to happen year after year, season after season?  Well, try really hard to find the culprit that is responsible for stressing your immune system (is it your taxed adrenals, is it your toxic liver, or are you overly acidic through poor dietary choices) and implement ways to balance your immune health.

Here are some tips to get you started.

• Clean out your liver.  The liver is the master filter; if the filter is bogged down nothing gets cleared from your body and inflammation may set in.  Try our  iV anti-oxidant glutathione for a quick liver detox.
• Ensure 2-3 bowels movements a day to maintain a healthy colon and minimize the stress on your immune system.
• Clean out your pantry and restock your fridge with colourful fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C.  Vitamin C along with Quercetin, a type of flavanoid most commonly found in apples, citrus fruits, onions and parsley, both function as strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds as well as antihistamines.  Try our iV Vitamin C infusions to kick start the process.
• Take a vitamin or mineral supplement: Natural anti-inflammatories such as curcumin and boswellia, natural antihistamines such as vitamin C , quercetin and Vitamin B3; Zinc, Vitamin A and  Vitamin E to stabilize mast cells and prevent histamine release; B5 and B6 to support the adrenal glands and anti-inflammatory hormones, as well as probiotics and hydrochloric acid to improve weak digestion.
• Remember to change your clothes when entering the house from the outside, taking frequent showers to prevent contaminating your bed sheets with allergens hitchhiking on your skin.
• Lastly, get tested.  Simple blood tests may uncover trigger foods that create imbalances in your body, salivary testing can decipher the adrenal situation and a simple stool analysis can be a window to your gut health.

As always, consult with a Naturopathic Doctor to help you solve the puzzle for a healthy, happy and allergy free you