Allergies? Here are natural ways to cope.

It is spring time. Sap is flowing, flowers are blooming, and pollen is being released.  We've been hibernating and now is a good time to get things moving, as stagnation can lead to dis-ease.  If we support our channels of elimination via bowel, kidneys/bladder, liver, lungs, and skin we are less likely to have immune system reactions that take away from vitality.

First, lets make sure we are taking care of the basics. Are you having a bowel movement at least one time a day?

Hopefully you are around type 4.  If not, lets talk.

Are you flushing toxins by drinking 1/3 to 1/2 your weight in ounces of water? (For example, a 100 lb person should drink about 50 ounces of pure water a day.)

Is liver support happening by consuming adequate Vitamin C sources, along with Magnesium from folate rich foliage plants (green vegetables).

Are we supporting lungs by moving the body and breath? Ideally walking at least 30 minutes a day.

If we have the basics covered and find ourselves still suffering from pesky allergies.  Lets stabilize those mast cells that release histamine and cause allergies, inflammation, and autoimmune conditions.

To start, friendly bacteria's aka probiotics, line our mucous membranes and help to prevent histamine release. It can be supplemented via capsule form and otherwise we derive them from regular consumption of fermented foods. Some find relief of inflammatory reactions using the Garden of Life Fitbiotic packets. The powder can be swished with water in the mouth, then swallowed to help coat mucus membranes.

Probiotics not only help to reduce inflammation but they also impact the function of our immune system, gut, and mental health.

Here are other ways that we can stabilize mast cells to prevent histamine release:

Bioflavanoids (Quercitin)-  a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in berries, citrus, onions, apples, etc. often found in combination with vitamin C in capsule form.

Nettles- Urtica diocia

Help to inhibit inflammatory pathways.

This can be consumed in tea or tincture (liquid extract) or capsule form. It is often found in sinus supplement blends.

Bromelain: Aids breakdown of irritants that enter our bodies. The source of this is pineapple stem. When taken on an empty stomach, it helps to break up non-living proteins in the blood.

Here are other neat studies on how Bromelain effects blood clotting, cancer cells, etc....https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416/

Here is also a nice compilation of other botanical approaches to reducing inflammatory condition's:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845706/

Some of my favorite products for relieving allergies have been:

Soloray QBC along with nettles tincture, taken as directed on labels.

Or Redd's Sinus formula that contains all mentioned items apart from the additional probiotics.

Wishing you the best of health.

Tiffanie A Jones ND

Dr Jones educates clients about preventative health care at:

Holistic Fitness (7501 Murdoch Shrewsbury, MO 63119)

Click here to book a Naturopathic consult or call 314-647-3999.

For more information please visit: https://www.holistichealthstl.com/naturopathic-physician/