Allergy Sufferers: Helpful Tips to Reduce Exposure

by Michael Burns, RPh, Clinical Herbalist

Introduction: 
If you are o ne of the millions of people who suffer from allergies, you know first-hand the misery that sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes can bring to everyday life. With spring upon us, it is increasingly important to look at simple and natural options to help reduce the symptoms you may experience due to allergies. 

An allergy can be described as a specific reaction to normally harmless substances (allergens) such as pollens, mold, dust particles, latex, certain foods, medicines, and insects. Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, may come and go, but year-round or perennial allergies may have you experiencing symptoms 365 days a year. Mold and animal dander, as well as cockroach and dust mite droppings, are all commonly found inside the home and can trigger perennial allergies. People often attribute their chronic congestion and runny nose to a cold because the symptoms are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Left untreated, year after year of allergies could possibly lead to more serious problems such as chronic sinusitis or asthma. 

Medical and nutritional advances have helped by way of new and improved medications and shots for allergy symptoms, but dietary modifications, nutritional supplementation, and simple household changes can be essential to reducing your exposure to allergensin the first place. 

Nutritional Supplementation:

• High potency B-Complex supports immune and cellular molecular functions


• Vitamin C helps to stabilize mast cells (cells that release histamine in response to inflammation) and decrease histamine release


• Selenium and Zinc help support the immune system


• Bioflavonoid compounds, such as Rutin, Hesperidin, and Quercetin help to stabilize mast cells and diminish subsequent histamine release and have natural anti-inflammatory effects


• Bromelain is an enzyme that helps break up undesirable immune complexes


• Grape Seed Plus Formula helps to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells by enhancing the stabilization of their cell membrane

The Pharmacist's Ultimate Health Allergy Relief Complex contains a combination of the above nutrients that work together synergistically for allergy relief. Another supplement that plays a roll in allergy relief is Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3 Fatty Acids help to reduce the inflammatory response secondary to allergy, as well as many other beneficial functions in the body. 

Dietary Modifications:

• Discover and eliminate food allergens


• Reduce your intake of sweets and refined carbohydrates


• Minimize your consumption of alcohol and caffeine


• Eliminate use of tobacco products


• Increase purified water intake


• Increase fresh juice intake, especially pineapple juice

Household Tips: 
Allergens that trigger allergies, especially mold, are present year round in your home. Homes today are built to be of tighter construction and be more energy efficient – walls are thicker, windows are of higher quality, and more insulation is used – leading to the tendency to trap higher concentrations of allergy stimulating substances and pollutants than in the past. Despite these issues, there are many things you can do to help reduce allergens in your home. 

• Keep air circulating in the house. This can be accomplished by keeping the fan o n the furnace running at all times. Mold and bacteria are less likely to flourish when air is kept fresh and circulating.


• Use HEPA filters (high efficiency particulate air filters) o n your furnace/air conditioner. These filters help remove, and collect for easy removal, a high percentage of allergens, dust, and pollen from the air.


• Encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs in hypoallergenic covers that can be zipped up.


• Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. These are areas of increased humidity that can lead to an increased risk of mold and bacteria growth. Be sure to clean exhaust fans regularly!


• Close your windows at night, as night air contains increased amounts of pollen.


• Vacuum frequently and get your carpets cleaned o n a regular basis. Vacuuming o n its own can bring o n an onslaught of airborne allergens. It may be helpful to upgrade to a vacuum cleaner that uses HEPA filters and technology to reduce emission of particulates.


• Keep pets groomed o n a regular basis and avoid keeping them in the bedroom at night.


• Dust regularly and use damp cloths when you dust to prevent spreading airborne allergens.


• Bed sheets and laundry should be done at least o nce a week. Twice a week is better.


• Eliminate exposed food and garbage.


• Fix leaky faucets and pipes that may encourage mold growth.

Bleach is an effective agent to eliminate mold and fungus. The key however is to find the source of the allergen to begin with, whether it be mold and fungus due to water leakage, humidity, poor ventilation, or pollen from outside air. The steps to help reduce exposure to allergens are important but will be, for the most part, ineffective if the source of the problem is not addressed. 

Summary: 
Allergies are becoming an increasingly common health concern, with more and more people being affected every day. If you are o nly mildly affected by an occasional seasonal allergy, consider yourself fortunate. For the others dealing with never ending allergy symptoms such as chronic cough, itching and watery eyes, and wheezing, you may find added relief by following some of the simple recommendations in this article. Allergy medicines in use today can certainly help diminish your symptoms, but take a close look at your dietary choices, nutritional supplementation, and changes you can make in your environment to help reduce your exposure to allergies in the first place. 


© 2006 Pharmacist's Ultimate Health. All rights reserved. 

Always work closely with your personal physician. Never stop taking prescribed medication without the advice of your physician. 

Any statements made have not been evaluated be the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.