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The Secret to Avoiding Pollen Allergies this Spring

By Charlotte on April 23, 2014 6:35 AM

By Dr. Susanne Bennett, Natural Allergy Expert

As we get older, it's natural for many of the compounds in our environment--dander, pollen, dust--that didn't affect us when we were younger to have a bigger impact on our allergy health. As our immune systems wear down, it becomes more difficult to process allergens, making a smog-filled day or a visit to a moldy house a nightmare. And since spring is now in full bloom, you're going to want to be especially vigilant of one allergen in particular: pollen.

I want to show you how to protect against pollen in your home and outdoors, so you can have an active spring and truly thrive. But the story of pollen allergies isn't just about avoiding pollen. Many Baby Boomers, raised on a diet of "meat and potatoes" (not to mention hamburgers, pizza and fried foods) are now starting to see the connection between their nutrition and overall allergy health. That's why I'm also going to give you some tips to improve your respiratory allergy health by improving what you eat and taking some key supplements that reduce inflammation, boost your immune response and help you deal with pollen allergies. That way, you'll be thriving all through 2014!

Reduce Your Pollen Exposure

Pollen, much like love, is in the air this spring. Sunny skies, drier air and warmer temperatures mean many of the trees that produce allergenic pollen--ash, sycamore and pine along the West Coast and South and juniper and cedar in the Southwest--are likely to be blooming now.

It seems like there are a million commercials touting drugs to help you relieve that "sneezing" and "itchy, water eyes" known as hay fever. And it's no surprise, since more than 40 million Americans suffer from pollen allergies. While these drugs may provide temporary relief, they actually only mask the underlying causes of allergies.

The good news is that a pollen allergy is not a "curse" you simple have to endure. As a first step, let's reduce pollen exposure. Then we'll talk about improvements you can achieve through diet and nutrition.

Susanne headshot 350.jpgDr. Susanne Bennett, author of The 7-Day Allergy Makeover

You can minimize your exposure to pollen by following these steps:

Beware of imitations, however, labelled HEPA-type or HEPA-style. These don't filter out the smallest particles, and aren't nearly as effective in getting the pollen out. Also, be sure your HEPA filter is the right size for your room. (Fortunately, air filters are all labelled for their ideal room size.) Too little power and it won't cycle the air enough to be effective, namely two to three times per hour. Too powerful and you'll be wasting energy.

 

 

 

 

 

Get to the Root of Respiratory Allergies

For many people, taking the steps above will work wonders in dealing with pollen allergies. However, often our congestion is at least in part also due to dietary choices and only gets compounded when faced with pollen in the air. Furthermore, poor dietary choices can make it that much harder for our immune systems to deal with pollen. It's like fighting a war on two fronts: you can't process pollen as easily if your body also has to use its energy to deal with what you eat. Luckily, you can greatly help your respiratory allergy health by eliminating some foods from your diet and adding supplements,

Eliminate Foods that can Aggravate Allergies

I've found that the vast majority of my patients with pollen and respiratory allergies greatly benefit from eliminating just three types of food.

The first of these, dairy products, is a staple for many Baby Boomers--promoted throughout the last four decades as having calcium to build healthy bones and being a vital source of Vitamin D. But in truth, thousands of my patients are sensitive to dairy, with nasal congestion being one of the major symptoms. Replacing your dairy intake with rice or almond milk is an excellent solution.

Products that contain gluten, such as cookies, pasta, crackers, bread and bagels are another source of poor respiratory health and make dealing with pollen that much more difficult. Try to eliminate all foods made of wheat, barley, conventional oats and rye, as these contain gluten.

Finally, that evening nightcap is often a major source of stuffy noses. While we enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine, try reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption if you have issues with pollen and see how things improve.

Add Natural Allergy Health Boosters

You can use certain key supplements to give an extra boost to your immune system and your body's ability to deal with pollen allergies. These are not "magic pills" and need to be taken regularly for maximum effect. Combining the following supplements with foods that contain these vitamins and minerals naturally (such as salmon for Omega-3) is even better. And I suggest working closely with your physician before starting a new supplement regimen.

Most of these can easily found at your local health food store or holistic pharmacy:

Vitamin C: An essential nutrient, which helps modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, making it easier to deal with pollen.

Quercetin: A powerful bioflavinoid found in fruits and vegetables that prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, which are responsible for allergy symptoms. Quercetin is an all-natural anti-histamine.

Stinging Nettles: Nettle-leaf extract contains compounds that reduce inflammation and histamine production.

Bromelain: A natural enzyme from pineapple and an effective anti-inflammatory when taken on an empty stomach. The less inflammation to fight, the more your body can deal with pollen.

Black Currant (Ribes Nigrum) Gemmotherapy: Gemmotherapy formulas are plant stem cell extracts from buds and shoots of organic plants. Extremely powerful in minute doses, black currant extract is known as the natural cortisone and helps alleviate inflammation and allergic symptoms.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An optimal anti-inflammatory supplement when taken regularly with meals. Also found in many foods, such as salmon, walnuts and cauliflower.

Pycnogenol: A study (June 2010) by Dale Wilson et al., in Phytotherapy Research concluded that pycnogenol (pine bark extract) taken five weeks prior to allergy season improved allergic rhinitis symptoms. This super anti-oxidant can reduce symptoms of inflammation, runny nose and itchy eyes.

Homeopbook cover The7-DayAllergyMakeover-1 350.jpgathic Lymph Drainage Cream: Helps drain and open the lymphatic system of the head and neck to remove metabolic waste and secretions, ultimately alleviating nasal congestion, runny nose and postnasal drip.

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About the Author

Dr. Susanne Bennett, author of The 7-Day Allergy Makeover, has been promoting vibrant, natural health for 24 years and is the founder of the Wellness for Life Center in Santa Monica, California. As one of the country's leading natural allergy specialists, she believes that everyone can regain their energy, vitality and optimum health by honoring the body's innate healing powers.

 

 

 

 

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