If you have successfully navigated the spring and summer allergy seasons, you know that potential fall symptoms are soon approaching. Anecdotally, it seems that more individuals are developing allergy-like symptoms; many for the first time in their life. A UK National Health Services study from 2010 did report a sharp rise in the number of people with fatal food allergies and a 15 year annual rise in allergy reporting. Is this just an improvement in reporting or are allergy-like symptoms on the rise? Drug sales for allergy/asthma products are indicating an upward trend. Singulair (the asthma/allergy medication) now ranks 4^th in drug sales in the U. S. up from number 8 just one year ago according to Drugs.com. So what is a person to do? Many times there is no single solution but a combination of smaller alternatives that can make a difference. Listed below are some ideas for you to consider:

• Use a probiotic
• Optimize your vitamin D level to enhance your immune system
• Wear a mask when outside cutting grass, raking leaves, or trimming hedges
• Change clothes and shower after working/playing outside to mitigate pollen
• Remove bark mulch and replace it with stone. The mulch can be a safe haven for mold
• Eliminate sugar carbohydrates and enjoy the colorful vegetables of the summer and fall
• Reduce or eliminate wheat products, food additives, and food colorings
• Cover your pillow and mattress with allergy encasings. Check the material to avoid plastic products.
• Use an indoor air filter/purifier
• Remove synthetic based scented candles and room deodorizers. Use essential oils as replacements.
• Wash bed linens in hot water (130 degrees) to control dust mites
• Store wood outside for fireplaces and only bring in amount you are going to burn at one time
• Vacuum using a HEPA filter machine
• Clean ceiling fans weekly
• Replace the soil in your houseplants every 6 months to reduce potential mold
• Use plants to clean indoor air; for example: Boston fern (#1 choice), areca and lady palm. rubber plant, English ivy, and peace lily
• Stay hydrated both by drinking water and use of humidifier at night (especially if force air heat system)
• Replace air filters regularly for HVAC system. Clean window AC unit filters monthly
• Eliminate trans-fats and consume Omega 3 essential fats 

If none of these seem to help, consider many of the homeopathic options for symptom relief. Sinusin, Histamin, Allergy, and Adrisin are just a few of the products that may be beneficial for you.

Asthma is an allergic disorder characterized by spasms or tightening of the bronchi or airway tubes in the lungs. During an asthma attack, the air tubes become swollen and clogged with thick, sticky mucous. This results in difficult, labored breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath. If the attack is severe, it can be life threatening. Many factors can contribute to an asthma attack. Allergies to different types of food such as milk, peanuts, eggs, shellfish, chocolate and even citrus fruits can trigger an attack. Food dyes and additives are being identified frequently as a culprit too. Other triggers include exposure to toxic chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection and emotional upset and stress.

 

The rate of asthma in the United States is on the rise especially among children. This is not surprising when one considers the typical American diet of processed foods and the increased exposure to toxins in our environment. It is a tough job today to stay healthy.

 

Elimination diets have been successful in treating asthma particularly in infants and children. It is necessary to eliminate all offending foods, food dyes and additives. Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow dye No. 5), benzoates, sulfur dioxide, MSG and sulfites are found in most processed foods, so become a label reader. If you can't pronounce the word, don't eat it!! Tartrazine is found in vitamin preparations and even anti-asthma medications.

 

Consider a nutritional assessment with a qualified naturopath or nutritional counselor to help determine the root cause of the asthma and to receive education on how to support the immune system. This type of assessment would be very worthwhile for a child who is having asthma and allergy problems. Children are under enough stress these days without the added burden of coping with asthma.

 

Homeopathic remedies can be used to stimulate the immune system to work more efficiently and help improve breathing. Homeopathic remedies do not interfere with medications. Health by Choice offers many types of remedies that can be used by infants, children and adults.

 

Vitamin D also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy respiratory system. Adequate Vitamin D levels above 40 ng/ml can lower the risk of infection and is crucial to decreasing inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Years ago sunlight was the cure for respiratory disease including tuberculosis.