allergies Archives - Amazing Health Advances

5 Steps to Keeping the Aging Voice Healthy

The AHA! Team — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:34:46 +0000

Morgan deBlecourt via Duke Health – As we get older, gradual voice changes, such as hoarseness or vocal weakness, can take a toll on our ability to communicate. But this doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging. Here are a few simple suggestions to help keep your voice healthy and strong for years to come. Your Voice Matters Difficulty communicating can lead to social withdrawal and even depression. While most people understand that hearing loss is an important consideration as we age, it’s just as critical to evaluate and treat voice problems related to getting older. Vocal fold atrophy (or “thinning”), diminished lung power, and overall health decline can contribute to aging voice problems, also known as presbyphonia or presbylaryngis. Duke Health speech pathologist Cristen Paige explains how you can keep your voice in tiptop shape. 1. Be Aware Knowledge is power. Even if you haven’t begun experiencing voice changes, knowing the signs can help you nip them in the bud if they begin. These include being asked to repeat yourself more often, having to strain your voice to be heard, or feeling like you are running out of air as you talk. Being proactive can help you keep your voice stronger in the long run. 2. Maintain Your Overall Health You may be surprised to learn that conditions that affect breathing, like asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) can affect your voice. Breath is what powers your voice, so maintaining good lung function is vital to keeping your voice strong. Keeping the rest of your body in shape and moving is also important for the voice. Regular exercise helps increase overall stamina, build muscle tone, and improve posture — all of which contribute to a healthier voice. 3. Practice Good Vocal Hygiene As you can imagine, how you treat your throat and larynx (voice box) affects your voice. The larynx should stay moist and flexible, so drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which dry out your throat. Incorporate “wet snacks — things like grapes, melons, cucumbers — that have a lot of water content,” said Paige. Use a humidifier at home to keep the air moist. And, of course, don’t smoke! 4. Use It or “Lose It” If you are retired or living alone, you may be talking less. But just like the rest of the body, the voice needs exercise to keep it in good shape. Read aloud, talk to pets, join a choir, or sing in the shower. Look for social opportunities and participate in conversation. 5. Voice Therapy Many older adults with voice problems can benefit from professional help. A comprehensive voice evaluation can rule out any other causes for voice issues (like tumors or lesions). Your ENT voice specialist may suggest voice therapy, which is like physical therapy for the voice to improve its function, quality, and stamina. Voice therapy is typically covered by insurance, but check with your provider to confirm. To read the original article click here.

The post 5 Steps to Keeping the Aging Voice Healthy appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Do Allergy Medications Increase Your Alzheimer’s Risk?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:04:04 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – I love this time of year. But many of my patients dread springtime… They come to my clinic sneezing and sniffling. They have runny noses, and watery, itchy eyes. They can’t sleep or work. You may have the same problems. You need relief fast to get back to your life. So you might be tempted to pop some OTC remedies or ask your doctor for a prescription. But you may be getting more than you bargained for with those allergy drugs. They may make you lose your mind. Let me explain… Many doctors treat allergies with a class of drugs called anticholinergics (ACs). You know them by names like Benadryl and Dimetapp. In a new study, scientists linked ACs to an increased risk of dementia.1 Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine looked at 451 people, with an average age of 73. Sixty of the patients were taking at least one AC drug. They gave the whole group memory and cognitive tests. They did PET scans to measure brain activity. They did MRI scans to measure changes in brain structure. The results were worrying… The people taking AC drugs did worse on short-term memory tests. They had worse verbal reasoning, planning skills, and problem-solving. They also had lower levels of brain activity, especially in the hippocampus — the region of the brain linked with memory. And they had reduced brain volume and larger cavities or holes inside their brains. In other words, people taking the drugs had more brain atrophy. And AC drugs cause damage quickly. In fact, using these drugs for as few as 60 or 90 days can cause cognitive problems.2 Allergies are your immune system overreacting to normal dust, pollen, and animal fur. Special cells in the blood vessel linings of the inner eyelids, nasal membranes, and lungs release substances called histamine and inflammatory prostaglandins. These are the real culprits behind all the misery. They release fluids to flush out what your body thinks is a viral or bacterial infection. I don’t prescribe those dangerous AC drugs for allergies. Instead, I help my patients relieve the symptoms naturally. 5 Safe, Natural Allergy Busters You Can Use Today Nasal irrigation. This therapy is a safe and easy way to rinse your sinuses. It flushes allergens and irritants out your nasal passages. You can find nasal rinse applicators, including neti pots and sinus-rinse kits, in most drug stores. Just follow the directions on the box. But one caution… Make sure the water is distilled and as sterile as possible. Tap water isn’t safe because it’s not adequately filtered or treated. And it can increase your risk of infection. Pineapple. This tropical fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain. It counteracts the effects of inflammatory prostaglandins. To help lessen inflammation, you’ll need to eat about a cup of fresh pineapple every day. You can also take a supplement. Look for a capsule that is at or near 2,400 GDU (gelatin dissolving units), the highest standardized potency you can get. I recommend you take 500 mg twice a day. Quercetin. This bioflavonoid targets the special cells that make histamine. Studies show it prevents allergies before they start. It can even stop allergic reactions in progress. And it works instantly.3 Quercetin is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Try eating more apples, broccoli, cherries, citrus fruit, cranberries, green tea, leafy greens, raspberries, red grapes, onions, shallots, and tomatoes. If you’re prone to allergies, start eating more of these foods a few weeks before spring arrives. Or you can supplement. I recommend taking 500 mg twice a day. Stinging nettle (urtica dioica). This prickly herb is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can prevent hay fever symptoms if taken as soon as they appear.4 It works by balancing histamine levels and preventing the production of prostaglandins. I recommend drinking nettle tea. You can find dried leaves or tea bags in your local health food store or online. Drink one or two cups a day with a meal. Vitamin C. You already know vitamin C boosts the immune system. But it also halts the production of histamine. And it speeds up the breakdown of histamine already in the blood. One study showed that taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day lowered histamine levels by 38% in healthy adults — after just one week.5 To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Risacher S, et al. “Association between anticholinergic medication use and cognition, brain metabolism, and brain atrophy in cognitively normal older adults.” JAMA Neurol. 2016;73(6):721-32. 2. Xueya C, et al. “Long-term anticholinergic use and the aging brain.” Alzheimers Dement. 2013;9: 377–385. 3. Middleton, E. et al ” Quercetin: an inhibitor of antigen-induced human basophil histamine release.” J Immunol. 1991;127:546-50. 4. Roschek B Jr, et al. “Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.” Phytother Res. 2009;23(7):920-6. 5. Johnston, C. et al ” Antihistamine effect of supplemental ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis.” J Am Coll Nutr. 1992. II(2):172-76 To read the original article click here.

The post Do Allergy Medications Increase Your Alzheimer’s Risk? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Environmental Toxins Linked to Rise in Chronic Health Issues Among Children

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Since when did it become normal for kids to have chronic illnesses? More and more children are diagnosed with chronic health issues like asthma, ADHD, type 1 diabetes, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, and more. There was a time when a diagnosis like this would be a cause for concern, but today it barely registers as a blip on most healthcare professionals’ and even many parents’ radars. “It is what it is” seems to be the mantra. But it isn’t normal and shouldn’t be viewed as such. These health issues are not normal, especially for children. It’s time for Western medicine to take a step back, stop treating the symptoms, and get to the root of the problem. Therein lies the dilemma. Just how did we get here? Could environmental toxins be to blame? 43 Percent of Children Live With at Least One Chronic Health Condition Children are not only being diagnosed with chronic illnesses that were once exclusive to adults – some of these children are born with them. Tragically, children battling chronic health issues make up more than 70% of all pediatric intensive care admissions in hospitals across the country. An estimated 43% of children have at least one chronic health condition, according to one study that listed 20 common conditions. When they added obesity and being at high risk for developmental/behavioral issues to the mix, that number rose to 54%. These conditions included asthma, autism, diabetes, learning disabilities, and depression. Perhaps most alarming is that most of these conditions are carried on into adulthood, making them lifelong illnesses. Environmental Toxins – a Culprit for the Increase in Children’s Chronic Health Issues Environmental toxins are cited as one of the primary contributing factors in the dramatic uptick of chronic illness in children. Unfortunately, the U.S. (and most of the Western world) has a long history of harmful environmental chemicals. For example, lead has long been a culprit for a number of health issues and learning disabilities, and while it has been banned, it is still found in some places, such as lead paint that was painted over instead of being removed first. The same goes for asbestos. The pesticide DDT is another toxin that was widely accepted for a long time. While it has been outlawed, other harmful chemicals are cropping up to take its place. Each year, more and more toxic household products and harmful substances released into our environment are being identified. These toxic substances are in our homes, schools, workplaces, and even our drinking water. It can be difficult to avoid, especially if you aren’t certain exactly who your enemy is. Of course, we can’t disregard the dangers of glyphosate, indoor air pollution and the many toxins inside childhood shots. How to Reduce Environmental Toxin Exposure? It might seem like a losing battle, trying to fight a toxic environment around us. But there are steps you can take to minimize exposure. Read the labels. Read the labels on everything and avoid the more dangerous chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, per-, and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and glyphosate. Filter your drinking water. Use a water filter at home that removes PCBs and PFAs from your water. Choose fresh, whole, organic foods. Organic foods have strict requirements for pesticide use so choosing these foods decreases your pesticide exposure. Avoid highly processed foods. Opt for natural, whole foods instead of overly processed foods laden with chemicals and additives. Use an air purifier. An air purifier can help filter volatile organic compounds from the air, so you are less likely to be exposed to chemicals in gas form that are released in your home from the products you use. Make your own natural household cleaning products. Vinegar, baking soda, and other natural substances can clean and sanitize your home just as well as store-bought products but without the harmful chemicals released into the air and left as residue on surfaces. The health of our children should be a top priority. They depend on us to make the world a safer place for them. We need to work harder to live up to that. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NIH.gov ScienceDirect.com EnvironHealthPrevMed.BiomedCentral.com To read the original article click here.

The post Environmental Toxins Linked to Rise in Chronic Health Issues Among Children appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Food Allergies Can Be Reversed in Mice by Targeting the Microbiome

AHA Publisher — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 07:00:45 +0000

American Chemical Society (ACS) via Newswise – CHICAGO, Aug. 21, 2022 — Although many people with dietary allergies experience mild symptoms when exposed to triggering foods, some face potentially fatal consequences. A bacterial compound called butyrate that’s made by healthy microbiomes has shown promise against allergic reactions in lab tests, but it’s nasty to take orally. Today, scientists describe a more palatable way to deliver this compound and report that their “polymeric micelles” are effective against peanut allergies in mice. The treatment could someday counteract many types of food allergies and inflammatory diseases. The researchers will present their results at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Fall 2022 is a hybrid meeting being held virtually and in-person Aug. 21–25, with on-demand access available Aug. 26-Sept. 9. The meeting features nearly 11,000 presentations on a wide range of science topics. Some of the bacteria in the gut microbiome produce metabolites, such as butyrate, that foster the growth of beneficial bacteria and maintain the lining of the gut. If a person’s microbiome is unhealthy and lacks these butyrate-producing bacteria, fragments of partially digested food can leak out of the gut and produce an immune reaction that results in an allergic response. One way to treat those with allergies would be to provide the missing bugs to them orally or with a fecal transplant, but that hasn’t worked well in the clinic, according to Jeffrey Hubbell, Ph.D., one of the project’s principal investigators (PIs). “So we thought, why don’t we just deliver the metabolites — like butyrate — that a healthy microbiome produces?” “But butyrate has a very bad smell, like dog poop and rancid butter, and it also tastes bad, so people wouldn’t want to swallow it,” says Shijie Cao, Ph.D., who is presenting the results at the meeting for the team, which is at the University of Chicago. And even if people could choke it down, butyrate would be digested before reaching its destination in the lower gut. To overcome these challenges, the researchers, including co-PI Cathryn Nagler, Ph.D., and Ruyi Wang, Ph.D., designed a new delivery system. They polymerized butanoyloxyethyl methacrylamide — which has a butyrate group as a side chain — with methacrylic acid or hydroxypropyl methacrylamide. The resulting polymers self-assembled into aggregates, or polymeric micelles, that tucked the butyrate side chains in their core, thus cloaking the compound’s foul smell and taste. The researchers administered these micelles to the digestive systems of mice lacking either healthy gut bacteria or a properly functioning gut lining. After digestive juices released the butyrate in the lower gut, the inert polymers were eliminated in the feces. The treatment restored the gut’s protective barrier and microbiome, in part by increasing production of peptides that kill off harmful bacteria, which made room for butyrate-producing bacteria. Most importantly, dosing allergic mice with the micelles prevented a life-threatening anaphylactic response when they were exposed to peanuts. “This type of therapy is not antigen specific,” Cao notes. “So theoretically, it can be broadly applied to any food allergies through the modulation of gut health.” Next up are trials in larger animals, followed by clinical trials. If those trials succeed and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the oral treatment, the micelles could be marketed in small packets; consumers would tear open a packet and stir the contents into a glass of water or juice. In other work with the micelles, the team is analyzing data on treating inflammatory bowel diseases with the oral therapy. The team is also investigating administration via injection. The researchers have shown that this method allows the micelles and their butyrate cargo to accumulate in lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system. They found that this approach is effective in treating peanut allergies in mice, but it could also be used to suppress immune activation locally — rather than throughout the body. For example, injections could be helpful in patients who have had an organ transplant or who have a localized autoimmune and inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers acknowledge support and funding from their start-up company, ClostraBio, and the University of Chicago. To read the original article click here.

The post Food Allergies Can Be Reversed in Mice by Targeting the Microbiome appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Is Allergy Season Getting Worse?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 07:00:38 +0000

Naama Barak via Israel21c – While this winter’s been a harsh one here in Israel, many people aren’t enjoying spring. And for good reason, too, since it involves weeks of blowing their nose, being red-eyed and feeling all scratchy. In other words: allergy season is upon us. And unfortunately, the climate change we’re experiencing isn’t making things a whole lot better. “We have the greenhouse effect which in countries like ours prolongs the warm season, creates more air pollution, more flowering time and apparently also very high flowering intensity, which all bring down the lives of people with allergies,” explains Dr. Yuval Tal, director of the clinical immunology and allergy unit at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. “Another thing that’s related to the greenhouse effect is the rise of carbon dioxide,” he adds. “The more you increase the temporality of the CO2, the longer you let the flowers blossom and create more pollen.” And pollen is the enemy of people suffering from respiratory allergies. “Usually, when we think about pollen, we think of the pretty flowers that bees are drawn to and pollinate,” says Gabriela Adler, chief scientist at air quality monitoring and forecasting company BreezoMeter. “That’s not the pollen we’re talking about when it comes to allergies. This is pollen that is pollinated by a different, wind-based method,” explains Adler, who has a PhD in atmospheric science. “And because the pollination isn’t targeted like it is with bees, it has to do more with quantities. The flowers of these trees aren’t very pretty because they don’t need to attract insects, and they just dump huge quantities of pollen into the air to make something catch. That’s why there are such large quantities of pollen in the air,” she tells ISRAEL21c. “Pollen is seasonal and it varies from species to species. Trees are usually around spring, then there’s grass and then weeds toward the fall. They each have a season, and so do the different types of trees – birch trees, olive trees and oaks all have their own season – and they’re all also affected by the microclimate. One tree located in Seattle will have different seasonality than a similar tree located 20 kilometers away.” What Trees Know Adler explains that trees have an emission mechanism and a scattering mechanism. “The emission mechanism emits pollen when the conditions are optimal and it feels that the pollen won’t go to waste,” Adler says. “Good conditions are a high temperature and relatively low humidity. For trees, that usually happens around spring.” But the effects of climate change, fluctuating temperatures and longer and shorter seasons play around with that. “Coniferous trees, for example, have mechanisms that ‘count’ the number of cold days in winter and then when the temperatures rise, they ‘count’ the number of warm days in order to pollinate. Each [temperature-related] disruption disrupts the whole pollen season,” Adler adds. Specific climatic events such as thunderstorms also wreak havoc with regular pollination patterns, Tal notes. “There’s the whole issue of extreme weather. If for example you have a lightning storm, then the lightning makes the pollen hover off the ground, and the electricity in the air opens the proteins,” he explains. Stress and Allergies And yet, climate change isn’t the only thing making our allergies worse in recent years. “Other things worsening the situation are our growing awareness, the fact we have more money and, perhaps most importantly, the increasing stress of Western life,” Tal notes. “Chronic stress makes allergic diseases more difficult to balance because of a protein in the blood that’s the main protein in the allergic process. It makes the state of allergies worse and more stubborn in the face of treatment. I think that’s no less substantial than other things.” As for awareness and money, Tal notes that since most people are no longer battling to survive like they did in the past, they can give more time and thought to smaller things that bother them, such as runny noses and scratchy eyes – conditions that are not life-threatening but still impact well-being. Prevention and Treatment The two experts recommend preventative measures and treatment. Adler, whose company BreezoMeter lets users know about real-time allergens in their immediate surroundings, notes that simple actions like deciding whether or not to hang the laundry outside or to take the dog for a walk due to pollen levels can minimize exposure and suffering. “You can try and avoid it, and to manage this whole allergy business,” she notes. “It’s mostly about being aware that things can change from day to day and that it’s dynamic, even when it’s allergy season.” Tal, meanwhile, recommends forgoing over-the-counter antihistamines in favor of a visit to a specialist. “Professionals have the tools to help people. We can help around 90 percent of patients,” he tells ISRAEL21c. “An anti-allergy pill isn’t always the solution. People take an antihistamine for everything. It usually doesn’t do damage, but it also doesn’t do a lot of good, and it anyhow probably isn’t the same sort of antihistamine that we could give out as professionals,” he says. “Going to an expert at a good center is the most effective solution that I can offer.” To read the original article click here.

The post Is Allergy Season Getting Worse? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

What to Eat to Help with Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever)

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:00:26 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What did a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of a food that costs pennies a day for ragweed allergy sufferers find? A “great deal is asked of our immune system. It is firstly required to respond rapidly and violently to invaders, but at the same time limits both the duration of its response and the collateral damage to the host.” Anaphylactic shock, which is “defined as ‘a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death’”—like when someone with a peanut allergy dies after eating one—is an example of an overactive immune response. The flipside is an underactive immune response, which can put you at risk for infection. If you suffer a severe trauma, for example, it’s not enough to get to a level 1 trauma center. Death related to sepsis, or blood infection, is still a major problem, and a “primary factor in the development of sepsis is depression of host-immune response after severe injury”—that is, depression of our own immune system, caused by the stress of the trauma. Researchers tried to stimulate immune function in trauma victims by injecting them with beta glucan, a type of fiber found in yeast. Most of the subjects were car crash victims, but some suffered from gunshots and stab wounds. Not only did the beta-glucan group suffer less sepsis overall, but they also had five times fewer complications and no deaths, compared to nearly one in three dying in the control group. You may recall that I’ve talked previously about the role of oral beta glucans in the form of nutritional yeast to boost immune function in adults and children. If beta glucans are so immunostimulatory, though, might they increase inflammation and worsen allergies? Actually, dietary yeast may offer the best of both worlds, possessing both anti–inflammatory and anti-microbial abilities. On the one hand, yeast beta glucans activate the immune system to prevent infections, and, on the other hand, they are capable of reducing inflammatory reactions. Given their best-of-both-worlds nature, enhancing immune defense while simultaneously down-regulating inflammations, beta glucans are suggested as a replacement for immunosuppressive drugs to treat inflammatory diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease. It turns out that’s not a good idea for Crohn’s disease or another disease called hidradenitis suppurativa, though, since it can makes things worse, but what about allergies, like hay fever? As I discuss in my video Flashback Friday: Best Food for Hay Fever (Seasonal Allergies), researchers performed a nasal provocation test with tree pollen and then siphoned off some mucus. The subjects who had been taking beta glucans had lower levels of some inflammatory compounds. Based only on that finding, the researchers suggested beta glucans may help people with hay fever—but you don’t know, until you put it to the test. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study compared the effects of daily supplementation with about a teaspoon of nutritional yeast’s worth of beta glucans versus placebo for a month “on physical and psychological health attributes of self-described ‘moderate’ ragweed allergy sufferers.” The ragweed family is one of the leading causes of hay fever. As you can see at 3:02 in my video, when you give people a placebo, nothing much happens. In contrast, the beta-glucan group experienced a significant drop in symptoms and symptom severity: fewer runny noses, fewer itchy eyes, and fewer sleep problems. It’s no wonder they also had less tension, less depression, less anger, less fatigue, less confusion, and more vigor. Improvements in allergy symptoms, overall physical health, and emotional well-being with the beta glucans found in just a single teaspoon of nutritional yeast, which would cost about 5 cents a day. This is part of an extended series about the benefits versus risks of going out of our way to add nutritional yeast to our diet. As I mentioned, I’ve previously talked about the role of oral beta glucans in the form of nutritional yeast. Check out those videos: Flashback Friday: Best Food to Counter Stress-Induced Immune Suppression and Best Food to Prevent Common Childhood Infections. KEY TAKEAWAYS Our immune system must respond quickly to invaders, while also limiting the duration of its response and collateral damage inflicted on us. A primary factor in the development of sepsis, or blood infection, which can be fatal, is depression of our own immune system, caused by the stress of severe injury or trauma. Researchers successfully stimulated immune function in trauma victims (of car crashes, gunshots, or stabbings) with beta glucan, a type of fiber found in yeast, resulting in fewer subjects suffering from sepsis and five times fewer complications and no deaths, compared to nearly one in three dying in the control group. Dietary yeast, such as nutritional yeast, possess both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial abilities, activating the immune system to prevent infections while also capable of reducing inflammatory reactions. Beta glucans are not recommended for individuals with Crohn’s disease or hidradenitis suppurativa, but daily supplementation with about a teaspoon of nutritional yeast’s worth significantly benefited ragweed allergy sufferers compared with placebo. To read the original article click here.

The post What to Eat to Help with Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

#1 Action to Support Sinus Health Before Allergy Season

AHA Publisher — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 08:49:44 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Allergy season is coming. Are your sinuses ready? They’ve likely been battling colds and viruses for months, and now Spring is on the horizon. What’s the #1 action you can take to improve sinus health? There are many things you can do. However, most of them serve as a band-aid more than targeting the root of the problem. Today, we have a real tool that supports full body health while targeting sinus health. In addition to the #1 action, here are nine other healthy tips, why allergies and sinus issues are so challenging, and what you can expect for a holistic approach that supports body health, sinus health, and home health. Why Sinuses Suffer According to the CDC, more than 50 million Americans now suffer from allergies and sinus issues each year (1). Most sinus issues first begin due to a cold, congestion, or allergen. Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinus cavities, often results as mucus blocks the sinuses and vessels become dilated due to inflammation. If these problems continue to fester, the risk of sinus infections increases. Common sinus issues include sinus blockages, deviated nasal septum, narrow sinuses, and sinus allergies (2). While it can be daunting to face cold & flu season, then an increase in pollen in the spring, there are steps you can take to overcome sinus issues and improve sinus health. #1 Action to Improve Sinus Health As a first defense, start supplementing with nutrients that specifically support sinus health. These supplements include vitamins, amino acids, anti-inflammatory compounds and more. You can find all of them in Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Sinus Formula, which delivers an all-in-one supplement for sinus health. It’s vital to consistently get these nutrients into your system, ahead of allergy season – so start now! More Practices to Improve Sinus Health & Allergy Symptoms YOUR DIET 1. ADD PROBIOTICS EACH DAY Probiotics and Fermented Foods can also reduce whole-body inflammation to support sinus health. How? Amazingly, the health of your digestive system affects sinus health. In fact, one study of 173 people who suffer from seasonal allergies found that taking a daily probiotic with lactobacillus strains significantly improved their “quality of life” scores from baseline to peak pollen compared to a placebo group (3). It is hypothesized that probiotics can improve the quality of life of seasonal allergy sufferers by increasing the percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and improving allergen tolerance. 2. EAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET AND AVOID PROCESSED INFLAMMATORY FOODS Whole-body health also influences sinus health. Your diet directly affects inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory reactions in the body. To increase anti-inflammatory actions, which support sinus health, eat anti-inflammatory foods. These include: Fatty fish and seafoods Colorful vegetables Ginger and Turmeric Seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp heart seeds Omega-3 Supplements such as Dr. Colbert’s Wild Alaskan Salmon Omega-3 Supplements On the other hand, it’s crucial to avoid highly inflammatory processed foods. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, refined grains, and cheap oils such as soybean oil. Studies have shown that those with seasonal allergic reactions and asthmatic allergies actually have higher underlying inflammation even when they are not showing symptoms (4). Therefore, many experts believe reducing overall inflammation may improve asthmatic and allergic conditions. You can find a full plan in Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto Zone® Book. 3. TRY A DAILY DOSE OF RAW CIDER VINEGAR There are 2 ways raw apple cider vinegar can support sinus health: In lab tests, scientists have found that the bacteria in raw vinegar can actually improve immune factors and protect from an allergic reaction (5). Apple cider vinegar is a natural decongestant, and it causes your sinuses to drain when you drink it. While the relief is temporary, it is effective and reduces the risk of clogged sinuses becoming infected. What’s more, unlike medication decongestants, you are not at risk of rebound congestion, which can occur with long-term use of decongestants and results in worsening symptoms. How should you take it? ALWAYS dilute apple cider vinegar. Taken straight, it can damage your esophagus. Instead, mix 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 4 oz. water, 1/2 tsp ginger, ½ tsp cinnamon, and stevia to taste. Take 2-3 times per day during allergy season. AT THE SITE: IN THE SINUSES 4. TRY ALL-NATURAL SINUS SPRAYS At most stores and pharmacies, you can find nasal sprays with simple ingredients like baking soda, salt, xylitol, and purified water. These sprays flush out your nasal passages. When used a few times per day they can ease allergy symptoms, especially if you begin using it proactively before strong symptoms begin. KEEP YOUR HOUSE CLEAN 5. LEAVE SHOES OUTSIDE OR TUCKED AWAY Shoes have a way of trapping pollen on them and then depositing it all over your floor surfaces if worn inside. Instead, remove them at the door and leave them out. 6. CLOSE WINDOWS & DOORS DURING HIGH POLLEN Especially if you live in an area with high pollen counts, keep windows and doors closed. Pollen blows around most in the Spring, and typically in the early hours of the day. Keep windows and doors closed to avoid pollen blowing inside. Instead, use an air conditioner or cooler if it is too warm. Make sure to change the old filters as they will most likely be full of dust, pollen, and mold. Installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter will also help to remove allergens from the interiors. 7. KEEP YOUR FLOORS, FANS, FILTERS, & COUNTERS AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE Dust mites also cause many allergy symptoms. Dusting regularly, vacuuming and using a HEPA filter, and washing floors and surfaces regularly can help reduce seasonal allergies and symptoms. SKIN & BODY CARE 8. TAKE A SHOWER & CHANGE CLOTHES AFTER BEING OUTDOORS Clothes and hair are pollen magnets, so take them off and rinse as soon as possible! Instead of dragging the pollen inside and sitting it in, shower and change. 9. GET RID OF POLLEN BEFORE CLIMBING INTO BED Consider showering before bed, changing pillowcases daily, and sheets regularly. If you go to bed with pollen in your hair, it can stay on your pillowcase for days. Then, you’re essentially sleeping in pollen! Keep these soft surfaces as clear of pollen as possible to get a good night sleep and wake up feeling better rather than worse. Bottom Line Cold and flu season is almost over, but we have to face allergy season next. Are you prepared? Try Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Sinus Formula and use our tips to support sinus health and feel your best this spring! To read the original article click here.

The post #1 Action to Support Sinus Health Before Allergy Season appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies May Finally Bring Relief to Those Suffering from Asthma and Allergies

AHA Publisher — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:00:48 +0000

Rutgers University’s Office for Research via Newswise – Asthma and allergies are chronic health conditions that continue to adversely impact the quality of life for many around the world. Thanks to exciting breakthroughs by Mark Siracusa, a researcher at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, there may be early signs of light at the end of the tunnel. According to Siracusa, many allergies are difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat, and doctors prescribe numerous medications that merely mitigate some of the symptoms without preventing the disease. Siracusa focused his attention and research on mast cells, a type of white blood cell that is part of the first line of defense in the body’s immune system but also the primary driver for asthma and allergies. “Although we’ve known about mast cells for over 100 years, they have remained very challenging to study,” said Siracusa, director of the Research Support Core and associate professor of medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “By taking advantage of emerging technologies, we have been able to generate tools that, for the first time, allow us to study these cells at a very granular level. These advances have allowed us to uncover new and exciting therapeutic targets that can bring significant relief to patients.” Mast cells live between the external and internal tissues, detecting foreign bodies and releasing chemicals to alert the immune system. However, allergies and asthma can occur if the mast cells overreact to non-threatening stimulants, thereby causing the immune system to kick in even when no threat exists. With funding from the Foundation Venture Capital Group (FVCG), an affiliate of the New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF), and support from Rutgers Office for Research, Siracusa founded NemaGen Discoveries, Inc., a biotech startup aimed at advancing therapies for patients suffering from mast cell-related diseases and chronic inflammation. “The missions of NJHF and NemaGen are fully aligned – to improve the quality of life for suffering patients. We are excited that our funding will help to advance NemaGen’s research, which can potentially lead to the solution that these patients need,” said George F. Heinrich, MD, vice chair and CEO of NJHF and FVCG. “We look forward to working with Dr. Siracusa and Rutgers University to successfully commercialize NemaGen’s technology.” The Rutgers startup was established to identify novel approaches to disrupt and combat mast cells, which up until now have had the upper hand over medicine’s treatment of the two diseases. Examples of allergies include hay fever, food allergies, and eczema, as well as more dangerous diseases such as mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome. “Dr. Siracusa’s groundbreaking research in allergic inflammation and mast cell-mediated diseases could prove to be critical in the treatment of allergies and asthma,” said Tatiana Litvin-Vechnyak, PhD, associate vice president of Innovation Ventures in the Rutgers Office for Research. “His work epitomizes Rutgers’ ‘Jersey Roots, Global Reach’ philosophy, and his continuing research has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people all over the world.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from allergies or asthma, including nearly 300 million with asthma alone. In the United States, the annual cost from these two diseases is over $18 billion. Siracusa described NemaGen’s next steps and what FVCG’s funding allows the company to accomplish. “The NJHF has been a long-time collaborator in advancing research at Rutgers. They immediately recognized the clinical relevance of our work at a very early stage, and provided us with business-minded guidance and seed funding to progress our drug discovery programs. With the support of both institutions, we can further advance our novel chemical compounds that possess exciting therapeutic potential.” To read the original article click here.

The post Novel Therapeutic Strategies May Finally Bring Relief to Those Suffering from Asthma and Allergies appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Want to Alleviate Allergy Symptoms Immediately? 3 Effective Strategies

AHA Publisher — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:06 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you suffer from allergies, it can be difficult to find relief. They seemingly affect many people year-round. From pollen to dust to molds, it’s tough to get away from allergens and alleviate allergy symptoms. However, there are steps you can take to improve the situation. Here are why allergens often affect us, and the 3 best natural ways to alleviate allergy symptoms. Allergies: Numbers and Methods Allergies are common. In fact, according to the CDC, more than 50 million Americans now suffer from allergies each year (1). At their core, allergic reactions are inflammatory responses and may occur most often in those who have greater inflammatory reactions in general. In fact, studies show that those with seasonal allergic reactions and asthmatic allergies have higher underlying inflammation even when they are not showing symptoms (2). These results have led experts to believe that reducing the underlying inflammation may improve asthmatic and allergic conditions. Here are 3 strategies to help you alleviate allergic reactions! 3 Natural Strategies to Alleviate Symptoms 1. SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS First and foremost, you can support your body with the right nutrients when fighting seasonal allergy symptoms. Four to consider are: OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS Start by consuming nutrients that reduce inflammatory reactions. Omega-3s from fish oil are the best source available. You can take a potent omega-3 supplement daily or consume fatty fish regularly. Of course, if you are “aspirin-sensitive” or on blood thinners, always talk to your doctor before starting or increasing fish oil. PROBIOTICS While it may seem odd that your gut has anything to do with sneezing and post-nasal drip, probiotics have been shown to help those with seasonal allergies. In fact, one study of 173 people who suffer from seasonal allergies found that taking a daily probiotic with lactobacillus strains significantly improved their “quality of life” scores from baseline to peak pollen compared to a placebo group (3). It is hypothesized that probiotics help to increase the percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) thereby improving allergen tolerance. ZINC, VITAMIN C, AND VITAMIN D AND MORE There are also vitamins and minerals that bolster immune response. Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Multivitamin and Organic Divine® Health Green Supremefood® contain balanced amounts of important nutrients for the immune system and immune response. These include organic greens, probiotics, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and more. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR While not exactly a “nutrient,” apple cider vinegar works against allergies in 2 ways: First, scientists have found that the bacteria in raw vinegar can actually improve immune factors and protect from an allergic reaction (4). Next, apple cider vinegar is a natural decongestant, and it causes your sinuses to drain when you drink it. While the relief is temporary, it is effective and reduces the risk of clogged sinuses becoming infected. How should you take it? ALWAYS dilute apple cider vinegar. Taken straight, it can damage your esophagus. Mix 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 4 oz. water, 1/2 tsp ginger, ½ tsp cinnamon, and stevia to taste. Take 2-3 times per day during allergy season. 2. OPTIMIZE YOUR DIET TO REDUCE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES In addition to consuming anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting nutrients, it’s vital to vastly reduce pro-inflammatory foods and fats in your diet. How? ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS First, identify and remove ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods are the commercial, processed foods that contain a lot of processed fats and sugars. These foods and the carbohydrates and fats in them promote inflammation, weight gain, abnormal blood glucose, elevated blood pressure, and more in the body. If you want a healthy body and immune system, start by reducing any ultra-processed foods in your diet, if needed. PROCESSED OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS Second, remove as many potent, processed sources of omega-6 fats as possible. Processed omega-6s act as an antagonist to omega-3s in the body, and work to increase inflammatory factors and reactions. How can you remove them? The best way is to look at every single item you buy with an ingredient label, and avoid all products with soybean oil. Then, take it a step further and avoid all those with high omega-6s. The full list and steps can be found here. 3. CLEAN UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT TO REDUCE ALLERGENS Whether you’re inside or out, allergens come from your environment. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your allergen contact while still enjoying the health benefits of the great outdoors. LEAVE YOUR SHOES OUTSIDE Shoes have a way of trapping pollen on them and then depositing it all over your floor surfaces if worn inside. Instead, remove them at the door and leave them outside. KEEP YOUR FLOORS AND COUNTERS AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE Dust mites cause many allergy symptoms. You can decrease dust mites in your home. Dust regularly, vacuum, and use a HEPA filter. Wash floors and surfaces regularly. These tasks can help reduce dust mites and thereby seasonal allergies and symptoms. KEEP WINDOWS AND DOORS CLOSED Especially if you live in an area with high pollen counts, keep windows and doors closed. Pollen blows around most in the Spring, and typically in the early hours of the day. Keep windows and doors closed to avoid pollens blowing inside. Instead, use an air conditioner if you feel too warm. Make sure to change the old filters as they will most likely be full of dust, pollen, and mold. Installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter will also help to remove allergens from the interiors. TAKE SHOWERS OFTEN AND CHANGE CLOTHES AFTER BEING OUTSIDE Clothes and hair are pollen magnets, so take them off and rinse as soon as possible! Instead of dragging the pollen inside and sitting it in, shower and change. REMOVE POLLEN BEFORE YOU LIE DOWN Consider showering before bed, changing pillowcases daily, and sheets regularly. If you go to bed with pollen in your hair, it can stay on your pillowcase for days. Then, you’re essentially sleeping in pollen! Keep these soft surfaces as clear of pollen as possible to get a good night sleep and wake up feeling better rather than worse. KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN The environment of your nose is also an important consideration. If you can get the allergens out that are trapped inside your nose, you can alleviate allergies. To do so, try all-natural nasal sprays and/or a neti-pot flush. At most stores and pharmacies, you can find nasal sprays with simple ingredients like baking soda, salt, and purified water. These sprays flush out your nasal passages. When used a few times per day they can ease allergy symptoms, especially if you begin using it proactively before strong symptoms begin. BOTTOM LINE Allergies are a reality for many, many adults. However, you can use our strategies to gain relief immediately. Alleviate allergy symptoms with healthy nutrients, a “clean” anti-inflammatory diet, and an improved personal environment. Then, let us know how these tips helped you! To read the original article click here.

The post Want to Alleviate Allergy Symptoms Immediately? 3 Effective Strategies appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.