allergy relief Archives - 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.

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Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies

AHA Publisher — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:00:47 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time. Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home? Home remedies for allergies — including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes — include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below you’ll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief. What Are Allergies? An allergy is defined as a type of “bodily reactivity (hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure,” or an “exaggerated or pathological immunological reactions (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states.” In other words, allergies are due to hypersensitivity of the immune systemthat causes damaging responses that can affect the whole body. Some of the most common causes of allergies are things like pollen found outdoors, animal fur, dust or particular foods. Allergy symptoms occur when your body responds to allergens by producing a chemical called histamine, which works by helping to counteract the allergen. The immune system causes allergic reactions by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that cause widespread symptoms. There are several broad categories of allergies, which include: Seasonal allergies (also called rhinitis or hay fever), usually worsening when pollen levels increase or change, such as during the spring or fall Perennial allergies, occurring year-round Food allergies, such as shellfish allergies Drug/medication allergies Indoor allergies, such as to mold or dust Skin or eye allergies Pet/animal allergies, such as to dogs/cats, insects, etc. Anaphylaxis, which is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction in response to a number of different allergens Symptoms/Causes Symptoms caused by allergies vary from person to person, depend on what causes the allergic reaction, and vary depending on how severe the allergy is. Common symptoms associated with allergies can include: Runny nose, itchy nose, congestion and stuffiness Skin rash, redness, hives, dryness, peeling or itchiness Tingling or itchy sensations in the mouth and on the lips Swelling of the tongue, lip, throat or face Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea and abdominal cramps Coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing (asthma symptoms can sometimes be triggered by allergies) Dizziness, lightheadedness and in severe cases loss of consciousness What Causes Allergies? There are so many different things that can cause allergies that it can be hard to pinpoint which are contributing to your symptoms. Some of the most common causes of allergies include: Pollen from trees, plants and grass Dust, including the kinds found around your home Certain foods, especially those known to cause the most food allergieslike gluten, dairy, tree nuts (especially peanuts), eggs, soy and shellfish Insect bites and stings Animal fur and dander Mold Certain medications, such as antibiotics Latex, such as the kind used to make latex gloves or condoms Fragranced personal care or beauty products (cause of so called “fragrance sensitivities“) Smoking, including cannabis, which is associated with asthma in some cases Conventional Treatments for Allergies Allergies are typically treated in the following ways: Over-the-counter products that serve as decongestants Antihistamines, which are drugs that prevent the release of the chemicals that cause allergic reactions Immunotherapy drugs Eye drops Skin creams, including those containing antihistamine or steroid compounds Corticosteroids to control inflammation Elimination diets (such as gluten-free or dairy-free diet) to manage food allergies Someone with severe allergies might also carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector (Epipen) in case of an attack Some experts feel that the conventional treatment approaches above (besides an elimination diet) are not the best ways to manage allergies because they don’t fix the underlying causes. When it comes to allergies, what’s important to understand is that when your immune system produces an allergic reaction to something it’s because it senses that something is not right within your body. Instead of only addressing the symptoms of allergies (itchy skin or watery eyes, for example), you need to uncover the root cause and build your natural defense system for true allergy relief. When we take prescribed medications or over-the-counter products for allergies, these can disturb natural processes of your immune system and have other deleterious effects like altering our pH balance. To keep symptoms at bay, you will always have to take a drug because your body doesn’t learn how to adapt to allergens. Allergy drugs, drops, creams and other products can alleviate and hide symptoms, but they don’t address the fact that the problem still exists. Natural Allergy Relief Options What helps relieve allergies fast? Watching what you eat, getting plenty of fresh air and drinking enough water are some of the natural remedies that can relieve allergies by improving functions of the immune system. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to subside, but they are likely to be better kept under control when you tackle the root causes. Here are nine ways to get natural allergy relief. 1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment. Here are some of the best foods and ingredients to incorporate into your diet to help you beat allergies: Garlic — What’s so fantastic about garlic? Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps ward off infections, viruses and even allergies. Eating or juicing two raw cloves of this powerful antioxidant may literally keep the doctor away. Some people choose to take garlic supplements because they don’t want to smell like garlic, but the supplements do not work as well as the real herb does, so don’t be deceived by this. Raw garlic eaten every day helps fight off all types of allergies because it boosts your immune system immensely. Lemons — As most of us know, an alkaline body means better balance and immune function. Lemons and limes are excellent immune-boosting fruits and used for various afflictions, including allergies. Both of these fruits are loaded with vitamin C and immune-boosting antioxidants. Drinking lemon water throughout the day detoxifies the body and rids it of impurities. Mix the juice of one or two lemons or limes with olive oil to make a wonderful-tasting dressing for salads and veggie sandwiches. Green leafy vegetables — Leafy greens (including spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine, arugula and watercress) are great sources of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that aid detoxification and help reduce inflammation. Probiotic-rich foods — Probiotic foods support immune health and can help repair a damaged intestinal lining. Examples include kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, yogurt, raw cheese, miso and kombucha. Bone broth — Bone broth, made from beef and chicken stock, is rich in many minerals and amino acids that support the treatment of leaky gut, thereby helping strengthen the immune system. Coconut milk — The best alternative for cow’s milk is coconut milk, which is free of dairy, lactose, soy, nuts and grains. Almond butter and seeds — For people allergic to peanuts and peanut butter, almond butter is a safe and healthy alternative that provides healthy unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, minerals like riboflavin and magnesium, and even some antioxidants. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are also great sources of healthy fats and fiber. Gluten-free flours/grains — Instead of using wheat flour when you cook or bake, try coconut flour, almond flour, spelt flour, oat flour and rice flour, which are all gluten-free. Breast milk — Studies shows that exclusive breastfeeding seems to have a preventive effect on the early development of asthma and atopic dermatitis. Although it’s not abundant in many foods, vitamin D is also important for immune function and may help manage allergy symptoms. In fact, certain studies have shown that children who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop allergies and suffer higher rates of hospital admissions due to allergic reactions. You can get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes in the sun most days without sunscreen and by eating foods like whole milk and some mushrooms for natural allergy relief. 2. Local Raw Honey (Bee Pollen) Considering how good it tastes, having some raw honey every day to help control seasonal allergies may sound too easy to actually work well, but don’t discount this ancient remedy. Taking a tablespoon of local, raw honey every day helps your body build a tolerance to the local pollen that is running amuck on your sinuses. Researchers involved in a study published in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology discovered that patients taking honey “reported a 60 percent lower total symptom score, twice as many asymptomatic days, and 70 percent fewer days with severe symptoms.” They also used 50 percent less antihistamines compared to the control group that took conventional meds. Try taking one tablespoon of raw local honey daily, such as by stirring some into tea, adding some to oatmeal along with cinnamon, or putting some in your smoothies. What makes raw honey so powerful at reducing allergies? One reason is because it contains bee pollen, which is known to ward off infections and allergies and boost immunity. The bees living in your area go from flower to flower collecting pollen that you are suffering from. It would make sense then that eating local raw honey will help build up your immunity to local pollen. Honey also contains many enzymes that supports overall immune function, which helps with allergy relief. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) You can now find high-quality apple cider vinegar in most supermarkets, which is great considering it can help break up mucus and support lymphatic drainage. Drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of ACV and some fresh lemon juice is one of the best ways to wake up every morning. At the first sign of an allergy attack, put one teaspoon of ACV in your neti pot solution for a natural “sinus flush.” 4. Quercetin Quercetin is a polyphenol antioxidant that is naturally found in plant foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cauliflower), onions/shallots, green tea and citrus fruits. Considered a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the release of histamines, it helps naturally control allergy symptoms. According to a 2020 study, quercetin has anti-allergic functions that are known for inhibiting histamine production and pro-inflammatory mediators. Another study found evidence that quercetin is effective at reducing congestion because it helps calm down hyperactivity of the airways. It is so powerful that researchers have found evidence suggesting that quercetin can help control peanut allergies, the leading cause of life-threatening/fatal allergy attacks. Various sources suggest that it is best to use quercetin as a long-term remedy, since it can take several months of use to start working. People prone to seasonal allergies should start to take it a few weeks before spring arrives when trees and plants start to bloom. 5. Neti Pot What is the best allergy relief for a runny nose? Neti pots are a natural remedy for allergies and many respiratory conditions because they help clear the sinuses and remove congestion. Use of neti pots has been shown to help improve quality of life in sufferers of respiratory illnesses and cause little to no side effects. Clearing the nasal passages of allergens and irritants, this form of “sinus irrigation” originated in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition hundreds of years ago. People living in India have been receiving astounding results from using neti pots for centuries, and now you...

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