How to Beat Allergies Naturally

For some, they cause sniffling and sneezing. For others, they can be the precursor to an asthma attack. And for others, they bring about serious symptoms that require emergency care. But one thing is for sure: nobody likes having allergies.

The good news is that allergies are treatable. There are many allergy drugs available that work in a number of different ways. If one thing doesn't work, something else usually will. Although allergies are not curable, they can be successfully managed, and sometimes they go away on their own.

The problem with allergy medications is that they do come with some risks. Many of them cause drowsiness, which can pose a serious danger for those who have to drive or use heavy equipment. Some interact with other medications. For those who are sensitive for medications, and for those who prefer to stay away from them as much as possible, allergy treatment may seem out of reach. But it's not.

There are natural treatments that have proven to be effective in the fight against allergies. Many herbal treatments have been used to alleviate allergy symptoms, and nutritional supplements can help neutralize the body's reaction to allergens. There are also some lifestyle changes than can help fight allergies. These treatments are often as effective as prescription allergy medication, and in some cases they end up working better.

How Allergies Work

Before attempting to cure your allergies naturally, it helps to know what is behind them. There are specific processes in the body that cause all allergic reactions. Some reactions are stronger than others, and they may manifest themselves in a number of ways. But all of them begin in essentially the same way.

The groundwork for an allergy is laid when we are exposed to a substance that the immune system mistakes for something harmful to the body. It could be a certain type of pollen, a food, animal dander or any number of other things. But instead of recognizing it as a harmless substance, the immune system sees it as a foreign invader and seeks to eradicate it.

On the first exposure to an allergen, we rarely experience any symptoms. But the next time we are exposed, the immune system springs into action. It begins to release immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody. This antibody triggers the release of histamine, which is the direct culprit behind allergic reactions.

The histamine starts fighting the allergen, and this is when things get interesting. Wherever in the body the histamine attacks the allergen, that's where the symptoms appear. If an allergen gets into the system through the skin, a rash or hives often appear. If it is breathed in, we may experience sneezing and a runny, stuffy nose. And if it's something we ingested, we have digestive problems such as stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

In a severe allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock may occur. This is a reaction that causes difficulty breathing and low blood pressure, among other symptoms. These symptoms appear very suddenly, usually within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen. This condition requires immediate medical care.

An allergic reaction can also trigger asthma in sensitive people. Symptoms include wheezing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. A severe asthma attack may also warrant medical treatment, especially if the victim does not use a rescue inhaler.

While the same processes are always at work, each allergic reaction can be different. Some may cause a mild, almost imperceptible reaction, while others might be life threatening. Those who have had serious reactions in the past, however, are more likely to have them again.

How Standard Allergy Treatments Work

The most common type of drug used in the treatment of allergies is the antihistamine. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors. This means that the allergic reaction may begin with the production of antibodies and the release of histamines, but those histamines cannot produce symptoms.

Antihistamines are prescribed for chronic allergy sufferers to take daily. This helps stop allergic reactions before they start. Antihistamines are also available by prescription and over the counter for use after an allergic reaction occurs. Using them in this manner prevents any more histamine from being released, ending or reducing the severity of the reaction.

Steroids are also frequently prescribed for allergies. These work by reducing inflammation and preventing nasal allergy symptoms. Steroids for allergies are available in several forms, including nasal sprays, creams and pills. In order to be effective against allergies, steroids must be used daily whether any symptoms are present or not. They often take about 2 weeks to start working.

For nasal allergies, decongestants are often used. These treat runny, stuffy nose, and may help with sneezing and headaches caused by these problems. Many decongestants are available over the counter, but some can only be obtained by prescription.

Another type of treatment that may be administered is immunotherapy. This is an injection that contains small amounts of the offending allergen. It may be given anywhere from twice a week to once a month, and the amount is increased gradually. Immunotherapy is also available in some countries in oral and intranasal form.

It may sound counterproductive, but immunotherapy is the treatment most likely to bring long-term relief. The body builds a tolerance to the allergen over time, and allergy symptoms become less bothersome. They may even go away completely.

Other types of allergy treatments include mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene modifiers. Mast cell stabilizers work similarly to antihistamines, except they stop the release of histamine rather than blocking histamine receptors. Leukotriene modifiers block leukotrienes, chemicals that are often responsible for asthma and nasal allergy symptoms.

None of these treatments are without potential side effects. Antihistamines often cause drowsiness. Decongestants are associated with increased blood pressure. Steroids can also raise blood pressure, and may cause weight gain and stunted growth as well. Mast cell stabilizers may cause throat irritation, coughing and rashes. And leukotriene modifiers can cause symptoms similar to those they are intended to treat.

Immunotherapy is the most natural therapy conventional medicine has to offer, and it is not associated with a high incidence of side effects. Patients may experience some allergy symptoms at first, but they usually go away with continued therapy. Still, patients should be carefully monitored due to the risk of anaphylactic shock.

Natural Treatments Can Be Effective

Despite all of the dangers of prescription medications, many allergy sufferers feel that they are their only hope for relief. They are unconvinced that natural treatments can be beneficial. But many who have experienced allergy symptoms have found that natural treatments work very well.

The most natural treatment for allergies is simply avoiding allergens. If you could avoid allergens completely, you would not have to ever worry about symptoms again. While this may or may not be possible depending on what you are allergic to, it is possible to steer clear of most allergens in one way or another.

Herbs may also be effective against allergies. Some are natural antihistamines and decongestants. Others support systems within the body that can help ward off allergic reactions, or at least reduce their severity.

Other natural allergy treatments include good nutrition and probiotics. Eating a diet that contains the vitamins and minerals we need will help the body stand up to an allergic reaction. Probiotics are good for the digestive system, which is closely linked to the immune system.

Prevention Is the Best Cure

If you want to be free of allergy symptoms, the best way to do so is to stay away from the things to which you are allergic. The bad news is, that's often easier said than done. The good news is that if you learn as much as possible about the allergens that affect you, they may be avoided most of the time.

Avoiding Food Allergens

One might think that food allergens would be the easiest to avoid. After all, everybody knows what foods they eat, right? Not always. Common food allergens can be found in many surprising places.

Take peanuts, for example. They are found as ingredients in many foods. It's easy enough to read labels or ask the waitress if a dish contains them, but these measures are not enough. Many foods that do not contain actual peanuts are manufactured on equipment that is also used to manufacture foods that do. The foods that do not contain peanuts may contain small amounts of peanut dust, and this could be enough to trigger an allergic reaction.

Foods prepared in restaurants may also contain allergens that you would not expect. Cooks may use ingredients that contain traces of peanut dust without realizing it, so when you ask if the dish contains peanuts, they say that it doesn't. Or a bit of shellfish could end up in the sauce for another dish, and that could cause a reaction in someone who is allergic to shellfish.

While such situations are rather tricky, they can often be avoided. Here are some tips:

• Read labels thoroughly. Labeling requirements state that foods that may contain certain allergens such as eggs, wheat or peanuts must be clearly identified. It won't be on the front label in big bold letters, but should be prominently stated in the ingredients section.
• Speak to the waiter or waitress when you go to a new restaurant. Make it clear that you cannot be exposed to certain food allergens, and ask if the foods you want to order could possibly contain those allergens. If your server is unsure or unhelpful, ask to speak to a manager or a cook.
• Stick to restaurants you are familiar with when possible. The staff at restaurants you frequent will be more likely to be familiar with your needs and accommodate them.
• Avoid places where you may come into contact with the food allergen, even if you will not be eating anything that may contain it. Some restaurants allow patrons to throw peanut shells on the floor, for example. Just breathing the dust from the shells may be enough to cause an allergic reaction in particularly sensitive individuals.

Food allergens often cause severe reactions, so avoiding them is very important. Those who have food allergies should always carry an EpiPen in case of an anaphylactic reaction. Avoidance is the best course of action, but there is always the chance of inadvertent exposure.

Avoiding Environmental and Household Allergens

Environmental allergens are among the most difficult to avoid. These include pollens and pollutants, which are carried in the air. We all have to go outdoors from time to time, and we all breathe, so these allergens frequently cause problems.

Household allergens can also be troublesome. One of the most common of these is dust mites. They are found in every home to some extent. Mold may also be found in some homes, and can cause allergy symptoms in some people.

Still, there are some things we can do to reduce our exposure to these allergens. These include:

• Stay indoors as much as possible on days when pollen and pollutants are high. Keep the windows and doors closed.
• If it is hot out, run the air conditioner. It will help filter out these allergens.
• When driving, keep the car windows up.
• If you must go outdoors for any length of time, wear a face mask. If you're mowing or doing something else that could result in exposure of the skin to allergens, wear long pants and any other protective clothing that is necessary.
• Do not dry dust your furniture. Use furniture polish and a rag instead. This will capture the dust instead of allowing it to fly into the air.
• Invest in a good vacuum cleaner. One with a HEPA filter can prevent dust and other allergens that are found on the floor from ending up in the air.
• Remove carpeting if possible. Carpet is a magnet for dust mites and pet dander, and it can also harbor mold. It is very difficult to keep these allergens out of carpet, no matter how often you clean it.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture and wash drapes regularly. Better yet, replace them with leather or wood furniture and blinds that will not hold onto dust.
• Run an air filter, especially in the bedroom and any other room where you spend a lot of time.

While you can't eliminate environmental and household allergens, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to them. This will reduce your need for allergy treatment.

Herbs for Allergies

Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. They have been effective against everything from insomnia to chronic pain. But for some reason, few people consider using herbs against allergies. Perhaps this is because they associate plants with allergy symptoms.

Actually, there are several herbs that can be of benefit to allergy sufferers. Some of these are:

• Nettle – When it comes to natural allergy treatments, nettle is one of the most recognizable. Recommended by many naturopaths, nettle is a natural antihistamine. This herb may be cultivated or purchased in freeze-dried form.
• Ginkgo biloba – Ginkgo biloba is famous for its positive effects on memory, but it may also be used to fight allergies. It contains substances called ginkgolides, which can stop allergy attacks.
• Green tea – Green tea is packed with health benefits. It contains vitamin C, which aids in proper immune function. It also contains quercetin, which is the same natural antihistamine found in nettle. Together, they can be highly effective against allergies.
• Butterbur – This herb that was once used to keep butter cool has shown great promise in the treatment of allergies. A study showed that it is as effective as Zyrtec against allergies. Butterbur is one of the few herbs that should be taken in supplement form, because it contains compounds that are toxic to the liver in its pure form.
• Licorice root – Licorice root has been used as a cold treatment for many years. It works by promoting the production of hormones that fight cold and allergy symptoms and reduces inflammation.
• Astragalus – This herb is great for the immune system. It also increases metabolic activity, which can help rid the body of allergens faster.
• Capsicum – Usually used in the treatment of colds, capsicum can also help fight allergies. Like green tea, capsicum contains quercitin and vitamin C.
• Goldenseal – If you suffer from inflammation related to allergies, goldenseal can help.
• MSM – Short for methylsulfonylmethane, MSM is a naturally occurring compound that is available in supplement form. Studies have shown that it is very effective against cough, congestion and other symptoms of seasonal allergies.

These herbs can be powerful allies in the fight against allergies. When used in conjunction with avoidance of allergy triggers, allergy symptoms can virtually be eliminated.

Food, Nutrition and Allergies

It's common knowledge that the immune system depends on good nutrition to help it function as it should. Supplements and changes in diet are recommended for diabetics, cancer patients and others with chronic illnesses. They can also be beneficial to those who suffer from allergies.

It's true that allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system. But taking good care of the immune system can help it avoid mistakes in identifying harmful substances. It can also aid in the elimination of allergens, shortening the duration and lessening the severity of allergic reactions.

Some of the nutrients that can be beneficial for allergy sufferers include:

• Vitamin C – As mentioned before, vitamin C is great for the immune system. It also provides some antihistamine benefits.
• Vitamin B5 – This vitamin is good for the adrenal gland, and important player in immune function. It also helps protect the body from the effects of stress, which can make us more susceptible to allergy symptoms.
• CoQ10 – CoQ10 has multiple benefits. It's good for the immune system and helps combat the effects of stress like vitamin B6, and it is also a natural antihistamine.
• Vitamin A – Vitamin A is great at reducing inflammation. This helps reduce swelling, coughing and runny nose.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – These nutrients also help battle inflammation.
• Magnesium – This mineral is helpful in controlling the acidic stage of allergic reactions.
• Calcium citrate – This mineral helps balance pH, which can help control allergy symptoms.
• Probiotics – These beneficial bacteria aid in digestion. The digestive system is closely related to the immune system, so some believe that probiotics can indirectly help fight allergies.

Honey is beneficial for those who are allergic to pollen, but not because of its nutrient content. Raw honey from local sources contains tiny amounts of the pollen present in your area. This works as a natural form of immunotherapy, getting the immune system accustomed to the pollen so that it does not have such a strong response to it.

What we eat is an important factor in controlling allergies, even if we are not allergic to any foods. By eating a nutritious diet and taking supplements as needed, we can help our bodies better control allergy symptoms.

Stress and Allergies

Stress is hard on the body. It causes the production of cortisol and epinephrine, two hormones that can send our systems into overdrive. Although both of these hormones may be used in the treatment of allergies, they can weaken our systems, preventing the immune system from working properly.

Learning how to cope with stress can help keep the body in optimum condition. This, in turn, can help prevent allergic reactions. Effective methods of stress control include exercise and meditation.

You Don't Have to Use Drugs Against Allergies

Prescription drugs are sometimes effective against allergies, but they can cause unpleasant (or even dangerous) side effects. Treating allergies naturally may require some trial and error, but it is much less damaging to our health.

Those who are susceptible to anaphylactic shock should always carry an EpiPen for emergency treatment, and those with asthma should have an inhaler. But natural treatments can be effective against allergies in most cases. It certainly doesn't hurt to give them a try, as long as you discuss it with your doctor or naturopath first.