Allergies & Nutrition

Plants reproduce by releasing pollen into the air. When pollen gets into the noses of allergy sufferers, their immune system mistakes them for invaders and sends antibodies — substances that normally identify and go after bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms — to attack the allergens, which causes histamines to be released into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other annoying symptoms of allergies.

In the Fall, ragweed is the biggest allergy problem. Even though the yellow-flowering weed starts pollinating in August, it can continue well into the fall months. Most people who are allergic to spring pollen-producing plants are also allergic to ragweed. Ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind, so just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t in the air.

Mold is another sneeze maker, because its spores go airborne very easily. Mold thrives in damp areas, both indoors and out. Piles of damp leaves that line yards and streets in the fall are breeding grounds for mold, and damp basements and bathrooms at home harbor mold as well.

Dust mites are another common indoor allergen. They are most prevalent during the humid summer months, but can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your furnace in the fall. From the air, dust mites can make their way into your nose, triggering sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

Here are a few tips for easing allergy symptoms:

• Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) , and keep track of the pollen count in your area.
• Before you turn on your heat for the first time, have your heating ducts cleaned. Particles of mold and other allergens can become trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you crank up the furnace.
• Use a humidifier to keep your air at between 35 and 50 percent humidity. But don’t forget to change the filter before using it!
• Wear a mask when you rake leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.
• Being low on energy makes you more susceptible to allergies. You can boost and support your adrenal glands by taking Vitamin B’s and possibly an adrenal supplement.
• Boost your immune system so it deals with allergens more effectively. Echinacea and Vitamin C have been effective.
• Other supplements that are great for allergies include homeopathic remedies, quercetin, stinging nettles leaf, bromelain, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, and other nutrients which recycle glutathione (potent antioxidant) in the body.
• Drink plenty of water. Four pints a day of water is vital to physical health.