Stuffy head, runny nose, pressure behind the eyes, maybe a tickle in the throat; these are all common allergy symptoms that plaque a growing number of people. This post will focus on simple ways to naturally eliminate your symptoms and breathe easy.

Allergies are one of the most common health conditions in America. In fact, more than 1 in 5 people suffer from allergies, and the number is growing every year. Common causes of allergy symptoms include food allergies such as peanut allergy or milk allergy, and seasonal allergies resulting from grass, weed, tree pollen, or various molds. Cat allergies and dog allergies can also cause miserable symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and wheezing. Allergic skin conditions can cause a rash and itchy skin.

Nailing Down the Source of Allergies

Almost anything can cause an allergy, but the most common underlying cause is an imbalance in the immune system. Most people shouldn’t react to pollen, grasses, animal dander, etc., but for some reason, they do. That reason is often excessive stress put upon the immune system via stress, improper food choices, and lack of sleep or illness. Long term allergy control depends on correctly these underlying lifestyle factors. However, we must also identify the things a person is reacting to so that we can minimize them in order to allow our immune system to rebalance.

• Skin testing is the most widely used; there are several different methods, but all involve exposing the skin to small amounts of various substances and observing the reactions over time. Blood tests (RAST) generally identify IgE antibodies to specific antigens. Both of these tests can help identify specific reactions to certain substances, but often miss most immune reactions and are of little clinical value to many people.

• The most accurate testing available today is called a lymphocyte response assay (LRA); it is a simple blood test that looks at every immune reaction a person can have against a substance (except IgE reactions). It is more comprehensive and accurate than any testing currently available (find out more at www.elisaact.com). You can test a variety of substances; most people begin with either a Basic or a Comprehensive profile. Once we receive your test results, we work with you to identify where you may be being exposed to these substances and how you can eliminate them from your life while your immune system readjusts.

Relieving Symptoms

You don’t have to wait in anguish as your immune system rebalances; Mother Nature has provided several options that have been combined to provide quick, effective relief without the side-effects many over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications provide.

• Sinatrol contains several components to help thin and drain mucus, support optimal immune function and reduce sinus pressure and pain. We have had countless clients use and benefit from this formula taking just 1 capsule 3x/day (ideally between meals).
• Natural D-Hist provides key factors to help address and support the underlying nasal and sinus imbalances that can lead to so many symptoms. It also helps balance the immune system and provide fast relief if your allergies have really kicked in. Most people start with 2 capsules three times daily for 7-10 days, then reduce to the lowest amount possible to control symptoms. Kids can use D-Hist Jr, which provides the same formula in a kid’s strength chewable that tastes great!
• Another incredibly effective therapy to use in conjunction with the supplementation above is to use a Nasaline to help clear the sinuses. All you do is make a saline solution, using either the Nasaline Salt or sea salt (start with ½ tsp in 1 pint of warm water; you can add ¼ tsp baking soda if you have any inflammation in the sinuses) fill the Nasaline with water and push it into one of your nostrils. The water will fill the sinuses, decreasing pressure and inflammation and killing any bacteria that could be causing the pain, and drain through your other nostril. Do this twice on each nostril and you are done with the whole procedure in about 3 minutes from start to finish! Using the Nasaline 1-2x/day is a great way to keep the sinuses clear and healthy any time of year.

Allergies can affect every aspect of your life, but they don’t have to. Using the simple steps above to identify and address the reasons you have allergy symptoms can naturally alleviate your symptoms and allow you to get back outside again and enjoy breathing fully again!