Allergy season is upon us… and sooner than in most years, thanks to a shorter and warmer winter. Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and for many of these individuals, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure and pain are not only associated with spring and summer trees, grass and pollen, but are also triggered year-round by things like dust, mold and animal dander.
Environmental allergies are not a disease, but a symptom of immune dysfunction.
In order to effectively treat allergies, you need to focus on the root cause, as well as the symptoms. The immune system is built to respond to infection (viruses or bacteria) by producing antibodies. In the case of allergy, the immune system overreacts, treating these harmless substances as invaders. The antibody IgE (immunoglobulin E, which is produced against the allergen) triggers the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals like histamine, responsible for the symptoms of itchy, runny eyes and nose, and sneezing. This inflammation can spread and lead to other related disorders, as well. For example, people who suffer from allergies are said to be three times more likely to develop asthma, an inflammatory disease of the airways. Continue reading “Natural Support for Allergy Symptoms”
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Itchy eyes? Runny nose? Cross reactions with food? It feels like the season for allergies never goes away. This fall, from hay fever and ragweed to mold from the falling leaves, swollen joints and inflammation, allergies and allergic reactions can manifest in mysterious and complex ways. Worse yet, sometimes the standard solutions can be just as irritating and toxic!
