Dr. Kathleen Handal, MD, click
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Blogs by Dr. Kathleen Handal, MD
Allergies Can be Tamed 4/3/2015 6:05:06 AM
Is your quality of life affected by allergies? They get so bad that one survey of suffers (A. Vogel, U. Of AZ) showed surprising numbers: 44.6% had to skip a social invitation and 81.2% had to alter their exercise schedule.
There are many possible culprits:
- pollen/mold spores are lowest December thru February
- seasonal illnesses like respiratory viral in fall and winter trigger asthma and sinusitis
- outdoor pollution including winter temperature inversions, make air quality especially particulates and nitrogen dioxide.
- indoor pollutants worst in winter with closed windows and doors.
Personal experience knowledge and practicing as a physician I know everyone's allergen and reaction is different not just in degree but also in response to aging.
So do not buy into one fix for everyone. You can do much without OTC pills or 'shots' from a doctor. Boost your immunity, use natural means: get some exercise, eat healthy, and sleep well. Butterbur an herb helps after being extensively studied. Natural strategies include rinsing/opening your nasal passages: xylitol based spray (I like 'saline mist' can not overdue its use); some use may use neti pot. Many friends find a solution in consuming local honey as it contains tiny amounts of pollen that acts as a vaccine.
Anti-inflammatory diet has a role: garlic, salmon oranges apples drink green tea to name a few. Don’t forget the teas with licorice rosehip or nettle.
If you are into supplements to boost immunity or to act as anti-inflammation you must start a few weeks before 'season' begins. My 'cure' is Vitamin C at a megadose (3,000md/day). There is no chance of overdosing (although may get loose stools) it is a water-soluble vitamin and if your body does not need it will be eliminated in your urine.
There are more natural approaches including probiotics bromelain quercetin,
You get the idea investigate less is more in the case of allergies as is natural is best!
