Spring is finally here, and along with the gorgeous weather comes
pollen. Many allergy sufferers know all too well the symptoms of hay fever,
caused by pollen released from budding trees and plants. The airborne pollen is
easily inhaled through the nose and mouth, and for sensitive people, it can
cause a series of miserable symptoms, such as itchy watery eyes, sneezing and a
scratchy throat.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America defines
allergies as a reflection of an overreaction of the immune system to substances
that usually cause no reaction in most individuals. It is estimated that 35-40
million Americans suffer from hay fever or other seasonal allergies. While over-the-counter
drugs can provide some relief, they also cause side effects, especially
drowsiness, fatigue and brain fog.
The best strategy against hay fever is to build up
your immune system and promote a healthy response to inflammation, which is the
primary cause behind uncomfortable allergy symptoms. Read more information
about natural remedies for chronic inflammation here.
Hay fever results when the immune system identifies
pollen as a foreign invader. Your body will produce antibodies in response—and
these antibodies will bind with certain cells and release inflammatory chemicals
such as histamine. Most antihistamines work to suppress histamine reactions and
lessen your symptoms. However, there are natural ways to build up your body’s
defenses to allergens instead of medicating with over the counter drugs.
Many doctors now know that providing your body with
extra immune system support, as well as supporting the response to
inflammation, is the best way to give yourself a fighting chance against
seasonal allergies. Natural solutions include medicinal mushrooms that regulate
the immune system and herbs which help the body cope with heightened
inflammation. Medicinal mushrooms are immune modulators, able to naturally
balance and support your immune system—and in the case of allergies, to reduce
your body’s hypersensitivity to pollen and other allergens.
In
addition to medicinal mushrooms, certain unique herbs
and botanicals work together to balance inflammation, regulate healthy immune
responses and provide antioxidant support. Tannins, flavonoids and polyphenols
are considered "cooling" components that provide wide-spectrum immune
support and help bring overall balance to the body’s systems.
Don’t let allergies make you miserable all season long! Prepare
and strengthen your body by using natural strategies against hay fever, and
skip the unpleasant side effects from drugs. Find out more about the health
benefits of medicinal mushrooms by downloading my complimentary wellness guide.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz is a respected author, lecturer, researcher, product
formulator, and clinical practitioner. He has been a pioneer in the
field of integrative medicine since the early 1980s. Dr. Eliaz is a frequent guest lecturer on integrative medical approaches
to health, immune enhancement, and cancer prevention and treatment.
