NATURAL HELP for
ALLERGIES
Nothing to Sneeze at
by Lynn Hinderliter CN, LDN |
Often, Spring is the time of year when the misery starts for
thousands of people, as noses redden and run, eyes water, and Kleenexes
come into their own. It quite takes the pleasure out of the season!
However, for some unfortunate people, allergies are a year-round
problem. James Thurber, one of my favorite cartoonists, said
"I used to wake up at 4 A.M. and start sneezing,
sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had
but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to
consciousness."
It doesn’t have to happen to you, and you
don’t have to rely on drugs to prevent it. That is surely good news: when I
listen to the side effects on those television commercials, I wonder how
anyone can be expected to decide which is worse, their symptoms or the
drug! Allopathic allergy relief, after all, is not designed to
address the CAUSE of the problem, just to suppress the symptoms through
blocking the immune response. And while that may make you feel
better for a while, not only do you expose yourself to the
immediate side effects, but to the long term risks associated with
continually suppressing the immune system.
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For example:
The most common side effects seen in studies with ZYRTEC-D 12
HOUR® Extended Release Tablets include:
insomnia
dry mouth
fatigue |
drowsiness
sore throat |
Side effects from
pseudoephedrine (Lynn: there are 120
mgs in Zyrtec D) are not common, but they can occur. They include:
nervousness
excitability
restlessness
dizziness
weakness
insomnia |
convulsions
tremors
fast or irregular heartbeat
palpitations |
This is an improvement HOW exactly??
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Leigh Broadhurst is a Physical and Analytical Geochemist,
and visiting research scientist at the USDA Human Nutrition Research
Center.
I found her division of allergy sufferers
into 3 groups very helpful:
1. Those who suffer year-round
from allergies. Often
one or more of these conditions are present: hives, eczema, dark circles
under eyes, asthma, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, digestive or
gastrointestinal problems, recurrent infections of the ear and sinuses,
with possible gallbladder and bladder involvement.
2. Those who suffer from
allergies, chemical sensitivities and fatigue, typically
developing later in life, not present in childhood. These people have
severe gastrointestinal problems, gas and bloating, and a history of
fungal and yeast infections and reproductive tract problems. (For a link
to the problems caused by yellow dye, see RESOURCES at right.)
3. Those who react to seasonal
events , and suffer mostly in the
spring or late summer. Colds, sinus and bronchitis are a factor with
them, often accompanied by a run down feeling, fatigue and mental
fogginiess.
4. To this list I would add
those
profoundly influenced by dietary factors
The point of these divisions into groups is that many times
people approach allergies from one point of view, not realizing that
there are many possible causes of their suffering; and a program that
works for one aspect of the problem, may not work for another.
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For people of type 1
persons who would be considered to have a genetic allergy profile.
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The
underlying food allergies must be identified and removed before improvement will be
possible: then a professionally designed supplement program should be
implemented to regulate the immune system. Herbs may be helpful, but
need to be approached with caution as it must be taken into account that
some of these people may be allergic to the very herbs that help
allergies in other people!
To identify substances which may be causing fairly
minor symptoms of allergy, consider the
Coca
Pulse Test, a simple form of testing you can do at home on your own
time, at no expense.
We see more and more children who belong in this
group, and of course the most common offenders are milk and wheat.
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If your child has type O blood and allergies, you may be
99.9% sure that these 2 substances are the main problem, and in
most cases corn should be added to the list.
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In these cases I recommend the addition of
pancreatic
enzymes immediately, and avoidance of the offending substances. These
enzymes break down proteins in the digestive system, preventing them
from entering the bloodstream whole and triggering the body's defenses.
Many people who suffer from severe allergies and intolerances, have low
levels of pancreatic enzymes. Warning: do not take this to mean that
you can use pancreatic enzymes and eat foods to which you have severe
allergies! That would be very dangerous indeed. You are still best
advised to avoid such foods entirely.
I have often theorized that the rise of type 2 diabetes in
children. which suggests pancreatic inefficiency, may be occurring side
by side with the increase in allergies precisely for that reason.
If the problem has been a recurring one for years,
such as repeat ear infections, and it has been addressed with antibiotics,
be sure to read on!
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Babies that are fed so
called "good" bacteria while they are being weaned
may be less likely to
develop the allergy-related skin condition eczema.
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Previous research has found
that children with food allergies are more likely to have a "disturbed
balance between beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria in the large
intestine.
In fact, both of
the two first groups benefit from the addition of
probiotics. An article
in
Gut
( July
2002;51:51-55)
says definitively that "a
healthy balance of gut microorganisms is essential for the normal
development of the immune system. The establishment of such a balance in
infancy is thought to nudge the immune system away from allergic
reactions to harmless substances in the environment."
In this
investigation, the team of researchers evaluated 21 breast-fed infants
who were previously diagnosed with eczema and therefore had a heightened
risk of allergies. Infants were weaned to whey formula that either did
or did not contain good bacteria, and stool samples were tested for the
presence of good and bad bacteria. Those who did not get the good
bacteria-laden formula were more likely to have higher concentrations of
"bad" bacteria. What's more, the presence of these bad bacteria appeared
to be related to immune system responses and the extent of eczema."
It therefore also makes
sense in my view to add probiotics later in life to remedy the
situation. Certainly no-one with
Candida symptoms should neglect this
step!
The role of
Essential Fatty Acids and
Digestive Enzymes for allergies involving eczema should not be
overlooked. Children in particular benefit from supplementation with
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, plus a Digestive enzyme designed for them,
such as
Renewlife's KidZyme.
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The second group
almost certainly has a chronic Candida yeast infection
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and will not benefit until that is addressed: they
will have to adopt a diet very low in carbohydrates,and it is very possible that
after the
Candida has been brought under control, the allergies may no
longer be a problem: Candida has an extremely adverse effect on the
immune system.
A side development of this combination of Candida and
Allergies is almost always leaky gut syndrome, where the abused
and inflamed lining of the gut deteriorates to the point where it lets
large molecules escape through it into the blood stream, thereby
worsening the allergic reaction—in fact this is classic “Chicken & Egg”
stuff: who can tell which comes first??
In extreme cases, I recommend a
course of
high colonics, in combination with probiotics, food for the
probiotics (prebiotics such as
Inulin or
FOS), and identification of the allergens/intolerances, with a view to complete
avoidance of them.
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The third group
has "seasonal allergies"
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and while these are
uncomfortable and unpleasant they need not be permanent, and can be
controlled.. This group benefits very much from improving their diet and
lifestyle– for example adding more fruits and vegetables and quitting
smoking, where applicable.
The list of herbs recommended for group 1 and 3
sufferers contains many old favorites, to include Nettles, Garlic, Cayenne, Feverfew,
Skullcap, Ginger and Peppermint, Picrorrhiza Kurroa, Schisandra
and Turmeric. Some of these are available as combinations.
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In fact. for these seasonal allergies,
I recommend a supplement which comes with considerable support (including
double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trials) that claims it will:
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support normal respiratory function in the presence
of airborne allergens
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promote healthy respiratory and immune functions
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promote clear airway passages and easy breathing
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promote stabilization of Mast cells, which promote respiratory
health
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neutralize free radicals, which can damage the body's respiratory
and immune systems .
It is called
ALLER-7™, and is distributed by Nature's Plus,
among others.
The Vitamin Lady®'s Own line has
also produced
ALLER-7™-Support,
which contains quercetin, nettle and feverfew, among others.
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Allergies and Food Intolerances
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I do not propose here to address the issue of
serious food allergies, but I do want to bring attention to the
relation between allergy symptoms, and hidden food intolerances.
Very often, we do not make a connection between the food we have
eaten and the unpleasant, inconvenient but not life threatening
symptoms we may suffer from, such as sinus problems, lack of energy,
brain fog, skin problems, digestive disturbances (bloating, flatulence) and more. This
is because the events are not necessarily closely connected in time. While these symptoms may
eventually lead to more serious health conditions, early on they are often ignored as being just a part of life.
It is my opinion, by the way, that when your
allergist finds you have more than a dozen allergies, you need to
consider the possibility that you are reacting to the pesticides and chemicals, rather than the foods themselves.
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Those of you who are familiar
with
Dr. d'Adamo's theory of diet and blood type, will be
familiar with the term "lectin". Here is Carolyn Pierini, CLS (ASCP), CNC
at Vitamin Research Product's definition:
Lectins are a class of proteins that are found in common
foods especially grains, seeds, beans, nuts, some fruits and
vegetables, and seafood. They act as a sort of an immune
system for plants by “sticking” themselves to the structural
carbohydrates (sugars) of invaders.
When we eat foods
containing these proteins we risk lectin attachments to the
structural carbohydrates (sugars) antigens found in the gut
and immune system. Our unique genetic make-up and the state
of health will determine the lectins we are sensitive to and
how we will react to them. It is important to note that many
people will report that they do not feel any digestive
disturbances but that does not mean that lectins are not
affecting them. Lectin damage may be cumulative and show up
as pathology years later.
Lectin attacks in the gut initiate
inflammation that may be expressed in other parts of the
body. The fact that as humans we possess these cell surface
sugars, such as n-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and mannose,
and more, means that certain lectins that bind to those
sugars will affect us all (but to different degrees). |
It is possible to determine which foods may be
causing you problems by following
Dr. d'Adamo's
recommendations; another possible course is to follow
Dr. Coca's pulse test instructions,
which you will find here.
A third possibility is to
use VRP's new supplement called
Lectin Lock,,
designed to help to protect against adverse
reactions caused by lectins. As Ms. Pierini points out, obviously, if
you know that a particular food is a definite problem, using the
natural agents contained in the supplement is not an invitation to
indulge freely on that food.
However, if you cannot control your diet as when you
are traveling, or do not know precisely what is affecting you,
Lectin Lock can act as a successful shield.
| I recently came across some
sad information - sad for me, that is, since I do enjoy my
occasional glass of wine :
Scientists in
Spain are reporting a link between moderate alcohol
consumption and antibodies found at high levels in people
prone to developing allergies. The antibodies, of a type
called IgE , cause allergic symptoms by
overreacting
to generally harmless substances inhaled from the air such as
pollen, mold or
animal dander. |
In patients allergic to house dust
mites, regular alcohol intake was associated with increased (blood)
levels of specific IgE against these mites.
The findings are more likely to offer
clues on how the immune system functions with regard to allergies than
to provide new strategies for allergy treatment, but it appears that if you drink
only moderate amounts of alcohol you are more still likely to develop an allergic reaction to
something. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research January
2002;26:60-64.
On the other side of the coin, Sapporo
breweries in Japan claim that the hop flavonol glycosides in
their beer brought about a 60% reduction in rhinitis and
sneezing in a group of people with allergic rhinitis....
Quercetin
The bioflavonoid Quercetin has been suggested to
block the cascade of mast cells involved in histamine release, thereby
relieving allergies, and also to reduce inflammation in the mucous
membranes.
The first studies on Quercetin concentrated on its role in helping gout
sufferers. (Murray) It appears to help by inhibiting xanthine oxidase (
which is what allopurinol does) and by preventing inflammation through
the release of leukotrienes. It also affects some enzyme pathways.
Subsequently, Quercetin was found to
have value for asthmatics (Whit/Asthma/8) because of its ability to
inhibit the release of histamine, as well as leukotrienes (inflammation).
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in
grapes, grapefruit, onions, berries, green veggies, and legumesas well
as Blue Green Algae. It has been the subject of dozens of recent
scientific studies, because it appears to have the greatest activity of
all the bioflavonoids. It inhibits the release of histamine by mast
cells, thereby controlling the inflammation which is a part of such
conditions as asthma, hay fever and asthma.
Very recent research is
finding it also of great value in the fight against prostate cancer,
possibly because of its ability to inhibit inflammation. The study was
so impressive that the prestigious journal Urology published it
as a matter of "high priority".
(1999;54:960-3)
What the study found
is that out of a group of 30 placebo controlled, double-blinded category
111 chronic prostatitis sufferers, those taking the Quercetin
experienced improvement on the average of 40%, compared to 6% for
placebo. The symptoms for which improvement was reported were: pain,
voiding dysfunction, and quality of life. A second similar study
reported 82% of the Quercetin users reported 25% or more improvement in
their problems.
Along those lines, I would speculate
it will also turn out to be a valuable protective substance against
heart disease since inflammation is increasingly cited as a villain
there. Quercetin is also valuable for its protective effect on small
blood vessels.
Dr. Lise Anschuler, who teaches at
Bastyr University, is very impressed both with Quercetin. Her list of Quercetin’s manifold benefits is
impressive!
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Supports the health of tissue, and
stabilizes connective tissue.
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Inhibits the reactions of Mast
cells, controlling inflammation
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In vitro, it has proved to be
anti-viral, anti-tumor, and anti-cancer
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It modulates the endocrine system,
reducing reaction to stress.
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As an antioxidant it spares
Vitamin C.
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It inhibits angiogenesis, the
formation of new blood vessels.
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It decreases mutagenic effects
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It induces apoptosis, which is
programmed cell death.
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Perhaps most important, it
protects against eye problems. It inhibits the conversion of sugar
to sorbitol. The eye cannot rid itself or sorbitol, and she states
this is the main cause of neuropathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
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Has a protective effect against
the herpes virus, and the polio virus.
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Prevents inflammation of the
gastric and respiratory tracts.
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Quercetin is also found in the
valuable food Green Tea, and I want to draw your attention to the
wonderful new source of that nutrient I have found, where each 30 drop
dose of
caffeine
free Chi Green Tea is equivalent to 10 cups of standard green
tea. |
Quercetin as a supplement can be a
little difficult to absorb, and many professionals recommend taking it
with
Bromelain to enhance its availability. There is a plus to
this, as a study already done years ago ( EENT
Monthly 46: 361-365 1967) documents the fact
that people taking bromelain experienced extremely good results clearing
up sinusitis!
Vitamin C in potencies as high as 4,000 mg can
be helpful. together with Magnesium
(400 mg per day) and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine.
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For the fatigue that comes with allergies, caused by
having to keep the adrenals in their "flight" mode all the time, adaptogenic herbs, such as Siberian or American
Ginseng, Schizandra, Licorice and Ashwagandha
can be helpful..
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The recommended action, therefore, is
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first, to ascertain
which group describes your problem best
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and then addressing the steps
which will alleviate the problem
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together with the supplements that
will support your efforts at improvement.
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Dividing allergies and intolerances
into groups in this way helps
explain why someone will use a herb or supplement for their
personal situation, have terrific results, suggest
that a friend try it, but have that friend experience
disappointment. |
If two friends belong to different
allergy groups having different under-lying reasons for their allergies,
the same approach will not help them both: your personal allergy has to
have your personal solution!
ASHWAGANDHA -(Withania
Somnifera)
Ashwagandha, also known as Winter cherry, has been used for thousands of
years as a popular remedy for many conditions. Perhaps its main use, as
described in Ayurvedic literature, is as a daily, long-term 'rasayana'
or rejuvenating treatment.
Ashwagandha is one of the best known and best
researched Ayurvedic herbs and holds a place in the Ayurvedic traditions
similar to Ginseng in Chinese therapies. For that reason, Ashwagandha
has been often referred to as the 'Indian Ginseng'. It is one of the
best health tonics and restorative agents that have been used to treat
general debility, exhaustion, stress induced fatigue and insomnia.
Studies have shown its rejuvenating effect, particularly for the muscles
and marrow. Various alkaloids and withanoloides in Withania somnifera
have shown impressive results in scientific tests, two of them as
stimulants for the immune system.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which is to say it has
demonstrated such nonspecific effects as not changing any functions
already in the accepted range, yet possessing a normalizing
influence on the body, and increasing resistance to physical or
biological stressors.
Dr. Anschuler’s list of benefits
follows:
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Contains high levels of an
absorbable plant iron
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Improves the results of cancer
treatment
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Reduces the side effects
chemotherapy.
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Increases Red Blood Cells through
its action on the bone marrow.
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She personally finds it effective
for anxiety
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It induces restful sleep.
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It is an adaptogen, balancing the
body
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It spares the release of Cortisol,
moderating its effects on such conditions as PMS, depression,
thyroid imbalances, & menstrual irregularities
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Helpful for arthritis and all
chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Excellent for older people in a
weakened state
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Helps control rhinitis & atopic
dermatitis.
Dr. Shibnath
Ghosal, a Fulbright scholar, has patented an extract of Ashwagandha
called
Sensoril®, which is high in the active ingredient
Glycowithanolides
and may therefore be even more active in its effects.
A Report on
BUTTERBUR
(Petasites
Hybridus) -By Dr.
Andreas Schapowal
Allergic rhinitis , whether seasonal or
constant are characterized by sneezing, runny nose, blocked nasal
passages, itchy eyes and throat, and runny eyes.
Although the term hay fever is commonly
used for seasonal allergic rhinitis, it is inappropriate because the
symptoms are neither
produced by hay nor associated with fever.
Allergic rhinitis is caused by pollen allergens falling on the mucous
membranes of the nose, resulting in a hypersensitivity reaction.
Butterbur (Petasites
hybridus; butter dock, bog rhubarb, exwort) is an Asteraceae
herbaceous plant native to Europe, northern Africa, and south western
Asia.
Extracts of butterbur have been used in
bronchial asthma, smooth muscle spasms, and headache, and studies have
shown that they inhibit the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, which may be
associated with antispasmodic activity and anti-inflammatory
hypersensitivity.
The usual treatment for seasonal
allergic rhinitis is
antihistamines.
These reduce the runny nose and sneezing but are less effective for
nasal congestion and may cause sedation and drowsiness.
The availability of steroid nasal
sprays without prescription has increased their use by patients with
allergic rhinitis. Similarly, antihistamines can be obtained over the
counter for treatment of hay fever, and all may interact with alcohol
and decrease driving ability.
Value of Butterbur
The study found that the butterbur was
comparable to the effectiveness of the antihistamines as judged
separately and blindly by patients and their doctors.
With regard to safety, butterbur was
well tolerated and did not have the sedative effects associated with
antihistamines. Fatigue and drowsiness accounted for two thirds of the
side effects reported in the antihistamine group.
Butterbur can be found growing along
rivers, ditches, and marshy areas in northern Asia, Europe, and parts
of North America. It sends up stalks of reddish flowers very early in
spring, before producing very large heart-shaped leaves with a furry
gray underside.
Once the leaves appear, butterbur
somewhat resembles rhubarb-one of its common names is bog rhubarb. It
is also sometimes referred to as "umbrella leaves" due to the size of
its foliage. Other more or less descriptive common names abound,
including blatterdock, bogshorns, butter-dock, butterly dock,
capdockin, flapperdock, and langwort.
Butterbur is often described as
possessing an unpleasant smell, but being malodorous hasn't protected
it from harvesting by humans. The plant has a long medicinal history,
including use for stomach cramps, whooping cough, and asthma.
British Medical
Journal January 19, 2002; 324:144
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