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Breathe Easy This Allergy Season
Looking for an allergy free season? Or at least some allergy relief options that don’t have you snoozing the entire Spring away? Relief is in earshot. In this episode we speak with two Nutritionists about a variety of natural allergy relief products. Homeopathy? Nutritional Supplementation? Probiotics? Learn how allergies really affect the body and how to take a more preventative approach in dealing with seasonal allergy issues.
25 Responses to “Breathe Easy This Allergy Season”
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Have You Heard the Word on Diet and Allergies?
More and more, research shows a link between quality of diet and allergies. When diets are lacking essential nutrients and fiber — and ridden with highly processed ingredients and sugar — allergy symptoms seem to be worse. Frequent use of antibiotics can also have a negative effect.
Certain nutrients are essential for keeping the immune system strong and playing a role in regulating allergy response. If you suffer from allergies and do not get enough of these nutrients in your diet, you may find supplements to be helpful: Essential fats (notably the omega 3s,) probiotics, enzymes, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, quercetin and bromelain. See our brochure for food sources of each, and consider supplements for seasonal relief. Have you found relief from foods or supplements? Let us know!
April 5th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Very concise, and with personal testimony made this an extremely interesting article.
April 6th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Hi,
I have had terrible allergies my whole life. I heard last year about eating local raw honey to help relieve hay fever (and it tastes good). Last summer I tried it and had mediocre results, however I was around a smoker and a dog. This summer I am living in a cleaner environment but one with more pollens. I have been eatting the honey diligently for about 6 weeks and no allergies! Record high pollen counts… nothing. I haven’t done much else different so I must say, the honey is the only solution! Perhaps its all mental but even if it is, it works. So, I highly recommend it.
It takes about 1-2 TBSP’s per day. You have to make sure it is raw honey (hasn’t been pasturized or heated) and that it is local (so the local allergens are in it). The best place to find it is at your local co-op, this way it is made from the flowers in your region. Also, stay away from anything that is a specific type (such as clover). The more pollens the better.
Best of luck!
April 7th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Homeopathy - Training Wheels for Your Body’s Natural Defenses
Did you know that homeopathic remedies are a prominent choice for allergy sufferers? They are effective for all ages without negative side effects. Homeopathic medicines for allergies are targeted to specific concerns, from pollen to pet dander, and they address underlying causes of symptoms. Nasal & throat sprays, fast dissolving tablets, and eye drops are all effective. They work by exposing the body to a highly-diluted dose of an allergen, which helps the immune system recognize the substance as harmless. When the immune system is not on alert, no allergy symptoms are sparked. At Whole Foods Market®, detailed guides are available, or you may wish to consult a homeopathic practitioner. Have you found lasting relief from homeopathy? Please share!
April 12th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
I have suffered with sinus trouble (chronic rhintis) for more than 20 years. I have surely tried all the doctors had to offer with not much relief, besides I hate taking medicine so a daily dosage was not favorable. I was praying about my sinus issue one night & the thought of accupuncture came into my mind! I had never been, nor knew anyone who had been but was confident I should try it. I threw the idea out at work & a coworker said “that is odd, I just ran into a lady that told me she was going to an acupuncturist for her sinus trouble!” She couldn’t remember the name but did remember the city. I googled “accupunture sinus” got a hit in the correct city & have been going now for about 8 months! I am not healed but I can tell a tremendous difference, mostly in the clarity of my mind. It seemed I had so much snot in my head that I couldn’t even think clear. That is the first thing I noticed after the FIRST visit! I would encourage everyone to at least try it. It doesn’t hurt & most insurance companies will pay for it. I look forward to adding some of the natural suggestions to my routine. I love these podcasts!!
April 13th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Have you tried herbal remedies for allergy relief?
If you’re looking for a natural solution for allergies, certain herbs could be just the thing for you. Available as single herb capsules, in herbal tea or in combination with other ingredients in formulas labeled for allergy support.
Stinging Nettle (Nettles) is considered by many experts to be one of the best herbs for calming allergy symptoms. It may be that constituents in the plant have an effect on the body’s immune and inflammation response. Nettles are often paired with the herb eyebright, with cooling properties that may also help soothe inflamed membranes.
Butterbur is another herb that supports healthy membranes. Studies have shown that it is effective in decreasing the body’s production of histamines and leukotrienes. In fact, research indicated that it was as effective as a common conventional choice. As always, be sure to choose a reputable brand and consult a qualified practitioner for information about potential interactions and side effects.
Have herbs helped you find relief for runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus congestion, or other allergy symptoms? Please let us know!
April 17th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Great info, thanks for keeping me updated on the latest information.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Fascinating podcast! I’m glad to see specific, clear discussion about alternatives to treating and preventing seasonal allergies. All too often, OTC options carry a long, long list of side-effects, not to mention the additives that go into making the drug palatable/attractive.
I am, however, concerned that the qualifying term, ’seasonal,’ is used only once or twice (once at the end of the introductory paragraph), and that most often the podcast simply discusses ‘allergies.’
I think a clarification needs to be made. Seasonal allergies are a rather different creature than, say, food allergies, and this is an important distinction. For example, it would be potentially quite dangerous to expose someone with a food allergy to minute amounts of the allergen, as this could trigger an increased immune response to the allergen, worsening the allergy. Food allergies, as a potentially life-threatening condition, can be treated homeopathically (probiotics, for example, have been very helpful in our family), but whether your preferred medical practitioner is complementary or allopathic, you need to carry epinephrine, in case of a life-threatening reaction, or anaphylaxis.
Finally, I noted that wheezing was described as a potential symptom for environmental. Sounds alarming to me - isn’t this potentially life threatening, should the symptom progress? Why is this not a point where the sufferer should be prepared in case they need emergency care?
May 13th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
The podcast was informative, but it was a little long for my taste. My personal preference is for shorter, more frequent podcasts.
My son has multiple food allergies, and anything that I can do to make him more comfortable and safe is what I am looking for. We shop at Whole Foods, and find some unique items there that help.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:22 am
I found this podcast to be interesting. I do agree that it ran a little long so I almost didn’t listen but I feel that it was worth it to listen.
I shop at Whole Foods weekly and just having this type of information at hand along with the very knowledgeable staff I feel that I can take on my daughter’s allergies and other health concerns with healthy alternatives.
May 14th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
There is interesting information there, however, it might be nice to hear something a little more relaxed and informal–a little less scripted.
I’d list the guest/s and his/her credentials in the description. Maybe do them more frequently but limit them to one guest/subject.
Gina
http://www.allergymoms.com
May 14th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
While I have to say, WholeFoods may be a wonderful alternative to many, unfortunately due to my daughters multiple food allergies, for us there is little we would be able to personally give her off the products that are here, but we do pass on sites as this for others than can benefit from their products and eat them safely. On another note, while food allergies, asthma, diabetes and other life-threatening chronic illnesses are on the rise, the hypothesis theory is we’ve become to clean a society. We have our children and ourselves constantly washing our hands before we eat, our children are more scheduled with other activities instead of climbing trees, turning over dirty rocks to see what lies beneath, handling slimy worms and then sharing a popsicle with their friend (sharing germs), I have to believe in the “good dirt” that helps strengthen ours and our children’s immune systems and those of us that now have children with chronic illnesses have, I personally believe have played a role as we use anti-bacterial everything and as anti-biotics are overused. There may be something to this “over cleansliness” that was first address by a German professor in 1975 when asthma was starting to increase. Question: When was the last time you made a mud pie and had to taste it? Another question: Has your child ever made a mud pie and tasted it. Many parents I have asked that last question to (another question), responded with a very clear NO and NEVER. I often think, how do we reverse the actions of today and start letting our kids get filthy dirty and healthy again?
—MaryKay Hill - Vermont
May 14th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
I use homoeopathic (Similasin) eyedrops with much success, I put the drops in my eye and also around the outside where the lashes grow. I also use a tiny bit of mild lotion around my eyes if they are really itchy. When my allergies get bad enough, I just remember to shower as soon as I come indoors and sometimes take an otc for other symptoms becasue I have yet to find any herbal or homeopathic remedy to clear my head. I intend to try honey as the person who posted sounds confident it works! I also my try accupuncture for many reasons other than seasonal allergies, and I’d definately listen to a podcast about it!
May 14th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I liked the podcast. It lost me after a while though. A little long, but still okay.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
I found this extremely interesting especially in relation to the role of the intestines. I suffer from indoor allergies. My husband suffers from outdoor allegies from pollens and is treated by shots. My youngest son has 5 major food allergies and my other three children have been told they “have allergies” but we don’t know the specifics. It was my youngest son’s food allegies that first had me visit Whole Foods and other natural & organic alternatives in our diet/lives.
May 15th, 2007 at 5:57 am
It was OK, but really too long.
May 15th, 2007 at 10:47 am
This is a great idea but it was way too long. It might be better if it was limited to one type of product. I would love to here about products that might be safe for food allergic children. Thank you.
M. Young
http://www.allergymoms.com
May 15th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Great broadcast, however I would recommend that you shorten it - consider have 3-4 minute broadcasts that cover one topic each.
Love Whole Foods!!! Don’t know what our family would do without Whole Foods! Jane Dixon
May 15th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
It seemed overrehearsed - a little long - It might seem more objective if it wasn’t the employees pushing their own products.
May 17th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Hi folks, it is so great to hear everyone’s comments! The Be Good to your Whole Body podcasts are part of a larger program that we have created this year to help people better understand their choices when it comes to natural suuplements and body care. It seems clear that most folks think the podcasts should be shorter. Just wanted to let you know that I hear you and will try a few options in upcoming episodes. Stay tuned!
May 17th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Loved the fact that Whole Foods has offered such a podcast on such a relevant subject but would like to see podcasts that are on more specific topics. My children have asthma and food allergies and I would like to hear more about specific products and ways to prepare food for them.
Thank you Whole Foods for carrying foods that my children can eat safely and that cannot be found in any other stores. Don’t know what I’d do without you. I think Whole Foods needs to do more to address this growing population that supports their company more and more.
May 29th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
avoid food which give u allergy some people is allergy from fish wheat and yeast
June 20th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Food allergies, as a potentially life-threatening condition, can be treated homeopathically (probiotics, for example, have been very helpful in our family), but whether your preferred medical practitioner is complementary.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:01 am
Jessie
Geat post. I added you to my blog roll!
February 14th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Your blog makes very interesting reading. I’m sure others will think so too I look forward to reading their comments.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:42 am