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A seasonal form of allergic rhinitis, hay fever
can manifest as acute conjunctivitis with itching and tearing eyes,
inflammation of the nasal mucosa, a tickling, runny or stuffy nose, and
abrupt sneezing.
Hay fever begins in some individuals as an
allergic over-reaction to a particular allergen by the body’s
immune system. House dust mites, mold spores, animal dander, pollen
(trees in spring, grasses in summer and weeds in fall), along with food
sensitivities, are for the most part the major culprits. Although,
allergies are initiated by many different factors and thus appear as
separate symptoms in various people. The probability of acquiring
allergies can be genetic, but the way in which they appear may not be
the same. For instance, a child with food allergies can have a parent
with asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis. This is known as atopy, or
the tendency to develop allergic conditions.
Why some people develop hay fever and others do
not may stem from an under-functioning immune system, an overgrowth of
bad bacteria in the colon, and nutrient deficiencies. The diet may not
be balanced with essential vitamins, minerals, good fats and protein,
or they are unable to digest and fully absorb these nutrients. Also,
consuming similar foods every week can contribute to developing a food
sensitivity, as can eating a large amount of preservatives (nitrates),
artificial flavors (MSG) and colours (tartrazine).
Some suggestions that may help to decrease
symptoms of hay fever or reduce its occurrence include drinking 6-8
cups of filtered water daily, limiting acidic and mucous-producing
foods in your diet (simple carbohydrates, sugar, and dairy) and
avoiding tobacco smoke. To ease nasal congestion, inhale steam from
over a bowl of very hot water with a towel over your head. Add 2 drops
of lemon balm or lavender essential oil, or a bag of chamomile tea to
the water. In addition, eliminate allergy-provoking stimuli, such as
covering your bedding with allergen-proof material, eliminate carpeting
and using air purifiers and dust filters in your home, cleaning your
house weekly to keep dust from building-up, and maintaining humidity
below 50% to prevent mold and dust mites from accumulating.
Although there is a large amount of research on
diagnosing and managing allergies, the importance of prevention is
overlooked. Treating the whole person is the goal with which to
successfully restore optimal health, as restoring intestinal immunity,
managing stress, proper elimination, and good nutrition is vital.
Nutritional consultation, acupuncture, herbal
medicine, as well as homeopathy are a natural and effective way to
prevent as well as manage allergies.
Visit Dr. Hornyak N.D. for an
individualized treatment plan. Phone Vital Force Naturopathic Health
Centre today at 905-319-3788 or toll-free at 1-866-401-3788.
August 2006
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