April showers bring May flowers… and allergies. While allergies are nothing new, many people are now seeking new ways to deal with their runny noses and itchy, watery eyes naturally. Who better to ask about this growing trend than my sister Dr. Barbara Dao, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine? Read on to learn more about treating allergies naturally.
What are allergies?
Allergies are the result of the body’s immune system over-reacting to substances in the environment. Typical symptoms include: sneezing, runny nose, itchy or red eyes. Asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and cough are also considered part of an allergic reaction.
When are people affected by allergies?
Seasonal allergies are most commonly triggered by pollens, which include trees, weeds and grasses. These allergies tend to affect people from spring until late summer (depending on the type of plant that they are allergic to). People who suffer from allergies more so in the winter may be reacting to dust mites, pet dander or moulds.
How can you tell the difference between a cold and allergies?
When you have allergies, you do not have fever or other signs of infection. Also the time of year that allergies come on can be a clue that it is not a cold.
Why are people seeking natural treatments for allergies?
Often it is because they are frustrated by side effects from the medications and would rather use a natural approach to medication. My patients understand that by going to a more natural approach, we can get a better understanding of their health as a whole, and better identify why the allergy is present in the first place.
What are some natural ways to alleviate allergies?
Since allergies are an immune reaction, the goal is to normalize the immune system. There are nutrients that help to stabilize the immune system and act as natural anti-histamines, such as Vitamin C, quercetin and fish oils. Acupuncture, herbs and homeopathics are also safe and effective treatments in relieving allergies. Consulting a Naturopathic Doctor is a good way to determine what natural therapies will work best for the individual.
I’ve been hearing a lot about neti pots recently. What is a neti pot and how does it work?
A neti pot is a teapot-like device used to flush out the nasal passages using a saline solution. This helps to remove excess mucus, which helps relieve sinus congestion and prevent infection.
Dr. Dao is an active member of the provincial and national Naturopathic Associations. She is located in Cambridge, Ontario and practices at Eaton Family Health Care.
Natural Allergy Treatments:
(Picture from here)
I was out with a friend the other day and she asked me: “What’s the deal with night cream?” She was playing around with the idea of having both a daytime and a nighttime skin care regime, but was fairly skeptical of the actual benefits. Is there really a difference between day creams and night creams? The answer is yes! Are their benefits to have a nighttime skin care regime? The answer again is, yes!
