Stop seasonal sneezes in their tracks

If a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, watery or puffy eyes and sinus headaches are making your summer a misery, you might need to rethink your diet.

We assume allergies are caused by weather changes – from hot and humid to cold, windy and rainy days – or maybe it is a warning sign from our bodies about a deeper imbalance within our immune system.

An allergy is a heightened reaction of your immune system in response to allergens such as specific foods, touching certain substances, insect bites or inhaling irritants.

Your immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to attack the invading material or allergen. These antibodies travel to the blood cells to release chemicals causing an allergic reaction.

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Most of us suffer from hay fever during this time of year from exposure to pollen, mould and dust mites.

Other conditions caused by allergens include eczema, allergic asthma, urticaria and allergic rhinitis.

Some may also have a genetic predisposition to allergies which causes conditions such as eczema, asthma and hay fever, passed on through families. The increase in air pollution, use of chemicals in food, medicine and household products could also be causes.

The most common treatments to manage symptoms like sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, swelling or itching due to insect bites are over the counter antihistamines, eye drops and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Rather than just suppress the symptoms, the homeopathic approach is to find the cause of the allergies and stimulate the body’s defence system to cope with the exposure to allergens by strengthening your system.

Start by eliminating alcohol, caffeine, dairy, wheat, red meat and sugar from your diet.

Include the following:

• Drink lots of water and green juices with celery, apple and cucumber.
• Include dark, leafy vegetables into your diet.
• Apple cider vinegar helps to reduce mucus production.
• Neti pot and saline rinse helps to flush out your nasal passages relieving your allergy symptoms.
• Don’t forget to exercise!

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