Terrible Seasonal Allergies - Remedy?

[triple7allstar]

Hi All,

I have the worst seasonal allergies (Pollen, mold, dust, dander, etc.) To Date, I have done nothing formal to treat them except use over the counter drugs.

I am curious if anyone knows of any natural remedies. I have heard of shots that I can get that would act as a "vaccine" against the specific things I am allergic? Has anyone had this treatment? Did it work?

Other recommendations? At times it is unbearable.

Thanks

[Health Dr. 1]

Allergies shots can be quite beneficial and offer an excellent alternative to drugs in the control of allergies. Blood samples are required and regular shots will a small gauge needle will be a part of the process. For many this represents a way to truly overcome their hypersensitivities. Additionally, here are some other supplements and options that you may want to explore:

Cleansing: A colon cleanse, liver/gallbladder flush, and a parasite cleanse are a very good way to begin any type of regimen. A protocol can be found at http://www.ghchealth.com/liver-and-gallbladder-flush.html. Cleansing
can accomplish a number of things, really too many to list. Suffice it to say that the removal of toxins from the colon and liver, fighting invading microorganisms (including yeast), improving nutrient absorption and digestive function, and oxygenating the body are all beneficial in preparing the body for healing. This process can also help to create an inhospitable environment for fungal and bacterial overgrowth in the intestine, an important consideration with allergy responses and sensitivities.

Magnesium- Due to its role in relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, sufficient magnesium levels are very important for asthmatics. I suggest magnesium orotate due to its extremely high rate of absorption and its targeted delivery to the mitochondria and other interior portions of the cell. A combination product such as IntraCal can provide good quantities of both calcium and magnesium orotate. The elemental magnesium is relatively low in comparison with other salts of magnesium, but the absorption should more than make up for this. It is interesting to note that magnesium (injectable mostly) was used prior to pharmaceutical antihistamines and bronchodilators. You will need to experiment a little to find the dose that works best for you; a MG RBC test is another option to accurately determine intracellular magnesium.

IntraMax- This is the multi-nutrient formula that I personally take. It can provide very good levels of basic vitamins, micro/macro minerals, and phytonutrients. It undergoes a proprietary process by which these nutrients are bonded with fulvic acid for superior absorption. This is an excellent measure to fill in all of those nutritional gaps with a single product.
Vitamin C- I know that this nutrient is touted for nearly everything, but some doctors consider low levels of Vitamin C to be an independent risk factor for asthma. This vitamin is the most prevalent antioxidant in the lining of the lungs and helps to prevent the secretion of histamine as well as promote it detoxification. Personally, I have used high-dose C for allergic reactions and found it to be very helpful; although it typically does take several grams a day to really notice an appreciable effect. I would choose a natural Vitamin C that is derived from beets or a fruit like Camu Camu.

Bioflavonoids- The most effective one in this class is probably quercetin, a form called quercetin chalcone is reportedly more soluble and bio-available. This fruit and vegetable component helps to diminish the release of histamine and is included in many allergy and asthma formulas for this purpose.

Systemic Enzymes- Enzymes can help to reduce inflammation in the body, especially when take on an empty stomach and in larger quantities. Some of these can also help to reduce the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins as well as degrade foreign protein complexes that may be in the blood stream. I recommend either Zymitol or Univase Forte; however there are a number of potent products on the market.

Natural Vitamin E/ Tocotrienol complex- These nutrients, really just all of the forms of Vitamin E, mixed with carotenoids may naturally help to slow the production or leukotrienes, a potent inflammatory mediator and target of some of the newer drugs.
Botanicals- There are a number of herbs that could potentially help, and it sounds like you may have tried quite a few already. If you have not, you might try an Ayurvedic herb called Tylophora Ashmatica. This herb has a long history of use and can be combined with other herbs in a lung formula. It reportedly possesses anti-histamine and anti-spasmodic properties.

In addition to supplements, I would also suggest a good, multi-filter air purifier. Surround Air purifiers would be perfect for this purpose. This may help to neutralize some of the triggers in your local environment. I would strongly suggest working with a naturopath that can test your adrenal function and food sensitivities/allergies. This is a long list of things to look at, but it really only represents a small portion of the options that alternative medicine may have for you. Thanks!