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Summer Allergy Season Is Here

SummerAllergySeasonBy Susan Brown

Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide.  In the United States alone, seasonal allergies affect an estimated 40 to 50 million people.  Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, scientists are predicting a robust summer allergy season possibly due to climate change.  Seasonal changes, considerable amounts of precipitation, and historically high levels of carbon dioxide all nourish pollen producing trees, grasses, and plants and encourage the growth of molds and fungi.  Pollen counts are expected to continue to increase by as much as 30% by 2020 and may double by 2040.  It’s becoming apparent that warmer spring temperatures are leading to declines in snow cover and are impacting the biological clocks of plants, leading to earlier, longer, and more intense allergy seasons and more potent allergens. 

That’s bad news for people with asthma and allergy sensitivities, as symptoms are expected to be severe.  “Warmer temperatures and carbon dioxide are like fertilizer for many plants that produce allergens,” said Lew Ziska, a research plant physiologist at the United States Department of Agriculture. “Given how many people already have respiratory problems like asthma, a longer, more intense allergy season can be a real public health concern.”

Seasonal allergic reactions are a sign that your immune system is working overtime.  Typically, allergic reactions do not happen the first time one comes into contact with an allergen, something that is usually harmless like pollen, dust mites or mold.  With additional exposure, immune systems develop sensitivities to allergens, and once recognized and memorized, react by releasing antibodies. These antibodies, known as immunoglobulin E., travel to cells that release histamines and other chemicals, resulting in irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane linings of your nose, sinuses, ears, throat and lungs. 

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include:

  • Sinus pain and pressure
  • Congestion
  • Sneezing, wheezing, coughing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes, nose, throat, and palate
  • Swelling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Watery eyes
  • General miserable feeling

A single ragweed plant may release as many as 1 million grains of pollen each day and can be carried by the wind for many miles.  Mold spores, which grow outdoors in fields and on dead leaves, are almost impossible to avoid and can outnumber pollen grains even at the height of pollen season.  Avoiding exposure to irritants and allergens is not always possible or practical.  While it’s difficult to escape pollen and molds, there are some ways to at least lessen exposure:

  • Keep windows closed and use air conditioning both at home and in the car, if possible.  Change or clean air conditioning filters monthly. 
  • Avoid using window fans that can pull pollen indoors.
  • Use of an indoor dehumidifier may help reduce dust mites and mold.
  • Cleaning regularly with a HEPA filtered vacuum will remove dust mites and other allergens and prevent their escape back into the air. 
  • Wash linens and pillowcases a minimum of once each week in hot water to kill mites.
  • Invest in dust mite barriers and covers for mattresses and pillows. 
  • Dust your home frequently and wash or dispose of the dust cloth. 
  • Humid bathrooms and basements are perfect mold environments.  Clean them often, especially around faucets, sinks and shower heads. 
  • Limit outdoor time between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. when pollen and mold counts are highest. 
  • Pay attention to pollen counts by subscribing to email alerts available from the National Allergy Bureau (NAB). 
  • Wear a pollen filtering mask when gardening, mowing or raking or anytime you plan to spend an extended time outdoors. 
  • Remove shoes and outdoor clothing as soon as possible to avoid bringing outdoor allergens indoors. 
  • Shower immediately and wash your hair after spending time outdoors. 
  •  Use of over the counter antihistamines, decongestants, and saline nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms especially when used preemptively before symptoms appear.  The majority of seasonal allergy medications work best at preventing symptoms from developing, and reducing the severity of symptoms that do appear. 
  • Use of a Neti Pot to rinse away allergens and flush the sinuses has been found to be a mild and effective way to treat symptoms. 
  • Quercetin, a natural plant-derived compound helps to stabilize mast cells and prevent the release of histamines. 
  • Stinging Nettle in freeze dried form is noted for providing seasonal support for the  sinus and respiratory systems. 
  • Butterbur is considered a natural alternative to antihistamines and may help maintain balanced seasonal immune responses.

“By planning ahead, people with allergies can still enjoy outdoor events,” said Dr. Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).   

Products for allergy support:

Natural D-Hist by Ortho Molecular –  This top selling product is formulated for maximum effectiveness, with carefully selected dosages of critical natural components to provide optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways.  Contains quercetin, stinging nettles leaf, bromelain and NAC.

D-Hist Jr. by Ortho Molecular –  Seasonal  support for children with the same natural ingredients as the adult formula.  Natural lemon-lime flavor. 

Activated Quercetin by Source Naturals –  A unique bioflavonoid derived from plant sources, quercetin has been shown to inhibit histamine release.

Nasal Rinse Cup by Banyan Botanicals –  This Neti Pot is designed for ease of use to provide soothing relief for nasal dryness, gently remove excess mucus, and rinse away dust, pollen and other irritants. Crafted from sturdy, lead-free ceramic and coated with food-grade sealant glaze.  Dishwasher safe.

Sinus Rinse Premixed Packets by NeilMed –  Contains 100 premixed packets of pH balanced sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate mixture (USP grade, natural ingredients, isotonic, preservative & iodine free).  Use with Nasal Rinse Cup for allergy and sinus relief. 

SinuClenz by Physician’s Strength –  Sinus nasal spray with a cleansing formula containing wild oil of oregano, bay leaf, clove bud oil, sea salt and spring water. 

Stinging Nettles Freeze Dried by Planetary HerbalsFor herbal respiratory support.  Premium nettles have been freeze-dried to preserve the potency of the active constituents in the plant’s stinging hairs and leaves.  This process ensures that Freeze-Dried Stinging Nettles will deliver all the benefits inherent in the nettle plant.

The Power Of Yoga: Part II

The Power Of Yoga Part 2.By Jacquie Eubanks BSN, RN

Click here to read Part I.

It’s clear that yoga is a valid exercise choice.  Here are some very good reasons athletes should consider adding yoga to their exercise protocol:

  1. Injury prevention:  Repetitive overuse of certain muscle groups will cause imbalances in strengthening and lengthening.  Tighter muscles pull at the ligaments and joints which poses a greater risk of tearing.  Flexible and pliable muscles reduce the risk of injury.  Yoga works muscles around the joints creating better stability, mobility and fluidity and increasing your range of motion.
  2. Core strength:  Core strengthening is one of the foundations of yoga.  Stretching and strengthening of the abdominal, paraspinal and pelvic muscles helps maintain and support your natural stabilizing muscles, aiding injury prevention.  Yoga can not only eliminate back pain and lighten the stress on your spine, it can restructure your body so your lower back curve is supported, healthy, and strong.
  3. Balance:  Yoga helps to balance the body by paying special attention to symmetry.  Specific poses train and use both sides of the body equally, helping to balance the entire nervous system.  It helps to improve body alignment resulting in better posture and relief from back, neck and muscle tension. 
  4. Mental focus:  Yoga allows you to focus on the present, increases your awareness and improves coordination, reaction time and memory.  You can adapt a yoga practice to be stimulating for energy or calming for tranquility, both of which are great for mental focus.
  5. Stress relief:  Yoga teaches you to calm the mind and the nervous system while faced with stress and physical challenge.   Athletes “in the zone” are in a state of complete surrender to mental focus, clarity and calmness of being that allows for optimal performance.  Yoga is a great practice before and after any competition.
  6. Recovery time:   Yoga has become a method of physical therapy for injury recovery and can also reduce post-workout recovery time.  Doing a few yoga poses and some breath work can help move energy through the body, aiding in relief of sore energy-depleted muscles. 
  7. Increased overall strength and flexibility:  Yoga postures use all muscles of the body, helping to increase stamina and physical power.  Yoga increases flexibility in the shortest amount of time as compared to other forms of exercise.   
  8. Weight management:  In addition to burning calories and reducing stress, yoga can help reduce cortisol levels, aiding in weight control.  Unlike the tendency of other exercise to increase your appetite, yoga helps to balance your hormones so you’re less likely to suffer from uncontrollable cravings.  Yoga’s mindful awareness may help you to reach for a salad as opposed to a less healthy choice. 
  9. Endurance:  Endurance can be measured by overall physical and psychological makeup especially in the body’s ability to withstand a tough competition or workout.  Deep, mindful breathing can help improve your lung function and increase your oxygen intake.  The counter-practice of yoga lessens the stress and strain of one way repetitive movements such as running, walking and cycling. 
  10. Detoxification:  In addition to stretching and sculpting your muscles, yoga massages your organs increasing blood supply to all areas of the body.  Yogic breathing not only increases oxygen, it aids in carrying away waste.  Many yoga poses are specifically designed to support the lymphatic system and aid in detoxification of the body. 

Whether you are seeking a gentle class or are looking for a straight sweat session with no Sanskrit involved, there is a style and an instructor for you.  A good thing to remember, a little Zen can go a long way toward improving your overall physical and mental states of health.  It may even increase your zest for life as you continue your yoga practice well into your golden years. 

Supplements to support physical and mental well being:

Ashwagandha by Ayush Herbs –  Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is indicated in Ayurveda as a daily rasayana or anti-aging aid.  It is one of the most highly regarded and widely used Ayurvedic herbs and is believed to increase energy and overall health and longevity. It acts as an adaptogen and immune promoter, nourishing and strengthening the inner reserve of the human body.  Ashwagandha literally means “to impart the strength of a horse.”

Stress Ease by Banyan Botanicals –  Stress Ease helps the body cope with stress by supporting the resiliency and tone of the neuromuscular system.  Unlike the temporary jolts and inevitable crashes experienced with caffeine and sugar, this blend of herbs strengthens the system to provide a sustained source of natural energy.  Stress Ease bolsters one’s ability to surmount physical, mental and emotional challenges.  Contains certified organically grown herbs. 

Asian Green Tea by Jason Winters International –  Sir Jason Winters calls this superior blend of green tea “Chao Phrya Tea,” named after the mighty river upon which the tea barges sailed.  Chao Phrya means “the river of the kings,” and villagers in the river valley say their special green tea is “as emerald as the mountains rising in early morning mist.”

Body Regenerator by Amrita Aromatherapy –  This product is intended to support the body’s natural healing processes, aid in regenerating healthy muscle and nerve tissue and strengthen and enhance the mind/body connection.  With herbal extracts, essential oils and flower essences. 

PureLean Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations –  PureLean™ Nutrients is designed to provide metabolic and weight management support as part of a healthy lifestyle along with a reduced calorie diet and regular exercise.  It is a complete hypo-allergenic, highly bioavailable multi-vitamin, multi-mineral and trace element supplement.  The formula combines superior mineral cofactors, activated vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, cinnamon, green tea and pterostilbene to support healthy glucose metabolism, lipid utilization and body composition.