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March Newsletter from Dr Jared Hanson ND LAc:

Spring Allergies

Spring is here! And unfortunately for many of us this means the return of nasal allergies as trees bloom and release pollen. Stop sneezing! You don’t have to suffer! Natural and alternative approaches can offer you relief.

Acupuncture

In traditional Chinese medicine, allergies can be due to several patterns of energy imbalance such as the invasion of external pathogenic factors such as wind or heat or a deficiency of Lung qi. An acupuncturist, after looking at your tongue, taking your pulse and learning your health history, will choose acupuncture points to needle based on the specific energy imbalances you present. In my experience acupuncture is an invaluable tool for patients with allergies, either used alone or in combination with other therapies.

Homeopathy

One of the most effective tools for nasal allergies is homeopathy. Based on your specific symptoms and complete health history, a homeopathic practitioner such as myself will choose a single remedy that is most appropriate to your individual health profile. Homeopathic remedies are completely safe and non-toxic. When the appropriate homeopathic remedy is taken, results are often quick and long-lasting.

Water

The first step is to make sure you are drinking enough water. Water is a profound anti-inflammatory and most people do not drink enough. A general rule of thumb is to take half of your weight in pounds and drink that many ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, you should drink 75 oz. of water per day! If you’re not accustomed to drinking water, it will seem like a lot at first but as you feel better you will begin to appreciate the value of good hydration.

Hydrotherapy can also relieve nasal allergies. Dissolve a heaping teaspoon of salt in a pint of water and either use a Neti pot (available at health food stores) to pour it in one nostril and let it out the other, or simply snort the solution up each nostril and out your mouth.

Nutrition

Nasal allergies are often associated with adrenal fatigue and, not surprisingly, many of the nutrients that can help nasal allergies are also aimed at restoring healthy adrenal function. Vitamin C in amounts of 6000 milligrams per day in divided doses is one of our best tools against nasal allergies. This should be combined with two other important adrenal nutrients: pantothenic acid (that’s vitamin B5) and vitamin E (preferably in the form of mixed tocopherols).

Flavonoids, especially quercetin, have been found very useful in controlling allergies. Vitamin C is often available combined with citrus flavonoids. Quercetin itself can be taken as a separate supplement. Herbs that have been shown to improve allergies include butterbur and stinging nettle, which can be drunk as a tea. Probiotics, the good bacteria such as Lactobacillus, are also helpful for those suffering from nasal allergies. Buy the refrigerated kinds to make sure they are alive.

Diet

Nasal allergies and food allergies often coexist and by addressing a food allergy, nasal symptoms often improve. The most accurate way to identify food allergies is an elimination diet. Common food allergens are completely eliminated from the diet for at least five days. The most common offenders are: wheat and other glutinous grains (rye, barley, oats, and flours made from these), dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt), eggs, corn, soy (tofu, tempeh, etc.), peanuts, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes), yeast (present in beer, bread, etc.) and refined sugars. After five days, the allergens are re-introduced one by one. If symptoms disappeared on elimination and return after re-introduction, you’re allergic to that food and should eliminate it from your diet on a long-term basis. Food allergies can contribute to many health problems. For more information on how to identify, eliminate or address food allergies, contact Dr. Hanson for an appointment.