| In light of the terrible winter we have had, most of | | | | soothe the inflammation that allergy triggers. This is |
| us are looking forward to the spring and summer | | | | where the anti-inflammatory low glycemic impact diet |
| months. But for the majority of allergy sufferers, it is | | | | is vital. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, bioflavonoids |
| a time of trepidation because it signals the beginning | | | | and healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids will fuel |
| of the allergy season. | | | | your own body systems to create molecules that |
| There are over 50 million individuals who suffer from | | | | neutralize allergy inflammation. Keeping your blood |
| allergies in one form or another. It seems that every | | | | sugar in a normal range will prevent excessive |
| year, more of us face the prospect of developing | | | | inflammation formation. Therefore, eating a diet rich |
| symptoms associated with allergens. | | | | in fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grains will |
| For most, allergy symptoms can turn a lovely day | | | | provide these terrific molecules. |
| into a one that is filled with congestion, sneezing, | | | | Finally, you may have so much inflammation that diet |
| breathing problems, rashes, itching and a host of | | | | alone doesn't halt the discomfort and distress. This is |
| reactions that can make us miserably ill. | | | | where a few wise supplements can deliver a big |
| Allergies are caused by a reaction of your immune | | | | counter-punch to the heavy blow of allergies. The |
| system to foreign substances. Whether it is | | | | antioxidant vitamins (C,D,E and A) all fight allergy |
| exposure to chemicals or toxins in the environment, | | | | symptoms. Vitamin C is a practically profound |
| grass, pollen, pet dander, metals such as nickel, mold, | | | | anti-inflammatory molecule. OPC's, found in grape |
| make-up, food, or stress; the result is a variety of | | | | seed, grape skins, pine bark extract (pycnogenol) and |
| responses that affect the eyes, nose, throat, skin, | | | | red wine extract (resveratrol), also are powerful |
| and lungs. | | | | molecules that neutralize inflammation and act as |
| The most common types of allergies are: hay fever, | | | | nature's anti-histamine. The molecules found in berries |
| asthma, conjunctivitis, eczema, and hives. Sneezing, | | | | - such as blueberries, bilberries and cranberries - are |
| headaches, sinusitis, itching, and rashes are symptoms | | | | especially powerful. The ORAC (oxygen radical |
| of these conditions. | | | | absorption capability) of berries neutralizes the free |
| Fortunately, nature has provided a vast array of | | | | oxygen radicals produced in the inflammatory |
| mechanisms to help us fight allergy symptoms. First, | | | | process. Omega 3 essential fatty acids can be found |
| it's important to know if you are "genetically" | | | | in fish oil capsules as well as flaxseed. Omega 3 |
| predisposed to allergy by producing more | | | | essential fatty acids promote your body production |
| inflammation than the average individual. You can | | | | of anti-inflammatory molecules. Finally, aloe vera juice |
| take a genetic test to help determine this or you can | | | | is loaded with soothing ingredients that neutralize |
| just take a look at your family tree. If you have | | | | inflammation. Herbal antioxidants and concentrates of |
| close relatives with asthma, allergy, eczema or | | | | green leafy vegetables can also impact allergy |
| chronic sinus issues, you may have inherited a similar | | | | symptoms. |
| tendency. That sneezing and runny nose may not be | | | | Don't let allergy spoil your spring and summer. Stock |
| a cold symptom but more likely an allergy symptom. | | | | your fridge and pantry with healthy anti-inflammatory |
| Sometimes it's hard to determine what you are | | | | foods. Use supplements to enhance the abilities of |
| allergic to, much less avoid the triggers. In that case, | | | | your own body and you should sail through the |
| it's important to support your own body ability to | | | | season! |