10 Natural Remedies To Treat Acidity and Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Acidity is not very forgiving when it comes to pain and discomfort. If you suffer from it often, you're likely not consuming foods that work with your body. While you figure out which foods are causing the problem, her are some simple natural remedies that will help you ease the pain.  

1) FENNEL
Fennel seeds contain a compound called anethole, which is used to help suppress spasms of the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract. Take 1/2 tsp. of fennel seeds and chew them slowly after a meal to relieve acid reflux. You can also take fennel seeds and boil them in water for twenty minutes to make a tea.

2) TURMERIC
Turmeric suppresses stomach acid and effectively kills one of the most destructive bacteria known to humankind: Helicobacter pylori.This malevolent bug infects the gastrointestinal tracts of about half the people on earth. It’s the primary cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers (collectively called peptic ulcers), as well as gastritis and stomach cancer.

3) ANISE SEEDS
Anise seeds can be combined with lavender to make a tea which can help alleviate the discomfort of acid reflux. Mix an equal amount of both in a cup combined with 2 1/2 cups of boiling water. Let the tea sit for three to five minutes and then strain the anise and lavender seeds.

4) CUMIN
Cumin seed is excellent to cure acid reflux. When you have burning sensation in your chest and stomach, sip a tea with cumin seeds. You can also chew it while you drink a glass of cold water.

5) CORIANDER
Coriander seeds have been used in Chinese cooking and medicine for many years. They also are used in Indian and European medicine as a tea to help soothe upset stomachs, treat indigestion and relieve acid reflux. Put 1 tsp of coriander seeds in a tea strainer and let it sit for 20 minutes. Strain and pour.

6) MINT
Mint leaves are said to lower acid content in your tummy and help digestion. You can either chew on mint leaves or mix them with boiling water and drink it.

7) ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is an excellent natural product to cure acidity. Slit one aloe vera tube and remove the gel. Boil that in water. Let it cool and preserve it in refrigerator. Drink it before every meal. It will protect you from acid reflux or heartburn.

8) CLOVES
Eating cloves will raise the level of hydrochloric acid in your stomach and give you instant relief from acidity. On the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale used by the National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to assess the antioxidant value of foods, clove has the highest ORAC score.

9) BASIL
Basil or tulsi leaves as they are more popularly known as, are an excellent way to treat acidity. You can either chew on the leaves or boil them in water and then drink the mixture.

10) GINGER ROOT
Ginger root is an excellent natural product to cure acidity. Take a piece of ginger approximately 1 inch long. Peel it and grate it. Extract the juice. Take that juice accompanied by half cup warm water or make a tea. It is preferable to drink that at empty stomach.

Source: www.preventdisease.com

This is Why You’re Always Cold

Are you that person? The one who is always reaching for a sweater, even when everyone else is totally fine in a t-shirt? It could just be the way you are - but there are also a number of medical reasons you might be unusually cold. Read on for some of the most common reasons you’re so freezing.

1. Low Body Weight

It seems pretty obvious: the less body fat you have, the less protection you have from the cold. And it’s totally true! The slimmer you are, the more quickly your body loses heat. People with low muscle mass also tend to be colder, because muscle offers more protection from the heat than fat.

2. Medications

Certain medications can also make you feel chilly. In particular, beta-blockers, which are used to treat cardiovascular issues, can make you especially sensitive to cool weather. In fact, cold hands and feet are one of the most common side effects of this class of drugs. If you’re on one of these medications and it’s taking a major toll on your daily life, talk to your doctor.

3. Anemia

Feeling unusually cold can also be a sign of anemia. People with anemia don’t make enough red blood cells. Often, this is because they’re not getting enough iron in their diets, but there are a whole slew of other causes of anemia. If you’re feeling unusually cold, and experiencing other anemia symptoms like weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath and dizziness, talk to your doctor.

4. Diabetes

People with diabetes can sometimes experience numb hands and feet. Some people with diabetes may experience diabetic nephropathy, damage to the kidneys. It may develop because diabetics aren’t controlling their blood glucose levels. but doctors aren’t completely sure about why some people with diabetes develop it and some don’t. One of the symptoms of diabetic nephraopthy? Feeling unusually cold all the time. It’s best to consult with your doctor if you’re diabetic and feeling cold.

5. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid gland, may be the culprit of constant coldness. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and get tested for hypothyroidism.

6. Problems with the Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is the gland that regulates your body’s temperature receptors, so it goes without saying that hypothalamus issues can impact how cold or warm you feel. Dysfunction of this gland can be caused by a number of issues - everything from anorexia to head trauma - but it’s usually treatable. Again, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

7. Fungal Infection

Candida is the genus of yeast behind the most common types of fungal infections - vaginal yeast infections, thrush and nail infections among them. One of the symptoms of candidiasis is feeling unusually chilly. This goes back to issues with the hypothalamus.

8. Stress & Anxiety

Stress can manifest itself in a huge swath of physical symptoms - one of which is sensitivity to cold. People with anxiety can also feel especially cold because they’re more sensitive to physical sensations in general, which can cause the body to panic about the cold even more.

Source: www.care2.com

The candida-depression connection - 

How yeast leads to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental disorders

If you are depressed while you suffer from regular yeast infections, or athletes foot, or have taken antibiotics recently, there is a connection. Our brains are inextricably tied to our gastrointestinal tract and our mental well being is dependent on healthy intestines. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and a host of other mental illness from autism to ADHD can be caused by an imbalance of gut microbes like fungi, and "bad" bacteria.

Candida is the opportunistic flora that typically takes over our colon with conventional diets. Along with it comes other fungi, harmful bacteria, and parasites. An intestinal system infected with this kind of ecosystem cannot process and assimilate many of the vitamins we need, like B vitamins, which are imperative for brain function and found to be low (especially B6) in virtually anyone experiencing depression. Candida also breaks down the intestinal wall and leeches into the bloodstream, allowing other toxic byproducts to leak from the colon to the bloodstream.

Much of the body's hormone production occurs in the intestinal tract. 90 to 95% of our serotonin, the key neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, is produce inside our intestines. When the candida population reaches a certain point, it suppresses the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. A lack of serotonin leads to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

Acetaldehyde, a byproduct of yeast (candida), also reacts with the dopamine neurotransmitter, which can cause mental problems such as anxiety, depression, poor concentration, and feeling spaced-out.

Candida impairs the liver's ability to store vitamin B12. We don't need much B12, but if we are low, depression and other more serious mental issues well develop quickly.

The byproducts of candida's metabolism are toxic to us. Candida goes through the bloodstream and finds other areas of the body to make home in, invading everywhere it can and making detoxifying the blood every difficult for the body. The blood becomes sluggish with diminished regenerative capacities, and the body begins to age, ache, and develop allergies and then autoimmune issues, which all lead to and fuel depression.

It's rare to find a person who suffers from depression and does not suffer from an overgrowth of candida. On the other hand, it's rare to find a person in our modern culture that does not suffer from an overabundance of candida. That said, it's very difficult to improve one's mindset without a healthy mind. And you cannot have a healthy mind without a healthy colon.

Poor colon health does lead to poor brain health, as well as poor health within the rest of the body. For almost every major disease, both physical and mental, one of the most important things you can do, and the first thing that should be done, is to improve the health of the intestinal tract by killing excess candida and balancing the gut flora. A great way to do this is with thorough detoxification. Also see Natural Remedies for Depression and How to Kill Candida. See the first source for more on detoxifying.

Source: www.naturalnews.com

9 Ways To Slow Down Aging 

Through Your Food Choices

Want to live a long and happy life? Well, here's some good news: there are many simple steps you can take to promote longevity.

Researchers are beginning to understand how we age, and exciting discoveries point to telomeres. These structures are short, repetitive sequences of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes to protect chromosomal DNA sequencing during cellular division.

As the aging process progresses, telomeres become shortened to the point that cell division ceases and apoptosis, or cell death, occurs. In other words, "telomeric length" is a predictor for aging at the cellular level.

There's also a preponderance of data that shows that the telomeric enzyme, called telomerase (which restores the aging markers' length in immature cells only), is activated in cancer cells and renders them immortal. 

It's never been more essential to take aging seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there will be approximately 71 million baby boomers living in the US by 2030, making them the largest segment of our population.

So, living a long, healthy life is of utmost importance, and an ecogenetic diet is the answer to achieving it. Fortunately, for all of us, good health begins with making the right kinds of choices about food. 

Here are my nine steps to help prevent premature aging: 

1. Eat miso, tofu, and tempeh.

Soy is one of the most touted anti-aging foods and has been shown to decrease inflammation and promote healthy sex hormone levels - all on an ecogenetic level. I recommend both men and women include miso, tofu, and tempeh in their diet.

2. Add olive oil into your diet in a big way.

Many studies show that olive oil has a huge impact on maintaining good health. A staple in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil has been shown to have protective effects against diseases such as cancer.

Olive oil decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in humans, which partially explains why there is a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer among people living in Mediterranean countries for whom olive oil is the main source of dietary fat.

Remember, however: Olive oil is sensitive to heat that changes the beneficial compounds in it, so don't use it for cooking. It's best on salads or in dips.

3. Put thyme oil in your anti-aging pantry.

Speaking of oils, thyme oil can certainly help give you more time. A 2010 Japanese study showed that carvacrol found in thyme oil is a potent inhibitor of COX-2, an enzyme implicated in inflammation and aging.

4. Get some frankincense, or boswellia.

Boswellia, an ayurvedic herb with anti-inflammatory properties, is essential to any anti-aging regimen. Two large randomized studies have shown boswellia improves joint function, pain, and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis.

Boswellia has also been reported to decrease symptoms of asthma by improving lung function and inflammatory bowel disease by decreasing inflammation of the gut. It should be a key ingredient for anyone with premature aging. Talk to your health care provider about the best way to take boswellia.

5. Know that bee pollen, royal jelly, and bee propolis contain some of nature's best anti-aging nutrients.

Want to study one of nature's longevity champs? Look to the queen honeybee. She lives 40 times as long as other bees in the hive, yet she is genetically identical. The only difference is the queen alone eats the royal jelly, which is used to feed larvae. Scientists have found that micronutrients in the royal jelly can cause genes associated with longevity to be activated, which is why I recommend it so highly to patients.

6. Support your mitochondria with the right nutrients.

The mitochondrion is a structure found within cells that serve as the "powerhouse" for producing the energy (ATP) that allows your organs to work. But, as the mitochondria produce ATP, they also generate oxidants, which expose the mitochondria to free radical damage over time.

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley conducted an animal study in which they demonstrated the decline in mitochondrial function in old rats. The researchers found that supplementing the rats' diet with a micronutrient known as acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) helped to improve mitochondrial decay.

While ALCAR increased specific aspects of mitochondrial functioning, it did not decrease oxidant production within mitochondrial cells. By adding another supplement called N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenyl-nitrone (PBN) to ALCAR, researchers noted an improvement in function as well as a decrease in free radical formation in the mitochondria.

The bottom line? Talk to your health care practitioner about which supplements could be a fit for you.

7. Add plant sterols (found in pumpkinseed oil and chia seeds) to your diet.

Plant sterols are plant cholesterols (sterols and sterolins) that have been shown in minute amounts to maintain a good balance of T cells (killer cells), and enhance cellular immunity.

8. Consume nutrients that support joints and hair.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic compound that contains sulfur and is found in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. MSM has been shown to improve joint function and to help maintain normal joint cartilage because joints require sulfur and cysteine for healthy function.

9. Eat grapes.

Polyphenolic substances contained in foods such as grapes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protect brain health. The key to preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's is controlling inflammation. 

One study, for example, showed that concord grape juice helps to reduce dementia and improve cognition in older adults. Concord grape juice has been shown to contain a polyphenolic substance known as anthocyanins. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can cross over into brain tissue (the blood-brain barrier is semi-permeable and only allow selective materials access through), and is found in areas of the brain associated with regulating cognition.

Scientists also found that resveratrol found in wine and grapes helps to lower the risk of cognitive decline in mice; Resveratrol appeared to increase insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), which is involved in the production of new blood vessels and nerve cells in the hippocampus - a part of the brain that controls the formation of memories, particularly long-term memory.

Sources: www.mindbodygreen.com

Reverse Low Thyroid with These 7 Natural Steps

More than 30 million women and 15 million men suffer from symptoms of low thyroid function or poor metabolism, and conventional medicine has few workable solutions for addressing this growing epidemic. But there are some ways you can address low thyroid function naturally without having to just suffer for the rest of your life without hope.

Whether a product of exposure to environmental toxins, persistent anxiety or stress, hormone imbalance or some other trigger, low thyroid function can be devastating. Symptoms include an inability to lose weight, chronic fatigue, difficulty thinking clearly, low energy and depression - and in severe cases, sufferers can feel as though nothing will ever help them feel normal.

But medical expert Dr. Mark Hyman says there are solutions to low thyroid function that won’t break the bank, and won’t lead to a lifetime of pharmaceutical drug dependency. These include the following seven natural steps:

1) Discover the underlying causes of your low thyroid symptoms and address them directly. Many people who suffer from low thyroid function are unaware that the root causes of their disease could be the things they eat and the things to which they expose themselves. This includes food allergies and conditions such as Celiac disease, marked by a severe reaction to the gluten protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt and some oats.

Other triggers include heavy metal toxicity from things like vaccines and contaminated rice, as well as nutritional deficiencies and chronic stress. Identifying which nutrients you might be lacking, or determining whether or not your body is storing toxins like mercury and pesticides, can sometimes be difficult.

2) Maximize your nutritional intake. In order to maintain a well-functioning thyroid, it is important to feed your body with thyroid-boosting nutrients such as iodine, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and full-spectrum, whole-food-based vitamins. Taking a high-quality probiotic is also important, as the substances that the body uses to make a significant portion of thyroid hormones must first be converted by gut bacteria in order to be usable.

3) Eliminate stress from your life. Constantly worrying and stressing yourself out can take a huge toll on your glandular system, which is why you need to put a stop to it immediately. Adopting a comprehensive stress management program for your life, which may include relaxation techniques, meditation, stretching and exercise, will help minimize the release of the hormone cortisol, which can overstimulate the thyroid gland and cause dysfunction.

4) Exercise. A well-functioning thyroid is dependent upon a proper balance of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine thyroid antibodies. Physical exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can help achieve this balance by triggering the production of these important substances, which tell the thyroid when to produce hormones, and how much to produce.

5) Supplement your diet. Since much of today’s food is lacking in critical nutrients, it may be essential to supplement your diet. Many low thyroid sufferers have inadequate vitamin D levels, for instance, or aren’t consuming enough vitamin A. Getting tested and consulting with a functional medicine specialist who can assist you in how to eat properly will go a long way in addressing your thyroid issues, hopefully bringing you back into balance.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating plenty of foods high in vitamin B, which include fresh vegetables and sea vegetables, and avoiding those that interfere with thyroid function. These include soybeans, peanuts, millet and some cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli.

6) Take some time for heat therapy. One of the best ways to detoxify your body of heavy metals, pesticides and other poisons that make thyroid problems worse is to use heat therapy. One common issue among thyroid sufferers is that, as they begin to lose stored fat, toxins are released from fat tissue that further inhibit thyroid function, triggering a fresh set of symptoms. But using an infrared sauna, for instance, can help draw out these toxins from fat tissue and expel them through the skin via sweat.

7) Embrace thyroid hormone replacement therapy. When all else fails, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is another option that, if used correctly, can bring about positive results. Desiccated thyroid is a natural thyroid gland extract found in some over-the-counter supplement products, which may help bring your thyroid function back into the optimal range. Natural hormone replacement products like Armour Thyroid, which is also composed of desiccated thyroid, are another option available for those under the care of a trained physician.

BONUS: Selenium

Selenium is a powerful trace mineral that everyone needs. Along with iodine, selenium is great for the thyroid. It supports the immune system and it’s a powerful antioxidant. Adults need at least 55 micrograms a day and some people consume more, depending on their needs (it’s best to stay under 400mcg/day). 

Although fish and meat are great sources of selenium, don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t get it from plants. As a matter of fact, there are an abundance of natural foods that are great sources of selenium, including nuts, seeds, and green vegetables. At a glance, let’s take a look at the 7 best vegetarian sources of selenium.

1. Brazil Nuts

Without a doubt, Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium! Tasty, delicious, and loaded; one study showed that just two brazil nuts per day for 12 weeks raised selenium levels to a normal range. 

• ­1/2 oz. contains a whopping 268 mcg, ­479% of daily requirement and ­95 calories.
• ­Just one Brazil nut per day can provide 75 mcg of selenium.

2. Shiitake/White Button Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms taste great and, in addition to providing selenium, they’re an excellent source of Vitamin D, antioxidants, and other essential trace minerals.

• ­1/2 cup contains 18 mcg of selenium and provides 33% of your daily requirement.
• Just ­40 calories per half cup!

3. Lima/Pinto Beans

Poll any group of third graders for their favorite foods and it’s unlikely that lima or pinto beans will be on the list. But, there’s no denying their nutritional potency. In addition to selenium, lima and pinto beans are a great source of protein and fiber.

• ­1 cup cooked contains 10 mcg of selenium, about ­17% of your daily requirement.
• Only ­205 calories per cup.

4. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of my favorite super foods. One of their interesting traits is that, when exposed to water, they expand and take on a gel-like consistency. It takes on any flavor and prompts a feeling of being full much faster than other foods. They’re a great source of fiber, amino acids, and a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

• ­1 oz. contains 15 mcg and provides ­28% of your daily requirement.
• Only ­138 calories per ounce.

5. Brown Rice

If you’re looking for a gluten-free grain, you have a few choices. Millet and quinoa are emerging in popularity, and brown rice is another great option. It’s an excellent, all-around source of essential nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, and soluble fiber.

• ­1 cup contains 19 mcg, about 35% of your daily requirement.
• Just ­216 calories per cup.

­
6. Seeds (Sunflower, Sesame, and Flax)

When it comes to nutritional potency, it’s hard to beat a handful of seeds! They’re rich in essential omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. They’re also little selenium power-ups. Take your pick of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or flaxseed.

• 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds contains 19mcg of selenium, for 34% of daily requirement and 204 calories.
• 1/4 cup of sesame seeds contains 12mcg of selenium, for 23% of daily requirement and 206 calories.
• 2 tsp. of flaxseed contains 4mcg of selenium, for 7% daily requirement and 75 calories.

7. Broccoli, Cabbage, Spinach

Selenium is just one of many nutrients you’ll find in green vegetables. In fact, greens are generally one of the best nutritional smorgasbords of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, protein, calcium, magnesium, and chlorophyll available. If these aren’t the cornerstone of your diet, they need to be!

• ­1 cup cabbage contains 3.5 mcg ­ 6% of DRI and 44 calories.
• ­1 cup spinach contains 3 mcg ­ 5% of DRI and 41 calories.
• ­1 cup broccoli contains 2.5 mcg ­ 4% of DRI and 55 calories.

These are just a few vegetarian friendly sources of selenium that you can add to your diet to boost its nutritional value. Do you have other favorite foods you prefer that are a source of selenium? Leave a comment and let us know!

Source: www.healingthebody.ca www.globalhealingcenter.com

Top foods to improve gut health and 

stomach acid levels naturally

Digestive problems are not uncommon; it's estimated that 25 million Americans will get a peptic ulcer at one point in their life. (1) Even children under 12 may have GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), but instead of having the accompanying heartburn, may instead find themselves with a dry cough or have a hard time swallowing.
Add to this those who seek immediate relief by taking liquid or pill antacids to help stave off heartburn and other discomforts, and we're a western world filled with gut problems and the many ill attempts to make it all better.

But it turns out that all that effort to fight digestive issues could be more harmful than anything, as acid and bacteria in the gut are not meant to be diminished or eliminated, but healthily maintained. Fighting what's naturally meant to exist in the body does more harm than good and the bad name that stomach acid has received over the years should cease as Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., author of "Why Stomach Acid is Good for You," explains.

He's worked with thousands of people who have had everything from bloating to heartburn, saying that, "most of these individuals had been compounding their health problems by taking antacids or acid-blocking drugs either on their own or on the advice of health care practioners."

Even back in the mid-90s it was an issue. "Maalox and Mylanta - people just drink them like water," said Dr. Man C. Fung, lead author of a report that linked its magnesium consumption to death. "They don't even think about it."
Rather than turn to over the counter or other methods to "improve" the way the gut works, there are many natural ways to help find relief from heartburn while also boosting overall gut health.

Top foods to help heal gut health

Fruits and vegetables

The fiber from fruits and vegetables helps keep the digestive tract in check as opposed to fiber obtained from non-plant sources, which can worsen overall health. Plus, eating them is good for you anyway; time and time again the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables are reported, often helping people heal from illnesses, boost weight loss, increase energy and just feel better overall.

Coconut oil

Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties make coconut oil a great way to get rid of the harmful bacteria in the gut, allowing only the good kind to flourish

Fermented foods

Sauerkraut, water or milk kefir and miso are some fermented foods that contain beneficial bacteria that help to maintain a healthy gut.

Garlic

Long touted as a healing food across the board, garlic works to improve gut health by helping probiotics thrive. It's considered a prebiotic, which means that it provides nutrients for probiotics to feed on. In turn, the natural flora of the digestive system stays in harmony, making it difficult for bad bacteria to wreak havoc.

Source: www.naturalnews.com

How and Why Do Allergies Develop ?

Spring allergies affect an estimated 25 million Americans, and according to the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, we're looking at one of the worst allergy seasons in a long time, thanks to a number of climactic factors.¹
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation's annual list of the worst cities for those with spring allergies (based on tree pollen counts) include the following five:²

• Jackson, Mississippi
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• McAllen, Texas
• Louisville, Kentucky

Airborne pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Early arrival after a mild winter has spawned high levels of pollen, and means allergy season will linger weeks longer. Both 2011 and 2012 reported record-breaking pollen numbers, and this season will likely break those records.
Needless to say, sales of allergy medications of all kinds are booming. This includes antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and allergy shots—many of which can cause significant side effects.
According to the featured article in Forbes, the US market for allergy drugs is projected to hit or exceed $14.7 billion by 2015:

"The companies named to benefit most include Schering-Plough, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Vicks), Meda Pharmaceuticals, Collegium Pharmaceutical, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, and others, including companies that make alternative remedies as well."

One of the better alternatives is sublingual allergy drops, which have been shown to work just as well as inhalers. Sublingual immunotherapy has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but is widely used in Europe, and some American doctors prescribe it off label.
There are also a number of other alternatives, including provocation neutralization treatment. The success rate for this approach to treating allergies is about 80 to 90 percent, and you can receive the treatment at home.

How and Why Do Allergies Develop?

Allergies are your body's reaction to allergens (particles your body considers foreign), a sign that your immune system is working overtime. The first time your body encounters an allergen, your plasma cells release IgE (immunoglobulin E), an antibody specific to that allergen. IgE attaches to the surface of your mast cells.
Mast cells are found in great numbers in your surface tissues (i.e., those with close proximity to the external environment, such as in your skin and in the mucous membranes of your nose), where they help mediate inflammatory responses. Mast cells release a number of important chemical mediators, one of which is histamine.
So, the second time your body encounters a particular allergen, within a few minutes, your mast cells become activated and release a powerful cocktail of histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which trigger the entire cascade of symptoms you associate with allergies: sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, hacking cough, itchy eyes, etc.
Histamine can cause your airways to constrict, like with asthma, or cause blood vessels to become more permeable, leading to fluid leakage or hives. Leukotrienes cause hypersecretion of mucus, which you commonly experience as a runny nose or increased phlegm.
Pollen is an extremely common mast cell activator, but other agents can trigger these processes as well. Mold spores, dust, airborne contaminants, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, environmental chemicals, cleaning products, personal care products and foods can all cause allergic reactions. Every person is different in what he or she reacts to. And, just because you haven't reacted to something in the past doesn't mean you won't react to it in the future—you can become sensitized at any point in time.

Allergies May Also Be Due to Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut is a condition that occurs due to the development of gaps between the cells (enterocytes) that make up the membrane lining your intestinal wall.  These tiny gaps allow substances such as undigested food, bacteria and metabolic wastes that should be confined to your digestive tract to escape into your bloodstream -- hence the term leaky gut syndrome. Once the integrity of your intestinal lining is compromised, and there is a flow of toxic substances "leaking out" into your bloodstream, your body experiences significant increases in inflammation.
Besides being associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease, leaky gut can also be a contributing factor to allergies.
According to a growing number of experts, including Dr. Loren Cordain, a professor at Colorado State University and an expert on Paleolithic lifestyles, humans are NOT designed to eat grains, and doing so may actually be damaging to your gut. The problem isn't only that there are superior sources of nutrients; grains actually contain anti-nutrients that may damage your gut. Cracks in your intestinal wall can then allow undigested proteins to enter your blood stream. These large complex substances are antigenic and allergenic, meaning they stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies against them. This is what sets the stage for the occurrence of allergies and other autoimmune disorders.
"Healing and sealing" your gut has been shown to help alleviate allergy symptoms.The key lies in altering your diet to eliminate the offending foods, such as grains and processed foods, and introduce healthier ones that will support a proper balance of bacteria in your gut. To restore gut health, and prevent leaky gut from occurring, eating traditionally fermented foods is essential.

Alternative Allergy Treatments that Can Work

A recent ABC News report took 10 common "myths and old wives' tales" to allergists to get feedback on what works and what doesn't. Included in their list were the following. For the remaining, please see the original article.³ In the following sections, I'll address a number of other drug-free alternatives:

• Eating locally-produced honey: According to ABC News, the feedback was mostly negative on this strategy. But they do acknowledge the positive results gleaned in a 2011 study, which found that patients diagnosed with birch pollen allergy found significant relief when they consumed birch pollen honey daily from November to March. During birch pollen season, compared to the control group, the patients using honey experienced a 60 percent reduction in symptoms; twice as many asymptomatic days; 70 percent fewer days with severe symptoms, and 50 percent decrease in usage of antihistamines.
While I believe there's truth to the anecdotal claims that local honey can help reduce symptoms of asthma, it's important to be aware that honey itself can also trigger in some cases severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. So clearly you should not attempt to use honey if you've ever experienced an adverse reaction to honey in the past. Also be careful and use it sparingly in the beginning until you've confirmed that you can tolerate it. Another important point to remember is that honey is high in fructose, which, in excessive amounts, can exacerbate pre-existing insulin resistance and wreak havoc on your body.

• Flushing your nasal cavity with a neti pot: This strategy is widely recommended, even by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Irrigating your sinuses will help flush out pollen and other irritants, helping you breathe a little easier
• Acupuncture: Perhaps surprisingly to a lot of people, acupuncture has been shown to offer effective relief from allergy symptoms. A study published earlier this year found that those who went for weekly acupuncture treatments had significantly fewer breathing problems compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. However, the effect only lasted as long as they maintained their treatments. Still, this could be a viable option for seasonal allergy sufferers willing to get needled once a week while pollen counts are at their worst
• Eating "right": Here, the allergists claimed the findings were inconclusive, but I think there's a lot of wiggle-room when you ask conventionally trained doctors and researchers to define what the "right" diet is. Most are simply clueless about using nutrition for optimal health. For example, genetically engineered (GE) foods, which are pervasive in the American diet, have been shown to cause food allergies. Ditto for various food additives. Recent research has also found that junk food increases a child's risk of asthma and allergies, so certainly, avoiding such foods can, at the very least, reduce your risk.
To me, addressing your diet if you have allergies is a no-brainer.
An estimated 80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, so supporting your digestive health is essential to also supporting your immune system, which is your primary defense system against ALL disease. Processed food, GE ingredients and synthetic additives all decimate the beneficial bacteria in your gut, thereby having a negative effect on your immune system. Ideally, you'll want to avoid processed foods, focusing on organic, locally-grown foods instead (both to optimize your nutrition and avoid pesticides), and include fermented foods in your diet to optimize your gut flora, or use a high-quality probiotics supplement.
Additionally, as it pertains to your diet: about one-third of seasonal allergy sufferers have something called "oral allergy syndrome,"⁴ in which your immune system is triggered by proteins in some foods that are molecularly similar to pollen. Your immune system looks at the protein molecule and says, "Close enough!" and attacks it. If you are allergic to ragweed, for example, you may have cross-sensitivity to melons, bananas, tomatoes, zucchini, sunflower seeds, dandelions, chamomile, and Echinacea. If you have a grass allergy, you may also react to peaches, celery, tomatoes, melons and oranges. If this applies to you, you'll want to avoid such foods.

The MOST Important Allergy 'Treatment' You Need to Pay Attention to

While I believe you certainly need to address your diet and could try any of the alternative strategies listed above, if you have asthma, optimizing your vitamin D levels is absolutely crucial. In fact, research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a primary underlying cause of asthma. This means that many are needlessly suffering with a potentially life threatening ailment, since vitamin D deficiency is easily remedied.
Ideally, you'll want to get your vitamin D from safe sun exposure. Beware that using sunscreen when outdoors effectively shields your skin from making any vitamin D. Another alternative is using a safe tanning bed, or if neither of those options are available, an oral vitamin D3 supplement. If you opt for a vitamin D supplement you also need to boost your vitamin K2. For more information on this, please see this previous article.
Whichever way you go, make sure to check your vitamin D levels to make sure you're within the therapeutic levels of 50-70 ng/ml. If you get your levels to about 60 ng/ml there's a strong likelihood -- especially if you combine it with exercise and balancing out your omega-3 and omega-6 fats as described below -- that you will not experience asthma anymore.

Provocation Neutralization Allergy Treatment

Addressing allergies takes a multi-faceted approach that involves optimizing your diet, intestinal health, vitamin D levels, and avoiding potential triggers. Typically, allergy sufferers tend to arm themselves with a variety of antihistamine pills, nose sprays and eye drops in anticipation of allergy season. But these drug treatments come with their own set of side effects, and relief is short lived. And it's been my experience that conventional allergy testing, whether done through the blood or skin, works for only 20 to 30 percent of patients. It is also quite inconvenient, as you need to go to the doctor's office every week for months or perhaps years, and it can take several years to be effective.
Provocation neutralization (PN) allergy testing and treatment offers many allergy sufferers permanent relief without adverse side effects. The success rate for this approach is about 80 to 90 percent, and you can receive the treatment at home. I offered this effective treatment for many years in my office.
The provocation refers to "provoking a change" and neutralization refers to "neutralizing the reaction caused by provocation." During provocation-neutralization, a small amount of allergen is injected under your skin to produce a small bump called a "wheal" on the top layers of your skin, and then it is monitored for a reaction. If you have a positive reaction, such as fatigue, headache, or a growth in the size of the wheal, then the allergen is neutralized with diluted injections or with drops that go in your mouth of the same allergen. If you are interested in pursuing PN, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine⁵ (AAEM) has a list of physicians and offices that are trained in this highly effective and recommended technique.

Sublingual Immunotherapy for Asthma & Allergies

"Desensitizing a person to allergies usually involves a series of injections of small amounts of allergens, but a large review of studies has found that putting allergens under the tongue in a water solution might work just as well," the New York Times⁶ recently reported.

A meta-analysis of 63 randomized controlled trials, involving more than 5,130 patients between the ages of four and 74, found strong evidence that sublingual immunotherapy improved asthma symptoms caused by grass, tree pollen, dust mites, ragweed and other substances. The treatment produced a greater than 40 percent improvement in symptoms compared to a placebo, and led to a significant reduction in the use of asthma medicines. Interestingly, Provocation Neutralization technique, described above, has also utilized sublingual allergy treatments for many decades.
The review, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association,⁷ also found moderate evidence that the oral treatment reduced runny nose and eye inflammation. Local reactions were common, but no life-threatening side effects, such as anaphylaxis, were reported. According to Dr. Daniel Moore,⁸ the allergy drops used for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are administered daily, or several times per week, over a period of years.

"The immune system of the gastrointestinal tract tends to 'tolerate' foreign substances, meaning that it does not respond in an over-active way to swallowed material," he explains. "...When SLIT is administered into the gastrointestinal tract [via your mouth], the immune system tolerates the allergen, instead of the over-reactivity of the immune system, as with allergic disease. This results in less allergy symptoms when the body is exposed to the allergy source, such as airborne pollen or pet dander... SLIT appears to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and, to a lesser degree, allergic asthma."

Additional Safe and Effective Strategies to Treat Allergies and Asthma

As already mentioned, addressing your diet and optimizing both your gut health and vitamin D levels should be at the top of your list if you're suffering from allergies and/or asthma. Here are a few other basic strategies that can help treat the root of the problem as well.

• Increase your intake of animal-based omega-3 fats – I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting sufficient amounts of high-quality animal-based omega-3 fats in your diet. The fats DHA and EPA found in fish oil and krill oil are potent anti-inflammatories.
According to Mother Earth News,⁹ a German study published in the journal Allergy found people who have diets rich in of omega-3 fatty acids suffer from fewer allergy symptoms. A second study¹⁰ in Sweden found that children who regularly ate fish prior to age one had much lower allergies by age four. My favorite sources of omega-3 fatty acids are grass fed meat and eggs, and krill oil. (Fish has become too contaminated to rely on as a staple.)

• Reduce your intake of omega-6 fats – In addition to adding omega-3 fats to your diet, you also want to reduce the amount of omega-6 fats you consume because the ratio between these two fats is very important. If you eat processed foods daily, the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fats will become distorted, which can cause the type of inflammation that leads to asthma.
• Fermented vegetables and/or probiotics: In a 2008 study, researchers discovered that people who took probiotics throughout allergy season had lower levels of an antibody that triggered allergy symptoms. They also had higher levels of a different antibody (IgG), thought to play a protective role against allergic reactions. Other researchers found evidence that giving probiotics to newborns and mothers-to-be may help prevent childhood allergies.
• Avoid pasteurized milk products, which are notorious for increasing phlegm and making asthma worse.
• Get regular exercise – Exercise (especially out in fresh air if you're an asthmatic) is actually crucial, as it helps to moderate insulin levels.

Below are several other foods and herbs you might want to try:

• Hot peppers: Hot chili peppers, horseradish, and hot mustards work as natural decongestants. In fact, a nasal spray containing capsaicin (derived from hot peppers) significantly reduced nasal allergy symptoms in a 2009 study.
• Quercetin: Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids. Although research is sketchy, many believe quercetin-rich foods (such as apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea) prevent histamine release—so they are "natural antihistamines." Quercetin is also available in supplement form—a typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 mg per day.
• Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Another natural antihistamine, this herb has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of conditions. As far back as the 17th century, butterbur was used to treat coughs, asthma, and skin wounds. Researchers have since identified the compounds in butterbur that help reduce symptoms in asthma by inhibiting leukotrienes and histamines, which are responsible for symptom aggravation in asthma.¹¹ In a German study,¹² 40 percent of patients taking butterbur root extract were able to reduce their intake of traditional asthma medications. A British study found butterbur as effective as the drug Zyrtec.
A word of caution is needed, however. Butterbur is a member of the ragweed family, so if you are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum, you should not use butterbur. Also, the RAW herb should not be used because it contains substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer. Commercial butterbur products have had a lot of these alkaloids removed.

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Goldenseal may be helpful for seasonal allergies. Laboratory studies suggest that berberine, the active ingredient in goldenseal, has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties.
• Eucalyptus oil: This pure essential oil can be healing to mucus membranes. You can apply a drop on a cotton ball and sniff it several times a day, add a few drops to water (or to a nebulizer, if you own one) for a steam treatment, or use a few drops in your bath water.

There is Hope if You Suffer From Allergies

If you're one of the tens of millions of allergy sufferers in the US, know there is plenty you can do besides lining the pockets of the pharmaceutical industry. Eating a wholesome diet based on unprocessed, ideally organic and/or locally grown foods, including fermented foods, along with optimizing your vitamin D levels and correcting your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, will form the foundation upon which your immune system can function in an optimal manner.
For short-term relief of symptoms, you could give acupuncture a try, and irrigate your sinuses with a neti pot. There are also a number of foods and herbs you can try to alleviate symptoms, which are listed above. For more long-term relief, you may want to consider provocation neutralization treatment, or sublingual allergy drops, which work just as well as inhalers.

Source: www.mercola.com