by Anita Treso

Created on: June 18, 2010

Allergies: To Cure Or Not To Cure?

More people seem to be suffering from allergies every year. Causes of allergies can range from increasing air pollution to mould spores encouraged by energy efficient homes. But are allergies serious enough to warrant the millions of pounds spent on over-the-counter medication?

What are allergies?

When you suffer an allergic reaction to pollen for example, it is your body's reaction to an external substance. Your immune system overacts to the substance, causing symptoms of itchy, sore eyes, a runny nose, and swelling and in severe cases difficulty in breathing. In most cases your body ignores such substances and concentrates the immune system on protecting you from viruses and bacteria. This sensitivity to allergens can be inherited and means that the immune system cannot distinguish between such substances and real threats such as viruses.

Allergens are absorbed in a variety of ways; they can be absorbed through the skin, plants and metals can cause reactions this way, ingested, peanuts and gluten from wheat are well known examples of such allergies and even by injection, for example, when some people are allergic to penicillin injections.

Natural remedies:

There are many natural ways to help alleviate allergic symptoms, however, the most important thing to remember is to try and take the remedy BEFORE the symptoms start. Obviously this is easier with allergens such as pollen and gluten as you can plan your treatment before exposure.

By taking natural remedies you can help support your body's immune system and increase your intake of healthier foods and drinks. You can also save yourself a small fortune as medication is always more expensive than food and natural remedies.

You should always check with your doctor before starting treatment or a new diet if you don't already eat a healthy diet. Sometimes it can be worth getting an allergy test done. There is no point in taking in more Omega-3 fatty acids through fish if you are allergic to fish!

NETTLE: Nettles contain a substance that acts as a natural antihistamine, a substance that helps to relieve the symptoms of the allergy. The substance quercetin, helps to settle the body's reaction to the pollutant. Nettle supplements can be bought from health food shops. Alternatively, if your symptoms aren't serious, nettle tea can make a useful addition to your daily intake of water as well as a natural remedy.

GINKGO BILOBA: This wonderful root also blocks the activity of some of

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