Are Allergies Controlling You? 5 Steps To Relief

If you are allergic to tree, grass or weed pollen, the beginning of spring, summer or fall can feel like the beginning of the end. But that doesn't have to be true. Here are 5 things you can do right now that will get you on the road to relief.

Close The Windows---This may seem contrary to what people usually say about letting in fresh air. But if you are allergic, letting in the air while pollination is happening can be disastrous.

Instead, close the windows in your home and your car, and circulate the air rather than exchanging it. Some spores will still get in on hair, packages, pets, and through doors as you come and go, but the amount will be far less than if you leave windows open.

Have The Ducts Cleaned---Heating and air conditioning ducts can collect all kinds of particles which can get blown into your home or office when you cut on the heat or air conditioning.

Not only can they be a collecting place for dust, and other particles, but with the right conditions mold can grow inside as well. Investing in having the ducts cleaned will be well worth the health problems that you may be able to avoid.

Vacuum With A HEPA---Vacuuming and cleaning surfaces with a damp cloth or mop are far better than sweeping. These methods minimize the amount of particles that go back into the air.

However, the best type of vacuum (HEPA) is one with a filter that can minimize the particles that get blown back into your air.

Encase Bedding With Dust Mite Covers---The protein in dust mite excrement is one of the most potent indoor allergens known. And unfortunately, mites are common to indoor spaces regardless of how clean you keep your home.

The best way to reduce their population is to prevent them from hiding in the dark, moist bedding and feeding on dead skin flakes in your bed.

These relatively inexpensive covers keep them out of mattresses and pillows. And since they are killed by sunlight, this is a very effective and natural way to control the problem.

Fewer mites can often make it easier for you to sleep. A good night's sleep gives your body a chance to rest and be ready to handle exposure to seasonal stuff more easily.

Filter The Air---The right air cleaner can be your ace in the home. Even after taking all of the precautions mentioned above, there are always going to be irritants in indoor air unless you take proactive steps to keep the levels low.

A high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air cleaner is one of the safest and most effective filters to have working for you. In order to be designated as such, it has to have shown that it can remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 airborne particulates that are .3 microns or greater in size.

Having a cleaner with this type of technology working for you around the clock can really make your indoor space a haven, and let you start enjoying life, regardless of what's blooming outside.

Take back control of your life despite your allergies by reducing your exposure to triggers. Filtering your air 24 hours a day with HEPA filtration can help you do just that. See the Allergy Machine Air Purifier from PurerAir.com now at http://purerair.com/allergy_machine.html

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Neti Pot for Allergy Relief

Utilizing neti pots for the purpose of nasal irrigation happens to be an ancient Hindu method known as Jala Neti; originating from cleansing rituals performed before Yoga in order to encourage strong breathing passages in addition to excellent health. Due to cleaning out the nasal passages of surplus mucus in addition to foreign contaminants, all the breathing techniques utilized during yoga ended up being clean as well as accurate.

Much like in the past, neti pots are widely-used for the purpose of opening breathing passages just before Yoga, but it has now turned into a wide-spread practice around the globe to help people deal with allergy symptoms - not to mention reduce the chances of nasal inflammation because of an infection.

How It Works

The neti pot is undoubtedly a simple structure that reminds one of just a typical tea pot. Typically in sizes which will hold any where from 30ml to 500ml, they're filled with a somewhat warmed up saline solution or other appropriate nasal irrigation mixture which cleanses the nasal airways while avoiding discomfort. The compact stout coming out of the neti pot should fit comfortably inside a single nostril to stop leaks and steer the saline solution towards the other nostril. Since the fluid travels from one side towards the other one, it flushes along with it the majority of the extra mucus along with other particles which might be trapped in the nasal cavity, preventing clear airways.

How It Alleviates Allergies

For those who suffer from hay fever or other allergies because of dust, dander and various other contaminants floating around in the air, the main problem is breathing in the allergens. Right after entering the sinus pathways, the allergens affix themselves to the soft tissue, thus making breathing more difficult in addition to causing additional responses like watery eyes and sneezing. A neti pot is a superb instrument to relieve the severity of these kinds of allergy symptoms and even help minimize future allergic reactions. Through the use of sea salt or natural and chemical free salt for your saline solution, it will not only wash out the allergens within the sinuses, but also help hydrate the encompassing tissue for combating irritation and any possible microbial infections.

As good as it is for adults, neti pots can even be used for children who are affected by allergies. Given that nasal irrigation just uses clean and safe saline solutions, they're totally safe and sound for young children, having said that, one very important thing to not forget is to make sure to follow the process thoroughly as well as to make the procedure enjoyable so the kids view it as a good experience.

Not Just for Sinuses

While a good many individuals think that neti pots just aid the nose, it has been observed that, for a few, regular and proper jala neti practices can even assist with eye-sight by simply washing out the tear ducts as well as facilitating with proper ear secretions that can protect against infection. Making sure the neti pot is employed properly can help heal any facial discomfort triggered by pressure and also, since they are all linked, will keep a healthy working system between the ears, nose, and eyes.

If you want to help eliminate allergy symptoms that could surface and impact day-to-day life, using nasal irrigation with a neti pot a minimum of once weekly with a gentle saline solution won't just help that, but it will also increase the overall health of your nasal region.

Nasal irrigation can be a great way to relieve even the worst of allergy symptoms; however, be sure to inform yourself of possible neti pot danger so you can learn to correctly use the pot for nasal irrigation. Also, be sure to check out the web's #1 neti pot resource to learn even more about the health benefits of this ancient and effective tool.

Original article

Natural Allergy Relief - Squashing Allergies and Their Symptoms

Allergies: Cough, Cough, Sneeze, Sneeze, Ohh what a relief!! NOT........

Having allergies can be one of the most annoying conditions you can have the pleasure of being blessed with. Your head is clogged or nose is running a marathon, your eyes are watery or itchy and you have been blessed so many times you would think God himself had heard you sneezing. It makes your day miserable and most medications you can take will only make you sleepy.

Allergies can be caused from almost anything, mold, dust, pollen from trees or flowers, animal fur, insect bites, household chemicals and more to list the most common. The excess of mucus can be caused by a poor diet and even stress can bring allergies on. To get rid of allergies naturally with no side effects, we suggest some of the following remedies and then changing your diet for continued prevention.

For relief of your allergies you can go to any local health food or herbal store and pick up these herbs. You should pick the one that fits you best and if you don't see improvement within three days discontinue and re-evaluate your symptoms and back to the drawing board. Use the remedy that best fits your symptoms. Again, only choose one remedy for three days before trying another. Stop taking remedy as soon as you experience relief.
Allium Cepa- If you have burning, watery eyes and a runny nose. Your symptoms feel better outside in the open air.Euphrasia- Can be taken if you're experiencing burning teary, red eyes. You can also use Eye-Bright, 5 drops ratio to ½ ounce saline for your irritated eyes. Apply twice daily.Sabadilla- Take this if you suffer from repeated "ah choo's" i.e. sneezes and runny nose.Histaminum- Are you experiencing normal allergy symptoms which have a sudden onset? This helps!!!Natrum Muriaticum- Take this if you sneeze at the sun and get re-occurring cold sores. Craving salt might also be a concern for you.Silica- Can be used when upper respiratory problems develop into an infection, do you feel irritable and tired??? Silica screams "USE ME!"Nux Vomica- You may wake up sneezing and crave stimulants such as tobacco or sweets.Arsenicum Album- You will have burning eyes and constant runny nose causing red and sore irritation under the nose. You are sensitive and have many allergies.Lycopodium- For people with only one-sided nasal congestion and throat issues. If you are in this category, you might also experience bloating after meals.Pulsatilla- Do your allergies get worse in warm conditions or have a lot of congestion at night. This one is definitely for you...Stinging nettles - For Hay Fever.

I would also suggest taking 1,000 mg of Vitamin C which is a natural anti-histamine, three to five times daily. If this gives you diarrhea you can decrease the dosage or try taking Quercitin. Also, Butterbur has been studied and found to be better than Allegra and comparable to Zyrtec. In the evening, take a hot bath with Chamomile or Lavender to induce sweat and clean out toxins.

Now that you have gotten rid of the symptoms of your allergy, try some of these dietary changes to prevent further episodes.

We Recommend:
Increase your whole grains. This is something we should all be doing anyway.Increase you intake of fresh vegetables and fruits to help with detoxification. You might try a 3 day vegetable juice fast for best results.Cold pressed oils and raw seeds and nuts.You will need to increase your lean protein such as seafood and tofu.Drink all the water you can. This will cut mucus secretions.Take flaxseed or flaxseed oil to reduce inflammation, 2 tablespoons every day.

We do not recommend:
Dairy products, fried foods or processed foods, refined flours, chocolate and eggs. Dairy only makes mucus secretions thicker.Cut down on fats and oils and trans-fatty acids.

We also have many products in the surrounding areas of this page; please click on any of these remedies for reoccurring symptoms and relief remedies.

From one allergy sufferer to another, please don't forget to become a part of our mailing list. We will also be sending out future promotions to those listed. Just click on any of our surrounding all natural allergy products links to take that first leap of faith towards feeling like a better you!

Also if you haven't already, please get a copy of our FREE REPORT on healing for Cold, Flu and and more. Purchase one of our many products for your holistic needs and don't forget to sign our mailing list for future promotions. Visit us at http://www.thehealingfactor.com/

Original article

Cholinergic Urticaria - How To Manage And Get Relief

It's called exercise-induced hives many times, because one of the triggers is physical activity, categorizing cholinergic urticaria in the bracket of physical hives. Running, walking, lifting, exercising; almost any form of physical activity that can increase body temperature can trigger an outbreak.

Different activities can change your body by different amounts of degrees, and depending on the momentum and vigor that you conduct them with, can also influence your internal body heat.

Sometimes cholinergic urticaria is referred to as heat hives, because other factors can activate it. Spicy foods are one of the most common reasons people break out. Emotional triggers also play a contribution in the outbreaks. Anxiety, anger, extreme laughter and even blushing can all cause cholinergic urticaria to raise it's ugly head.

The word cholinergic as described in any medical dictionary means "related to acetylcholine". This is a parasympathomimetic, meaning an action caused by the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

With cholinergic urticaria, a heat trigger of some kind causes the body to release acetylcholine at the nerve endings in the skin, leading to a hives-like reaction.

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, and it has many functions, but one is to help in muscle contraction.

Unfortunately, this subject matter is so complex that many doctors and scientists are not exactly sure what really causes a person to have a hives reaction to their own body heat or even sweat.

Many things have been suggested, such as possible autoimmune disorders and even blood disorders.

Managing Cholinergic Hives When It's Caused By Stress

The real treatment at this time is management of this strange form of skin hives. One thing that is noted is that stress seems to play a huge role in people with heat hives, especially amongst teenagers.

Stress management is a serious option to consider if you can determine that your skin reactions are due to being overwhelmed, anxiety, anger or general emotional feelings from current events in your life.

It is more than just possible for a person who struggles with cholinergic urticaria to get relief by countering the stress trigger; using breathing techniques, relaxation strategies and stress management techniques.

The reason this is important, is because stress causes a defensive mechanism in your body to activate. When this happens, your "fight or flight" response is triggered, and your core body temperature can increase.

An increase in dermis (shell) or core temperature can trigger an outbreak if you suffer with cholinergic urticaria.

Assessing Your Diet - Are Spicy Foods The Problem?

Eating spicy foods can also elevate your temperature. These mainly include hot peppers, but also root vegetables that cause your body to rise in temperature in order to digest.

Also, foods that are heated can cause an episode of hives. Liquids such as hot chocolate, coffee, and warm soups can raise your temperature, especially if consumed too quickly.

Many foods activate a process known as thermogenesis, which causes your body to produce heat during the digesting process of certain edible items. Some will have a thermogenic effect on the body a little more than others, and although eating foods that are high in the thermogenesis process is great for weight loss, it can trigger itching, stinging and burning skin sensations in people who have cholinergic urticaria.

Internal Body Temperature Control

Thermogenesis, thermoregulation and emotional state can influence the temperature within your body as well. It's very important to understand all of these triggers so that you can cut them off at the pass.

Light, physical activity can cause an episode with cholinergic urticaria, but obviously more strenuous and intensive exercise will make matters worse.

Some people who have C.U. also have poral occlusion, which means that they struggle with sweating because of blocked sweat glands. As a result, toxins build up in the system which can cause a whole plethora of problems for your body.

Some cholinergic urticaria patients choose to exercise through the itching and stinging skin sensations so that they can get a good sweat out. You have to be careful in doing this, because over-doing this process can cause your body to go into shock.

Sweating through the urticaria seems to help a lot of people who have C.U. though.

External Body Temperature Control

Environmental temperature change is one of the biggest factors to keep in mind. Outside temperatures, hot water (either consumed or bathed in), thermostat settings and even the clothing you wear, how much of it is worn, and fabric materials are required to understand in order to manage cholinergic urticaria.

You may find that using sweat wicking shirts when doing exercise really helps. These draw the fluids away from your skin, and they are fairly effective in doing so.

Also consider using a dehumidifier for your office or home environment. This will keep the humidity at bay and help you exist in a habitable environment.

Finally, cool compresses work very well if you feel an outbreak of hives coming on. There are many different ways to make these, and you can even combine herbs and essential oils that have skin healing & soothing benefits.

To make one is simple. Just take a clean, cotton cloth and dip it into a bowl of water. Whether you want to include some herbs or oils is up to, but those would go in the water as well.

Normally water compresses are made very hot, but there are cold ones as well; making simple use of cooler water. This method is not appropriate for people with aquagenic urticaria (water hives), but is helpful for people who struggle with cholinergic urticaria.

Next, to learn how to treat urticaria visit this hives treatment resource.

Original article