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 overreacts to the substance, causing symptoms of itchy, sore eyes, a runny nose, swelling and in severe cases difficulty in breathing. In most cases your body ignores such substances and concentrates the immune system on protecting your 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.

allergensareabsorbed 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 things 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.

Ginkgo biloba: This wonderful root also blocks the activity of some the chemicals that make up the immune system and can therefore be extremely effective at  preventing allergic reactions. 240mg tablets can be bought from your health food shop, however, it is worth consulting your doctor before starting this form of treatment.

Purple grapes: Contain quercetin which gives the grapes their purple colour and as above proves to be useful in protecting from allergic symptoms, however, you may have to eat quite a few grapes for any significant treatment.

Green tea: This is my personal favourite. Again it is the quercetin in the green colour of tea which gives it this great ability to block the symptoms of allergens. Personally I found my pollen allergy, which could get quite aggressive in the summer, subsided with drinking green and jasmine tea. As soon as I got indoors, I would wash my face and drink the tea. The useful thing with tea is that you can drink it anywhere, and most cafés now serve green tea. The tea will not only alleviate your symptoms, but will ease your sore throat and help with the running nose.

Photograph: Green Sencha Tea from Wikipedia

A good diet can also help in keeping symptoms at bay. Oily fish, such as sardines and salmon which contain Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation caused by allergens. Flax seeds also contain Omega-3 fatty acids. You can take flax seed oil capsules, or buy as an oil to add to salads. An ideal lunch combination of salad and oily fish!

Extreme reactions to allergens:

In cases of extreme reactions; difficulty in breathing, hives (which look like a rash), swollen face, hands or neck, you should call a doctor immediately. Such a rapid reaction requires medical assistance as the symptoms can be fatal. Such extreme symptoms tend to be caused by a food allergy or insect sting. By making yourself aware of the symptoms, you could save someone’s life.

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