14 ALLERGIES:Layout 1 20/2/08 18:00 Page 2
FEATUREALLERGIES
Penny Crowther, DN Med, Nutritional Therapist at Foods For Life talks
NATURAL HELP
FOR ALLERGIES
T
he onset of spring makes most of us
feel optimistic as daylight increases
and nature comes alive again. But
for allergy sufferers it may also bring the
prospect of a running nose, sneezing,
blocked sinuses, foggy-headedness, tight
chest and watering eyes. Pollen from trees,
grass and flowers and moulds are the most
common culprits and they are at their
most prolific between spring and autumn.
Allergies result from an abnormal
immune response to substances which are
usually harmless. A healthy immune system
has a balance of cells, some of which
activate the attack against invaders and
some of which calm the reaction down
afterwards. It is thought that in a person
with allergies, the balance between the
stimulative and suppressive mechanisms of
the immune system is disturbed.
Most Pharmaceutical products for
allergies work on the principle of
suppressing the allergic reaction. An
Looking for natural
alternative way to look at the problem is allergy relief? Try these!
to strengthen the immune system by Pharma Nord’s Pycnogenol. Many
natural means. people who suffer with seasonally
related streaming eyes, sore and
Eat For Immunity Supplements For Immune runny nose reported a real benefit
Eat at least 5, preferably 8 portions of Power taking Pycnogenol last year. A
fruit and vegetables daily to supply Vitamin A is needed for healthy cell report published in the Journal of
antioxidants. Ensure a wide range of membranes. The first line of defence Phytotherapy Research shows that
colours and eat some raw. against airborne allergens is the lining in Pycnogenol, the extract of French
Eat sufficient protein, needed to make the nose and throat and vitamin A helps Maritime Pine Bark can relieve the
antibodies but not too much which will to keep it strong. symptoms of hay fever by inhibiting
have the opposite effect. Fish, beans, Vitamin C has an anti-histamine effect, the release of histamines.
lentils, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, tofu, damping down allergic reactions.
hemp protein bars, eggs and live Vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene Optima Health’s Allergenics
yoghurt are good protein sources. Take and zinc are all powerful antioxidants preservative free formulation is less
cold pressed oils such as flax or hemp, which protect the immune system from likely to cause irritation to sensitive
daily on salads or in a capsule. damage by destructive free radicals. skin than those products with
Eat wholegrains rather than refined ones, B Complex vitamins helps combat chemical additives. It includes
such as oat porridge, oatcakes, rye bread, the effects of stress which will make a ingredients such as Aloe Vera,
brown rice, spelt pasta or spelt bread, person more vulnerable to allergies Phytosterols, Rose Oil, Borage Oil
and quinoa (strictly a seed not a grain). and allergies themselves cause stress on and Glycyrrhetinic Acid (from
Limit mucus forming foods such as milk the body. liquorice root) which provide a
and dairy produce. Live yoghurt is unique soothing, softening and
beneficial for its probiotic content. For more information visit protective action.
Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. www.optimumnutritionists.com
14 GOHEALTHYMAR/APR2008
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