Seasonal allergies getting you down? Put an end to the sniffling, sneezing, and seasonal suffering! | Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing

I’ve seen many a patient walking in the door of late with dark, puffy circles under their eyes and an appearance of general stuffiness and tickly, itchy misery. Sneezing, clearing of the throat or coughing accompanies this lovely picture. They may not even be coming in for help in this area, but I know that they are suffering from seasonal allergies. With all the wet weather we’ve had lately, mold is posing to be the problem for many.

There are several things we can do via diet and lifestyle to strengthen the immune system so that we are less susceptible to allergens. The FOODS that can help to do that are, I’m sure you guessed it, fruits and vegetables! I recommend berries of all kinds for the most bang for your buck and greens, greens, greens! Also, minimize your intake of sugar and dairy products, white flour, fried foods, and chemical and artificial ingredients.

Also incredibly important is HYDRATION. Dehydrated cells are more likely to release histamine, which causes all those nice allergy symptoms. The formula for how much water you should drink PER DAY is half of your body weight, in ounces, sipped throughout the day. Green, red, white, and herbal teas count for water. If you think water is boring you can also add an Emergen-C packet to spruce it up.

Regular PHYSICAL ACTIVITY is important for proper immune function and overall health of mind-body-spirit. Find something you like and do it – at least 3 times per week, for 20-40 minutes. Make sure to get in regular movement on a daily basis as well (walking, gardening, climbing stairs, carrying the kids, etc). Doing something that makes you feel good (listening to good music or motivational readings/talks while doing it can help immensely, as can doing it with a pal) will definitely increase your compliance and consistency! It is very IMPORTANT to fit this in to your schedule – your longevity depends on it!

EMOTIONAL HEALTH is also essential to the health of the immune system. To achieve balance in this area, consider meditating (even just a couple minutes a day), journaling, psychotherapy, and/or energetic bodywork. Incorporating these practices will enhance not only your well-being, but your overall experience of life!

And lastly, get your ZZZs! There is a reason we like sleep so much! Don’t short-change yourself! Get in to bed before midnight (ideal is between 9-11 pm) and try to get 7-8 hours. If you get less because of busy work-week schedules, try to make up the deficit on the weekends.

To enhance the effectiveness of the above recommendations, I like to implement the following NATURAL REMEDIES, which are 10% off through the end of May with the coupon below. Remedies can be purchased at PCCHH, Wellspring Whole Health, or online.

XenoForce
Nutrient and herbal blend for powerful immune support:
2 caps 3x/day. For daily maintenance support, take 1-2 caps 2x/day.

Flora Chewable
Healthy flora (probiotics or good bacteria) to support the immune system, most of which resides in the digestive tract
1 tab 2x/day

Core Sambucus Blend
Herbal formula to clear congestion and itchy, watery eyes
2 squeezes of the dropper 3-4x/day by mouth or in water/juice. For daily maintenance support take 1 squeeze of the dropper 2x/day.

Drainage-Tone
Homeopathic formula for lymphatic drainage and immune support
1 squeeze of the dropper 3-4x/day by mouth or in water/juice. For daily maintenance support take 1 squeeze of the dropper 2x/day.

Aller-chord II
Homeopathic formula to desensitize the immune system to environmental allergies
1 squeeze of the dropper 2x/day.

Throat Spray Tone
Homeopathic formula to ease ticklish throat, sore throat or cough
3 sprays 4-6x/day by mouth

You can choose just one (XenoForce would be my first pick) or choose any combination of the remedies, based on your needs). If you have any questions about the remedies, or dietary and lifestyle suggestions, please email Dr. Joy at drjoy@wellspringwholehealth.com or call her at 412-720-7197.

All liquid formulas may be taken together. 1 squeeze of the dropper is about 30 drops, which fills the dropper halfway. All remedies may be taken with or away from food. All formulas are safe for children, dosing formula for kids is 1 drop for every 5 pounds of body weight, taken the same frequency as adult dosages. The Core Sambucus would be 2 drops for every 5 pounds of body weight and the Throat Spray Tone would be 1-2 sprays. The Flora Chewable is the same dose for kids. For babies you can crush 1 tablet and give it once per day.