The Self Against the Self: Deal with Seasonal Allergies Naturally and Cheaply

If you are experiencing itchy eyes, a dry, raspy throat, sneezing, sinus headaches and tiredness, and it’s spring, chances are you have seasonal allergies. What happens in the spring? The earth comes alive, bursting with new growth and the wind is spreading the news. Commercials bombard us with idyllic images of allergy medication from pills to nasal sprays.nnHowever, we quickly adapt to the medication and soon need a stronger prescription. As for the over the counter pills like Advil and Aleve we take for headaches, many experience rebound headaches which research studies have validated as a real side effect. Medication is no free ride; it has side-effects and costs you money.nnThe solution:nYour response to allergens correlates to how balanced you are regarding: eating, exercising, sleeping and stress-management. Allergies are actually an auto-immune response which translates into: the self against the self. So, it makes absolute sense that when you are intact and whole, your allergies will dissipate and no longer bother you; your immune system will be more vigilant. I present myself as a test case.nnFor years I was an allergy sufferer. My sinus headaches, dizziness, itchy eyes and occasional tiredness always arrived with spring. Every morning I woke up to coffee and Allegra D 180 mg. However, in the past few years I rarely have any symptoms except for the occasional itchy eye and more important, no more killer headaches and sinus pressure!nnWhat has changed? I stopped taking the medication five years ago, ate more fruits and vegetables and basically stopped fighting Mother Nature; I vowed to get along with her no matter what the weather. Brazenly, I went out to my garden, in the trenches, fertilizing, weeding, mulching and pruning without the fear or the expectation of an allergic reaction. I made up my mind not to have any symptoms and oh yes, I almost forgot, I managed my stress.nnIt’s time to ease up on yourself and find your balance in all that you do. When you are centered, you will feel well, able to inhale the fresh air as you exhale the staleness. Here are some suggestions that worked for me:n* Taper off your medication to help your body to re-adjust. (Always consult your doctor if you have special problems).n* Exercise five days a week for 30-60 minutes. Incorporate core stabilization exercises like lunges, squats, sit ups and yoga postures to help you find your balance. n* Diet is crucial. Keep every meal balanced: complex carb, lean protein, vegetables and fruits. Cut down on sugar which is an inflammatory agent. When you do have sugar, make sure it follows a protein and a healthy fat, like olive oil, to stabilize blood sugar.n* To quickly rid your body of toxins drink water and eat fiber.n* Get rid of the toxins in your head and release the resentment.nnn