WHY some people develop allergies while other people do not still remains a medical mystery.
The best line of defence is to remove the offending agent. On the home front, why not install an air-cleaning system to keep humidity down? They will also discourage mites and mould and filter pollens from the air. Consider going back to timber floors, with floor rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, and if you've built on a concrete slab it is worth considering timber flooring over the top of it.
You might also try sleeping on synthetic pillows. The one advantage they have over those made from down, is that you can wash them in hot water.
Quite often we do not know the cause of an allergy unless specific allergy testing is done, because almost any substance can trigger an allergic reaction.
Dairy products, pollens, house dust, pets, wheat and food colouring, preservatives and other additives are common culprits. These can trigger allergic reactions to manifest as asthma, eczema, hyperactivity, fatigue, itching, running nose, sneezing, headaches, and lumps and bumps.
Consider your diet and start by avoiding processed, refined “white foods” – white flour, sugar, white rice, and egg whites – and replace these with extra fresh fruit and salads, oats and vegetable juices. Avoid milk and dairy products, and tea, coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks.
Herbs and vitamins will help alleviate the symptoms of allergies. For runny noses and eyes and constant sneezing, horseradish is excellent as it helps to dry up mucus and lessens sensitivity to pollens.
Since fresh horseradish can cause a burning sensation when taken on an empty stomach, you may health food store tablets more acceptable. You should also take plenty of garlic.
Fenugreek seeds, which are good for clearing blocked nasal passages, can be made into a tea. Soak a teaspoon of seeds in cold water for 30 minutes, then add boiling water, cover and allow to infuse for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.
A cup of alfalfa tea taken three times daily during an attack will help to give relief. Or blend 10 millilitres each of honey and apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water. Drink half in the morning and the rest in the evening about an hour after eating.
Include a glass of the following juice blend as part of your daily morning regime – 200 millilitres of carrot juice and 150 millilitres of celery juice and strain through a fine strainer to remove the pulp. Sip slowly for best digestion.
