You will not be surprised if a two-year old kid knows the word allergy. Although this word is well-said and used around, Webster defines it as “altered bodily reactivity”. What we do not know is that most of the phantom ailments felt are not necessarily serious. Some of them are allergies.

The more layman way of describing it is when the well-structured functioning of the body is attacked by “foreign elements or substances,” it produces antibodies to protect itself from this invader, where the battle results in annoying symptoms. It could range from skin rashes, to sneezing, inability to breathe- as simple and complex to total failure of immune system and induce death!

What triggers allergy is the substance causing it. It could range from these varieties: foods, latex, animal droppings/dander, pollen, molds, dust mites, insect bites, stings, plants, medications, cosmetics, chemicals/dyes, metals (nickel).

If the symptoms are visibly manifested, in its severe form, it could lead to anaphylaxis attack with the following symptoms: difficulty in breathing and swallowing, swelling of lips, tongue throat and other body parts, loss of consciousness. Because allergies have no definite cause except that it could be genetically acquired from parents, or by being constantly exposed to the same substance for long periods of time, it is crucial that a person is aware of it.

Being prepared to manage allergies should be in mind so it will not affect the way of living, and there are options to ease the discomfort of its attack.

Before trying to find ways to cure allergy, consider the underlying causes that increase allergic syndrome:

• Eating habits during the first infant year: feeding the solid foods infant too early that goes with lack of breast feeding.
• Poor digestion due to improper chewing of food leading to poor hydrochloric acid in the stomach and lack of enzymes for good digestion
• Presence of parasites, candida albicans (fungi), bacteria
• Emotional and Mental Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Harsh food additives

The phrase “natural allergy relief” is as great as it can easily cause multitudes of verbal reaction than the allergy itself. This usually refers to products with the label “natural” in their packages.

With its complexity, there are ways to combat allergy problems at home without involving sophisticated process. Consider the following aid:

• Natural Antioxidants – these are fruits and vegetables that are high in hues such as grapes, berries, spinach, which prevents free-radical damages to cells. Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene have anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate allergic swellings.
• Sleep – naturally releases serotonin to help promote regeneration of cells.
• Water – the “universal solvent” that will thin out the mucous membrane and wastes that aggravate allergy so all of these will drain easily.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – mostly found in fish, almonds and flax seeds to help respiratory conditions and reduce inflammation.
• Nasal Wash – usually practiced by yogis, this is letting water pass through the nasal cavity at least once a day. Doing this 3 times for 6 weeks can lessen allergic symptoms dramatically.
• Breastfeeding A Baby – breast-fed babies develop natural anti-oxidants to allergies which will be helpful even in later life.

There are popular herbal remedies to allergy with a doctor’s guidance to check its adverse reaction to body. The popular ones are as follows:

• Quercitin – Anti-inflammatory, reduction of histamine
• Green Tea Extract – helps in digestion and enhancement of mental function, cuts cholesterol, lowers cancer, regulates blood sugar
• Selenium – immune function stimulant which increases B-cell antibody response, enhances Vitamin Cion of Coenzyme Q10.
• Bromelain – to ease inflammation, helps digestion of vegetable protein, promotes circulation
• Papain – breaks down protein and dead tissue
• Licorice Root – restores vital energy, moisten the lungs, aids digestion, to prevent skin inflammation
• Copper – helps the formation of T-cells.
• Molybdenum – enhances the cells utilization of vitamin C, detoxifies
• Magnesium (Citrate)- anti-stress mineral. Aids in detoxification, relaxes bronchial tubes
• Calcium – regulates the acid/alkaline balance in tissues, buffers the acidic stage of an allergy, lessen histamine production.
• Vitamin B15 – alleviates muscle stress to promote endurance
• Vitamin C – natural anti-histamine, prevents inflammation, assists hormonal production

Allergy is a fact of life. We should accept it with positive mental attitude. It should not cripple us to do our goals. With proper research and professional advice, it can be eliminated or lessened.