The beginning of fall means enjoying cooler temperatures, watching the leaves change, and yes, the return of allergies. According to forecasters, record-high pollen counts earlier this year and recent heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms will account for an earlier, more severe allergy season in fall 2012.
Ragweed and mold—the two most prevalent allergy triggers this time of year—are not only downright annoying, they can develop into a serious health concern. Ranked as the 5th leading chronic disease in our country (the 3rd for children under 18), seasonal allergies and their secondary health issues are nothing to sneeze about.
These common allergens tend to lead to more serious and prolonged issues—many individuals go on to develop sinus infections, bronchitis, asthma, and middle ear infections when their mucous membranes are constantly under assault. Stats now indicate that some 50 million Americans are affected with allergy-induced inflamed sinuses, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and dry, irritated throats.
Whether ragweed, mold—or both—stir up your autumn allergies, here’s my personal Rx to tackle symptoms now, before they develop into something more serious:
1. Support your adrenal glands—your system’s fight or flight center for stress control. Allergies, as well as hypoglycemia, fatigue, bags under your eyes, repeated stress of any type, and negative belief systems are all signs of adrenal burnout. It can be remedied over time with simple but consistent lifestyle changes. Keep in mind that recurring respiratory infections are one of the most burdensome toxic loads on your adrenals, so addressing severe or chronic infection like sinusitis, bronchitis or pneumonia is key to overcoming adrenal fatigue. Just about all forms of respiratory illness go hand in hand with low adrenal function.
Perhaps the least expensive thing that you can do in this regard is put sleep on the top of your “to do” list. Lack of rejuvenating, growth-hormone producing sleep is a major roadblock to complete adrenal recovery and is common with individuals who show both high and low cortisol levels. Getting in bed by 9:30 pm so that it’s “lights out” by 10 pm is ideal, as well as the faithful supplementation of an adrenal support supplement ideally taken at the “adrenal times” of 7 am, 11 am, and 3 pm. Eating breakfast before 10 am, reducing caffeine, sugar, and processed carbs, and emphasizing protein at every meal, plus a protein-rich bedtime snack is key to helping you recoup your energy, vitality, and enhance immune resistance during allergy season.
