Hay fever increased from 9.8% to 10.1%
Eczema increased from 13% to 16%
Asthma increased from 18.4% to 20.9%
These increases were global: from North America to Western Europe; from South Africa to Iran; from the UK to New Zealand. Everyone everywhere is becoming allergic, sensitive, or reactive to almost everything!
What are allergies?
At first, allergies may just seem like an annoyance. However, over time this irritation becomes chronic inflammation; inflammation may turn to infection. People that suffer from respiratory allergies have an increased tendency for ear infections, sinus infections, frequent sore throats, lung infections, and bronchitis. Additionally, people with allergies suffer from increased headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Similar outcomes affect people with skin reactions, food allergies and intolerance, and chemical sensitivity.
Allergies occur when a plant or animal protein or a synthetic substance contacts your mucous membrane and your immune system reacts to reject this irritant. These irritants can include: Mold, Pollen, Dust, Animal dander, and many other irritants.
A normal, healthy immune system may react very little when exposed to these irritants. A form of barrier protection called “passive immunity” prevents irritants from getting inside of you and triggering your active immune system.
There are small hair-like structures called cilia that form the protective aspect of passive immunity. These move the irritant away from the contact area. Imagine tall stalks of wheat blowing in the wind. This gives you a mental picture of the gentle way your body should deal with irritants. Allergy problems begin when this ciliary action fails and the irritant requires a more persuasive approach to leave the area. Your active immune system is summoned and an allergic reaction results.
When your immune system senses one of these irritants it creates an antibody. The antibody protein is rushed to the site of irritation by your bloodstream and lymph system. It immediately “pops” a balloon-like mast cell in the region of this irritation. Mast cells contain histamines that cause your body to flood the area with liquid. This excessive liquid attempts to wash the irritant from the area. This is why you get watery eyes and a runny nose and other symptoms; your body is attempting to wash away an irritant.
Boost your immune system to help reduce allergies
Many medications exist to block histamines and the irritation, discomfort, and damage they cause. But, think about this: Is it the histamines that need to be corrected or your immune system? Put another way, the histamines are like the fruit on a tree. You will never get rid of the tree by simply picking the fruit. You must attack the tree at the roots if you are to rid yourself of the fruit. In the same way, you must address allergies at the level of the immune system if you are to be successful in resolving the problem of seasonal allergies.
Health only comes from healthy habits. A healthy immune system is built moment by moment from the choices you make. One of the choices you make is the food you eat. If you eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat sources of protein, you will build a healthy immune system. The same goes for: Breathing deeply reduces stress and strengthens your immunity Drinking pure water flushes your system of toxins and encourages the delivery of nutrients to your cells. Peaceful sleep is very important in correcting allergies, as the kind of immune cells that inappropriately trigger allergies are higher in people that do not get enough sleep.