Steve Bernardi and Dr. Gary Kracoff: Natural remedies for spring allergies Read more: Steve Bernardi and Dr. Gary Kracoff: Natural remedies for spring allergies - Dedham, Massachusetts - The Dedham Transcript http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/archive/x215606186/Steve-Bernardi-and-Dr-Gary-Kracoff-Natural-remedies-for-spring-allergies#ixzz1KgbSxgdd

For many people who suffer from allergies in the spring, the tried-and-true methods they have been using for years are certainly tried, but not necessarily true.

Most allergy sufferers get little relief from antihistamines and decongestants. In fact, these medications can sometimes do more harm than good.

An allergic reaction, such as a runny nose or watery eyes, represents an attempt by the body to rid itself of a hostile allergen, such as pollen, oak, birch or grass. An antihistamine will dry the body so that there are fewer symptoms.

The problem is, without the runny nose or watery eyes, the allergens are delayed in leaving the body, and the body takes longer to fully cleanse. And many antihistamines make people drowsy, which is seldom a good thing.

A homeopathic remedy can help the body respond more appropriately and stabilize itself without irritations like the drowsiness or dry eyes that can become painful when wearing contact lenses. But before delving too deeply into possible solutions, much good can result from determining and then minimizing the exposure to the allergen by considering the home environment.

Before eliminating anything else, it is important to remember that open windows will compound the effects of an allergy. Sufferers should not sleep with open windows. The same pollen residue that finds its way onto windowsills and dressers is also on pillows and sheets and inhaled all night long as a person sleeps.

An air purifier with HEPA filter, by contrast, can add clean, fresh air to a room, and that can be beneficial. An air conditioner works in the same way. It is just very important in either case to make sure that filters are cleaned or replaced regularly.

Mold is an allergen that poses a great risk to overall health. Make sure your house is free of mold. Damp basements are a common source.

The real key with allergies is to help the body to respond in the right way. Like any other illness, for the body to respond effectively, it must be properly nourished, and rest is vitally important. Heavily processed foods with lots of white flour or white sugar should be minimized. Stress and strain on the body must be reduced wherever possible, and a good night's sleep is essential to good health and to winning the battle with the allergens.

Avoid contact with allergens as much as you can. If you are allergic to grass, you might want to hire a high school student in the area to cut it for you. Yard work should be put off when the pollen count is at its worst.

Quercetin is a substance found in foods, such as the skin of red apples, red onions and black tea. It has many healthful effects. It can suppress the release of histamines from mast cells and is a natural solution to the problem of allergies.

Off-the-shelf treatments may be less effective because they are not specific to what is found in your environment. Homeopathic medications that have been used successfully by allergy sufferers include Natural Creations nasal spray, which can be used to safely reduce congestion.

Histaminum are homeopathic pellets that can be placed under the tongue that also reduce symptoms. Another product that relieves symptoms and provides comfort is a special preparation just for people with mold allergies called Allergy Atlantic Mold Mix. Lastly, consuming local or raw honey can help combat allergies.

The key in fighting allergies is to help the body work its magic, not hinder it by suppressing natural responses. A runny nose may be an inconvenience, but it is also proof your body is working, as if it were saying, "Attack, attack!"

The trick is to minimize the effect these symptoms have on your daily living and to be as comfortable as possible.