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Archive for February, 2009

Arthritis – The Joint Pain

28 Feb



Do you suffer from?

- Aches and stiffness especially in the mornings.

- Creaking and cracking of joints on movements.

- Recurrent neck pain with shoulder aches.

- A stiff lower back exacerbated when sitting down for a couple of hours.

- Pain in joints during after activity.

- Discomfort in joints before or during a change in weather.

- Pain when walking or bending knees.

- Swelling of joints.

If you do, you are not alone. Chances are you are suffering from arthritis. Millions of people suffer from some form of arthritis. For many, arthritis may just be a nuisance – with occasional joint pain. However, for others, the debilitating effects of severe joints pains can decrease overall mobility and limit the overall quality of life.

Many may come to accept arthritis as part and parcel of growing old, but this need not be so. Your joints are as old as you permit them to be. There are ways to keep your joints young and prevent arthritis or conquer any existing joint pain, without any adverse effects. However, to overcome joint problems successfully, one would need to understand and address the underlying cause of the problems.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but they have one thing in common – pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected area. The most common arthritic condition include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Arthritis can effect virtually every part of the body, from the feet to the knees, back, shoulders, and fingers. While this condition may affect people of all ages (including children), the most commonly affected are the seniors. If you are over 50 years old, there’s an 80% chance that you might be suffering from some degree of arthritis

What cause Arthritis?

-Damage to joint Cartilage.

As we age, the cumulative effects of wear and tear can trigger the breakdown of joints cartilage. Damage to the cartilage results in the release of certain enzyme that further destroy cartilage components. As cartilage roughens and wears down, the ends of bones become increasingly exposed and eventually damaged. As we age, our body loses the ability to manufacture sufficient levels of Glucosamine. Glucosamine is the critical building block of connective tissue substance that forms the cartilage, and is essential for the health and strength of the joints. Maintaining healthy cartilage is critical to ensure healthy, flexible joints and unrestricted, pain free movement.

-Inflammation caused by excessive “bad” prostaglandins.

Muscle and joint pain are caused by inflammation, which causes swelling, redness, heat and pain – the typical characteristic of arthritis. Inflammation is caused in part by the release of “bad” prostaglandins into the tissues, without sufficient “good” prostaglandins to counter its effects. Increased consumption of refined, polyunsaturated oil products (such as margarine, commercial “vegetables” oils, fast foods and other processed foods), a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, ageing, daily stress and all forms of pollution cause the body to produce more of these “bad” prostaglandins. To make matters worse, most of us are not consuming sufficient Omega 3 that encourages the production of “good” prostaglandins. Omega 3 is found mainly in cold water deep sea fishes like salmon, sprat, herring and tuna.

Warnings!: Remember that if left untreated, arthritis can cause PERMANENT and IRREVERSIBLE damage to the joints, and can be crippling and debilitating.

 
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Soy Allergy

28 Feb



We have come to know that soybean are a great addition to our diet because it provides a variety of benefits and this is the reason why many of us have made an effort to adopt it to our diets on regular basis. Unfortunately soy could cause allergies to some one and it can be painful and so we must try to learn how soy allergy manifests itself to recognize, treat and prevent it when possible.

Soy Allergy Signs and Symptoms

It has been observed that soy allergy affects mostly infants and they also usually grow out of it by the age of 3 or 4. Rarely this type of allergy affects adults. Common symptoms of soy allergies are eczema and acne like rashes on the skin, nasal congestion, asthma, swelling, canker sores, fever blisters, hay fever, low blood pressure, itching, breathing problems, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea and in some severe cases anaphylaxis.

Treating Soy Allergy

Depending on the reaction you may need to rush to an emergency room if your respiratory passages are closing up and you may not be able to breathe well or you can consult a doctor for the mild reactions who will prescribe you drugs to administer orally and some creams to apply locally on the skin rashes.

Preventing Soy Allergy

One of the only ways to prevent soy allergy is to ensure it is not present in any of your food items by reading carefully the labels on it. Today soy is being integrated in a variety of food items because of its various benefits and even in many beverages, therefore you need to be extra careful and even pay attention to the food intake while you are in restaurants and fast food centers.

Helpful Tips

Soy allergy is not very common however; it can occur at any time, keep an open mind and always be concerned for the symptoms that can save your life from having a soy allergy attack. Learn about your body and how it reacts to certain things as well as learn to read the signs and symptoms that it is sending you when it is not comfortable with a product you ate.

To determine soy allergies you are required to conduct a variety of tests with the assistance of the doctor and in severe cases you may also require carrying first aid allergy shots that you can administer for an unpredicted attack.

 
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Magnetic Bracelet for Arthritis – Research Results And Possible Benefits

25 Feb



If not treated properly and immediately, arthritis could cause the individual to lose control and function of affected joints. Although traditional medications have been long produced to treat arthritis, alternative medications have become increasingly popular nowadays. One such example of the latter is using a magnetic bracelet for arthritis.

Advocates of this particular field of alternative medicine believe that using static magnetic fields provided by permanent magnets attached to certain items in proximity to affected body areas can lead to healing. This branch of medicine is closely related to electromagnetic therapy, with the latter using electromagnetic waves to treat the patient.

Items used for magnet therapy range from various types of jewelry like magnetic bracelets for arthritis to magnetic mattresses and blankets to shoe insoles to straps for your back, ankles, and wrists. Even water has been made “magnetic” to heal individuals of their respective diseases.

Legally Speaking: Magnetic Bracelet for Arthritis

The US Department of Food and Drug Administration do not allow any company to make unsubstantiated claims. Included in this category are healing products for magnetic therapy. Any healing claim for conditions and diseases like arthritis, cancer, asthma, and AIDS are considered illegal because magnet therapy still hasn’t been successfully proven to be effective.


Noted Problems about Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic bracelets for arthritis have not been proven to be one hundred percent effective and will continue to be considered so as long as the problems cited below haven’t been solved.

Magnets that are typically used in magnetic therapy products have been discovered as lacking in flux density to provide long-lasting results. Thus, any noted positive effect caused by the product on the user’s blood vessels, bones, organs, and muscle tissues are not at all permanent and will still require complementary help from other medications or treatments.

Critics have pointed out how researchers and other employed individuals in high-energy laboratories and areas experience great exposure to immensely stronger magnetic fields daily, but there is no evidence that suggests them to derive any health benefits from the exposure.

Manufacturers of magnetic therapy products themselves can not agree with each other as to the exact benefits and even usage or SOP for their items.

What Researchers Say about Magnetic Bracelets for Arthritis

A recent British Medical Journal study revealed that magnetic bracelets for arthritis were able to significantly reduce the pain affected individuals were experiencing due to their arthritic hips and knees. The Peninsular Medical School however noted that the said effects could either be due to the magnetic therapy itself or simply a “placebo effect” produced by the user’s trust in the product.

The study had been able to provide supporting data regarding the effectiveness of magnetic therapy. For magnetic bracelets to heal arthritis, then it should be equipped with high strength magnets – anything less than 170mTesla didn’t seem to have any positive effect on a user’s condition. Secondly, existing medications being taken by the user shouldn’t be stopped just because of the use of magnetic bracelet.

The study’s authors nevertheless acknowledged that additional study was needed to make their findings conclusive. Arthritis Research Campaign, who provided funds for another study, states the same. They did not however see any danger if individuals prefer to try out using magnetic bracelets all the same, as part of their self-help process as they weren’t expensive anyway.

More importantly, they were safe to use so there would be no harm at all in trying. The organization at the moment was withholding approval from the alternative treatment, but they expressed interest and encouragement in further studies regarding the efficacy of magnetic therapy.

What Supporters Say about Magnetic Bracelets for Arthritis

Here are reported benefits you can enjoy if you try using a magnetic bracelet to heal arthritic pain.

Benefit #1 Inflammation is the main problem behind arthritis but with a magnetic bracelet, inflammation and swelling of your joints will be significantly reduced by helping your body excrete excess fluids and eliminating other toxins in it.


Benefit #2 Magnetic bracelets help your muscles, organs, and most importantly joints to enjoy better circulation.

Benefit #3 Magnetic bracelets raise melatonin levels inside your body, allowing you to escape arthritic pain by falling asleep more easily.

In the end, it’s your choice – since it’s not expensive and it’s not considered dangerous, it’s up to you to decide whether a magnetic bracelet for arthritis is something you would like try.

 
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Water Filtration Systems – Are You Drinking 2,000 Contaminants?

24 Feb



The water that leaves a water treatment plant and finds it way into our home is far from pure. Drinking water has been found to contain more than 2,000 contaminants, many of which have the ability to make us very sick. It is essential therefore to employ some type of water filtration system to help ensure the ongoing health of your family.

The price of a water purifier for the home depends largely on the type used, and how difficult it is to install. They can provide a liter or two of filtered water at a time, or a limitless supply to every room in the house.

Which One Is Right For You And Your Family?

Home water purifiers are usually one of three types. These are:

- Carafe water purifier
- Under sink or countertop water purifiers
- A whole home water purification unit

Although all of these water purification systems produce good, clean water. The quantity and convenience varies from system to system.

Carafe

The carafe is simply a plastic jug or carafe, which has a carbon filter in a reservoir at the neck. When the reservoir is filled with unfiltered water, the water runs through the filter removing impurities and leaving pure water in the body of the jug. They usually hold no more than 2-3 liters of water.

Under-Sink or Countertop

Known as point of use water purifiers, the under-sink water purification system is installed with a carbon filter attached to the feed of the kitchen sink cold water faucet.

The halfway option between the carafe and whole house water purifier units, these allow pure, clean drinking water to your kitchen in a limitless supply whenever you want it. As with the other water purification systems, the filter will need replacing on occasion.

Whole Home (or whole house)

This is the most complete and comprehensive type of water purifier available, although the most complicated and expensive to install

Known as point of entry systems, these water purifiers allow pure filtered water to every water outlet found in any room in the house.

An extra advantage is that untreated water that passes through pipes and into appliances normally leaves a gradual buildup of lime-scale and corrosive deposits which significantly shorten their working lives. You will find that your water boiler, dishwasher and washing machines all operate more efficiently and for many more years than if unfiltered water passes through them.

Health Comes First

Drinking clean, pollutant and contaminant free water should be the right of every one of us, no matter where we are in the world. With the different types of water filtration systems available to suit every budget, you will at least be able to provide your own family with this pure and precious fluid that is so vital to maintaining a healthy life.

 
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Pur Water Filter Characteristics

23 Feb



There is no alternative for pure drinking water. Its life, it’s essential. Where pure water means life, intake of polluted and dirty water can bring about death. This has given rise to the emergence of so many water purifiers in the market.

The necessity of pure drinking water is obvious. Recently specialists have found out in many ways that the even water we use should be pure enough to protect us from various skin diseases and skin cancers. Keeping this in mind PUR has initiated a number of products- each of them designed uniquely for their designated purpose. The PUR products can be classified as below:

1. PUR faucet mounted filters: these 3 stage water purifiers are very easy to set up with the sink. They are available in 12 attractive designs and can purify up to 100 gallons of water, straight from the tap.

2. PUR pitchers and dispensers: these are specially made for drinking water, and available in 4 pitcher like design. These filter water in 2 stages making it 99.9% safe to drink.

3. PUR replacement filters: for every type of filters PUR provides replacement filters, available in affordable packages.

4. PUR counter top and under counter filters: under sink and counter top filters available in 4 different easy-to-use designs and useful features.

5. Portable PUR filters: these filters are very handy to carry to any journey or camping. PUR call these ‘the hikers’ collection’. They are cheap and designed differently according to the purposes they’ll serve.

The most important thing that is available with every PUR filter is an automatic monitor gauge which tells the user the time for replacing filters. In fine, PUR has checked all the possibilities to ensure pure and safe water for our drinking and also for our daily use, which makes it undoubtedly the trusted name in safety.

 
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The Auction Chant – Is it Really All That Exciting?

23 Feb



Yes, we must admit that a professional auctioneer’s chant is exciting to listen to and entertaining to watch. After all, that is why auctioneers use the chant. That and the fact that it helps them to sell more items in less time. It is definitely more captivating than no chant at all, which can be infinitely boring.

If you plan to take the family, which includes Grandpa, to a local auction we suggest you exercise a little caution. If Grandpa wears two hearing aids and upon your getting really close to his face to yell something directly at him, he replies, “What did you say?” he has flunked the bidder’s test and is not allowed to have a bid card. Hearing aids, a bid number and an auctioneer’s chant are a deadly combination – more dangerous than the three witches from Macbeth ever were.

A true auction chant is both rhythmic and as fast as a sub-machine gun. Unlike what some people think, a chant is pretty basic. It is just a serious of numbers with some verbal filler thrown in for effect. The filler can be words, expressions or cute little rhymes, such as “last chance to dance” or “you’ll grieve if you leave.” Filler is mainly designed to motivate bidders into bidding one more time…and then one more time…and then one more time.

The numbers involved in the auction chant are the current bid amount and the amount the auctioneer is looking to get next – the bid price and the ask price. These numbers are repeated over and over and are separated by filler. It is the rhythm and the speed that can make a chant seem difficult to do. New auctioneers have to spend a lot of time practicing and developing a chant that they are comfortable with; one that will become unique to them.

Speed is important and, although an auctioneer would love to show off how fast he or she can call a sale, people need to be able to understand the numbers being announced. If they can’t decipher them because an auctioneer’s chant is just too fast, the auctioneer suddenly becomes a liability. He or she will have to find a way to slow it down a little without ruining the cadence it took so long to develop.

Bidders need to really concentrate on the bid price and the ask price. It is not uncommon for an auctioneer to drop off part of the second number – the ask price. An example of this would be, “I have $40, looking for $45, who will be $45, $40 ware, give me $5, I have $45.” It is the use of $5 that can throw someone. The $5 is actually $45. No bidder wants to be caught bidding $5 because he or she was not paying attention. In this particular case, not focusing will cost the buyer an extra $40.

Historically, the most difficult chants to follow are those belonging to auto auctioneers and to cattle or livestock auctioneers. Most people find auctioneers in these particular fields to be very impressive but very difficult to understand. Every rose has its thorn. It is at these auctions that bidders really need to listen intently. Misunderstanding the bid amount at an auto auction could mean someone who came in driving a Ford could leave driving a Bentley.

Not all auctioneers use a chant. You will find that the majority of auctioneers who sell very high-end items, such as at Christie’s or Sotheby’s, have absolutely no chant to speak of. The atmosphere at these auctions is much more reticent. There is no air of real excitement generated by the auctioneer. These auction houses count on the value of the merchandise itself, much of it worth millions of dollars, to provide the needed excitement.

All in all, the majority of those that frequent auctions on a regular basis will admit that a good auction chant makes attending auction after auction a little less monotonous than it would be otherwise. After all, most auctioneers are not selling million dollar items. By the way, don’t forget to keep a close eye on Grandpa.

The NAA (National Auctioneers Association) holds annual bid calling competitions. There are many state auctioneer associations that do the same. The NAA grades contestants on many things to include the quality and speed of their chant, appearance, composure and eye contact with the audience. There are two divisions, one for men and one for women.

 
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Rheumatoid Arthritis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

21 Feb



Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease which usually affects middle aged persons, and is seen more in women than in men. Children too, may get affected. In this disease, the synovial membrane, or the covering tissue of the joints gets swollen, resulting in stiffness, pain and limitation of movement. In severe conditions, the joints may ultimately become deformed. A disturbed immune function is believed to be responsible for this disease.

In Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis is known as “Sandhi Vata”. This is not to be confused with “Aam Vata” which is the name given to Rheumatic Fever, or the fever which causes pain and swelling in joints and also affect the heart.

Rheumatoid arthritis of recent origin usually responds well to standard anti-inflammatory treatment. However, by nature this is a chronic disease, and while symptoms can be controlled, there is presently no cure. Standard modern medicine may not be very helpful once the condition becomes chronic, or treatment may have significant side effects. It is in such patients that Ayurvedic herbal treatment may be very useful and effective. One major advantage of Ayurvedic herbal medicines in such an affliction is that medicines may be taken for long periods without any serious side-effects.

Ayurvedic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis consists of the following procedures: (i) “Snehan” ( use of local and oral medicated lubricants) (ii) “Swedan” (local fomentation) (iii) “Lep” (Local application of medications) (iv) “Anuloman” ( mild laxative treatment for prolonged periods) (v) “Raktamokshan” (blood letting) (vi) “Dahan” (local heat branding ) and (vii) “Shaman” ( symptomatic oral treatment).

Mahanarayan oil( containing mainly Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia) oil, Vishgarbha oil are some of the medications used for snehan procedures. While local application is quite simple, oral use of medicated lubricants is best done under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.

While local fomentation can be done in several ways, “Naadi swedan” is the most effective. In this procedure, a jet of medicated steam is directed at the affected joints, usually after the snehan procedure. A decoction of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is usually used for this procedure.

Local medicated applications include Lepgoli, Dashang lep, and a mixture of Shrung, Daruharidra ( Berberis aristata), Alum, and Rakta Chandan (Santalum album). Several medicated herbal ointments are also available.

Local pain can be immediately reduced by blood-letting. This can be done by syringe or using leeches. About 50 ml. of blood is usually withdrawn from a vein near the affected joint. Local heat branding is used by some physicians to reduce acute tenderness of the joints. Various special metal instruments are used for this procedure.

Castor oil and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) treated with castor oil are used for mild, prolonged laxative treatment.

Oral medications include Maharasnadi decoction, Triphala Guggulu, Yograj Guggulu and Ashwagandharishta. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) compounds are given for prolonged periods. Multiple herbal compounds containing Guggulu are available, which are used according to the presenting symptoms and the staging of the disease as done by the Ayurvedic practitioner.

It is advisable to avoid very sour, salty and cold (refrigerated) food products, as also fermented products. Using tolerable amounts of ginger and garlic in the daily diet is helpful. Some yogic asanas have been found to be useful in arthritis, and may be performed regularly under the supervision and advice of an expert in this field.

 
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Golf Training Aids That Work

21 Feb



Like many weight-loss diets, many people think golf training aids and golf books are too good to be true. Many of the ads for golf training aids come along with hefty claims such as being able to knock ten strokes off of your game or by cutting you handicap in half. You have learned that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. So which training aids or golf books will help you improve your game? Below is a training aid and a golf book that you can use in unison to improve your putting indoors or out.

1. The Putting Arc Deluxe

The Putting Arc Deluxe works because this putting aid is based upon natural body movement. This body movement can be quickly learned and repeated. With regular use, the results can be seen in a short period of time. The putter head travels in a perfect circle (radius R). The projection of this circle on the ground is an ellipse in the shape of The Putting Arc Deluxe. The putter is always on plane and the intersection of this plane with the ground is a straight line, the ball/target line. With the Putting Arc Deluxe, the club face is always square to the above plane. In addition, it is only square to the ball target line at the center line of the Putting Arc. You are learning an inside to square to inside putting stroke. In this perfect putting stroke, there is only one moving part. The hands, arms and shoulders rotate as one unit and no manipulation of the hands or arms are required to follow the correct path with a correct clubface.

2. The Art of Putting by Stan Utley

In The Art of Putting, Stan Utley’s golf book outlines his putting fundamentals for players of all levels, from beginners to very skilled. Stan Utley’s easy to understand method will allow you to develop a repeatable stroke. Utley introduces you to the fundamentals of the proper grip, posture, alignment, and stroke. The Art of Putting will give you guidelines for finding the correct putter for you and the type of stroke you have. In addition, how a putt should sound and how to read greens properly. No matter what your current skill level is, Stan Utley keeps his theories easy to read and to implement for all players from beginners to skilled players. Everyone can enjoy this easy read.

 
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Foot Pain

20 Feb



On the whole, the feet are very small when compared to the rest of the body. During the day, most people spend about 12 to 14 hours on their feet. Because the feet are used so much during normal daily activity, the excessive loads that are placed on the feet mean approximately 75% of people worldwide will suffer foot pain at some stage in their lives. Foot pain can also reduce your mobility and independence, as is often seen in the elderly. When your feet hurt, it not only disturbs your body but it can prove to be distracting to your work and concentration.

Causes of foot pain

Prolonged standing, over pronation and the pressures that this places on the joints, muscles and ligaments of the foot are major causes of foot pain. There are many occupations that require long periods of static standing such as the health, retail, fashion and construction industries. Standing for long periods of time causes the muscles of the lower limb to become fatigued and overworked. Blood pooling due to decreased venous return also increases discomfort in the lower limb. The overall result of this being tired aching legs.

Ill fitted shoes and wearing high heels can also contribute to foot pain. High heels make women to look smart and taller, however they can become very uncomfortable if they wear these for long periods or during inappropriate activities. High heels increase the pressure on the ball of the foot and toe region above what the foot is designed to withstand. This overloads the structures of the forefoot leading to ball of foot pain and discomfort.

Aging, being overweight and many other systemic diseases such as diabetes, gout, arthritis all increase the likelihood of foot problems. Generally these systemic (whole body) diseases affect the function and structure (depending on the disease) of the foot. This changes the function of the foot and often leads to foot pain.

Certain age groups also suffer foot pain at different times of their lives. Children suffer from aches and pains during their growth and development. This was traditionally called growing pains, however today we know that there is treatment for these aches and pains. The two most common children’s pains are, Severs disease (pain at the heel) and Osgoodschlatters Syndrome (pain at the knee). These are both growing related problems that are aggravated by over use and poor mechanics.

The elderly are another group that often suffer foot pain. This is largely due to over use from a life time of wear and tear. Although wear and tear are not reversible, there are still treatment options available for this group of patients, to make walking pain free.

What people do when they face the problem of foot pain?

In most of the cases when people suffer foot pain the first thing they do is to reduce their activity. This usually works quote well as it will rest the foot. They apply pain removing gel to the painful area or take anti-inflammatory medications. This approach masks the symptoms of their foot pain. The real underlying problem of most kinds of foot pain is a functional abnormality that will need to be corrected.

Over weight and unfit people who are trying to lose weight often walk for exercise. The extra weight and activity further strains the feet, making walking less enjoyable, making exercise and weight loss even less likely.

Some people have no option other than to continue activity. This patient group wither either has to work due to financial commitments or has to continue activity as they are part of a sporting team. This group usually tends to push through the pain barrier until it is impossible to go on any longer.

Some people chose to ignore their foot pain and continue to wear their fashion shoes (Fore example ladies wearing high heeled fashion shoes). Over time the strain on the foot compounds and eventually results in an overuse injury. When the foot injury gets to this stage it is often impossible to ignore.

The solution for foot pain

Overall the best solution to the above mentioned problems is to support the foot and help to limit excess wear and tear on the foot. This is best done with orthotic innersoles and appropriate footwear. Orthotic innerosles help to support the foot, prevent over pronation and limit wear and tear on the joints, ligaments and muscles of the foot. Orthotic innersoles align the foot in its most efficient functional position and help to reduce the wear and tear on your feet and ankles. The use of these orthotics results in a reduction in the pain in the feet.

It is important when selecting orthotic innersoles to select an orthotic that matches your activity level and also your shoe type. For example different orthotic innersoles are used for running as opposed to ladies fashion shoes.

 
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Fight Allergies in a Natural Way – 15 Tips

20 Feb



Following are the 15 most recommended ways to fight allergies in a natural way. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before to taking up any medicine or natural remedy for allergies.

1. Avoid outdoors when pollen level is high. Check allergy forecast on websites like pollen.com and avoiding outdoors when level is above 9 points, that site is also very good to find good allergy information and equipment.

2. Eat natural Anti-histamine foods: Onions, garlic, Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges contain natural antihistamines. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also known to help. You should definitely consider increasing these foods in your diet.

3. Nasal Rinse : A very effective way to rinse of all the pollen struck in your nasal passages. This will also drain out some bacteria too. There are quite a few available with PH balancing salt to mix with filtered/boiled home water so there is no water irritation while doing the rinse. You should consider doing nasal rinse twice a day.

4. Air Purifiers : This is the MOST effective anti-allergy device for many people. Especially when at home in the evenings and night, helps to get you a good night sleep. Some filters have an additional ‘ionic’ feature which many people like me prefer not to use. These HEPA compatible filters take out most of the pollen from air around you. Dehumidifiers can be used to lessen mold which is another cause of allergies.

5. Local honey : It is recommended that you start eating about 1-2 teaspoons of locally grown natural honey before the allergy season starts. Bees are known to collect pollen from local plants. Therefore honey is known to have some low levels of pollen, and taking it before the season helps your body to get use to some pollen level in advance before the full blown season strikes.

6. Pollen free home: Please clean your carpets, bed sheets, floors and curtains, say at least once in a week. Get a Hepa certified vacuum cleaner so the air coming out from your vacuum cleaner does not dump the pollen back in the air of your home. You can find these under $100 in most retail outlets.

7. Hot liquids are helpful to get relief from congestion; Green tea works well and also has antioxidants. Please be careful while handling the hot liquids. Marshmallow Root is also a good decongestant. Taking light steam also relieves congestion.

8. Light exercise: Congestion and running nose can often lead to a weaker respiratory system. Light exercise like brisk walking or indoor exercise cycle can give power to your lungs. But be practical, do not over stress yourself.

9. Smart Planning: Usually pollen counts are low after rain. If your local forecast says that its going to rain in next 1-2 days, then prefer doing your pending work after that. But if necessary to work in garden or cut grass then use a pollen mask.

10. What are allergic to: Check with your doctor if they can do a detailed allergy check for you to find what type of pollens you are exactly allergic to. For example if you are allergic to grass pollen, you know lawn mowing is not the best thing to do yourself and hiring a gardener may be a better choice.

11. Pets: If you have any pets at home, its a good idea to give them regular bath too.

12. Avoiding foods: Avoid any foods you know that you are allergic to and may trigger allergies.

13. Evening Shower: When you come home in the evening, take a warm shower and wash your hair. Hair’s can hold lot of pollen while you were out.

14. Window filter: Keep doors and windows closed most of the time (or little open); consider buying anti pollen window filter screen. Basically a screen you can put on the window which allows the air to pass through but keeps the pollen out.

15. Overall Cleanliness: Wash your eyes and hands regularly with water. Not only it will drain away those pollens but also some give relief to your eyes.

Quite a few people prefer taking anti-allergic medicines and flu shots, not always by choice but sometimes natural approaches are not enough.

 
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