A Chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you with many ailments by way of adjustments. However, some of your lifestyle choices outside of the doctor’s office can make a big difference. By incorporating certain lifestyle changes you can contribute to faster healing and continued wellness.
Allergies affect one’s quality of life and can reduce productivity at work, school and home. Moreover, when not addressed properly, allergies can lead to secondary problems such as sinus and ear infections. Read below to learn about Chiropractic Wellness (Part 2): Hay Fever/Seasonal Allergies.
Hay Fever /Seasonal Allergies
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen in the air, affecting your upper respiratory tract. The medical term for the symptoms it causes is allergic rhinitis. Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults and more than 1 in 4 U.S. children reported having a seasonal allergy, eczema, or food allergy (link here to part 1) in 2021, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen or mold that affects the mucous membranes of your nose, eyes and air passages. Symptoms include itchy, red eyes watery discharge from the nose and eyes. You may be sneezing as well. Furthermore, fatigue and nervous irritability may eventually set in. Triggers for hay fever symptoms can be animal hair, dust, feathers, and fungus/mold spores.
Hay fever versus the Common Cold
Frequently, hay fever may appear to be a common cold. So a cold is caused by a virus. And with a cold, you will have a mild fever. With allergies you will only have a distinctive clear, thin nasal discharge. In contrast, the common cold has secretions that are thicker. Additionally, colds are usually gone within a week, while your allergies will linger on for weeks.
Why Hay Fever is called Seasonal Allergies
Hay fever season starts when plants grow and bloom. There are different seasons of the year when various pollens/spores are present. For instance, tree pollens appear usually between February and May. After that trees, weeds, and grass pollens are out in the summer. Finally, ragweed pollen is usually abundant in the fall. So depending what effects you, it may be more severe during certain times of the year.
Supplements/nutrition/lifestyle changes for Hay fever
Firstly, fruits and vegetables should be increased in your diet. Secondly, incorporate whole grains and raw nuts/seed. Thirdly, stay away from cakes, chocolate, coffee, dairy products (except yogurt), processed foods, soft drininks, sugar, tobacco and all junk foods. Fourthly, having a healthy diet helps your immune system function optimally. Fifithly, during allergy season, stay indoors and wear a mask when working in the garden. Lastly, an air purifier is recommended.
If you have hay fever, you should try to be as hypoallergenic as possible. The safest way to control allergies is drug free and natural. Taking action to avoid your allergens and enhancing your immune function is best. Allergies can be controlled if you control your lifestyle, diet and take natural remedies. The following supplements may be beneficial:
Bromelain- reduces inflammation due to hay fever
Coenzyme Q10 – improves immunity
Raw thymus/adrenal glandular– helps your fatigued adrenals and immune function
Vitamin A, E, C– vit. c is anti-inflammatory/ stimulates your immune system
Vitamin B complex– improves immune system function
Proteolytic enzymes- helps with digestion so you get the nutrients you need for proper immune system function
Zinc– stimulates immune system
Calcium and Magnesium– magnesium calms you and both help with immune system function
Garlic– if you have a sinus inflammation
Kelp– has many good minerals
Manganese– helps with metabolism of nutrients
Pycnogenol or grape seed extract– both are antioxidants
Herbs – Ephedra (relieves cough/congestion), eucalyptus, nettle leaf
Various Homeopathic remedies.
According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ (Nabco’s) Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2015
“Chiropractic is based on the premise that the body is able to achieve and maintain health through its own natural recuperative powers, provided it has a properly functioning nervous system and receives the necessary health maintenance components. These components include adequate nutrition, water, rest exercise and clean air”.
Meiri Chiropractic is Your West Palm Beach Chiropractor
Your chiropractor in West Palm Beach will adjust your spine to improve the relationship between the spine and nervous system, which affects the function of all the organs and systems in your body. She will educate you on how to prevent future suffering by learning and implementing a lifestyle for health self enhancement. In this regard, we may give take home exercises, recommend ergonomic changes and nutritional/lifestyle changes. Call Dr. Natalie Meiri, your chiropractor in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to find out more about Chiropractic Wellness (Part 2): Hay Fever/Seasonal Allergies or to schedule an appointment.
References: Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
For all the above, please check with your primary care doctor before implementation of supplement recommendations.