October 25, 2007

Dear Friend,

Fall is a beautiful time of year. Most areas experience crisp cool weather, the kaleidoscope of color from changing leaves, and special autumn activities from football games to pumpkin patches.

But, if you’re one of the nearly 39 million Americans afflicted with seasonal allergies, fall can bring more suffering than splendor. In fact, the costs associated with these allergies (also called allergic rhinitis) are estimated to reach in the billions each year as a result of missed work, doctor visits, and medications. But the cost I’m most concerned about is the cost to your good health.

Seasonal Allergy Culprits and the Symptoms They Cause

Seasonal allergies are triggered by substances that are present for a particular part of the year. Tree pollen is behind most spring allergies and grass is the usual suspect in summer. During the fall, weed pollen and mold are common culprits.

Regardless what causes the irritation, the result is the same. If you encounter something you are allergic to, your immune system triggers a release of histamine, which causes miserable symptoms such as watery eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, coughing, and swollen, stuffy sinuses. And, if left untreated, these symptoms can lead to sinus or ear infections, and make you more susceptible to colds.

How to Ease Fall’s Allergy Onslaught

Despite what you hear on television ads for allergy medications, there are effective natural steps you can take to address your allergies this fall…or any time of the year for that matter:

• Reduce your contact with allergy triggers. This can be tough because most seasonal allergies have airborne triggers, such as pollen. Your best bet is to stay indoors from early- to mid-morning, which is the time of day when pollen levels tend to be the highest. Or avoid going out altogether when there are high pollen advisories for the day.
  
  
• Don’t invite outdoor triggers into your home. Keep your windows closed during high-pollen days (this goes for your car windows, too). And leave your shoes at the door to avoid tracking pollen, dust, and other debris inside.
  
  
• Keep your indoor environment as clean as possible. Wash sheets, blankets, pillow cases and mattress pads weekly. Make a regular habit of vacuuming your rugs, floors, and furniture. And, if your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, consider upgrading to one that does. HEPA filters can trap up to 99.97 percent of fine particles like pollen. Another valuable pollen-buster for your home is an air purifier. Again, make sure the one you choose has HEPA filtration.
  
  
• Watch your diet. Certain foods and beverages can aggravate your allergy symptoms. Avoid mucous-producing foods such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. And stay away from alcohol, especially wine that contains sulfites.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water. I recommend you drink three quarts of clean water each day during allergy season. Your body releases histamine as a way of stopping water loss. If you drink adequate water, your body won’t sense the need to ration it by releasing histamine.
  
  
• Consider twice daily facial dips to flush away allergens that can collect around your eyes or in your nose. Look for facial dip kits in your local health food store. The best times to use these dips are first thing in the morning and just before bed.

Finally, it’s always important to supply your body with adequate antioxidants and vitamins, and fall is no exception. Specifically, I recommend:

• A high-potency daily multi-nutrient with vitamins C, E, and B, along with flavonoids, carotenoids, selenium, and molybdenum for powerful antioxidant support
  
  
• Magnesium (500–1,000 mg/day), which helps relax bronchial airways.
  
  
• Quercetin (1,000 mg/day) to help support healthy bronchial passages, along with bromelain (250 mg/day) to enhance its absorption.
  
  
• CoQ10 (up to 180 mg/day) to help fight free radicals and boost your energy.
  
  
• Grapeseed extract (300 mg/day) and turmeric (500 mg/day) to help ensure a proper inflammatory response in your body
  
  
• Flaxseed, for a rich source of essential omega-3 fats and lignans that help maintain immunity

These simple, natural steps will go a long way to help you breathe easy all season long.

To your good health,

Julian Whitaker, MD

P.S. The November 2007 edition of Health & Healing is hot off the press and you won’t want to miss this issue. Did you know that kids with Down syndrome can be treated? It’s true! I’ll also tell you all about a heart-healthy regimen that literally saved one subscriber’s life. What’s that? You still aren’t a subscriber? Click here to become one today!

In Today’s Health Update

1. There’s an All-New Weapon in the Allergy Arsenal
2. This Herbal Combination From Germany Offers Outstanding Sinus Support

There’s an All-New Weapon in the Allergy Arsenal
A new breakthrough called Dr. Theiss Alergol Pollen Blocker Cream offers a whole new way to address allergiesóby blocking allergens before they can attack.

It’s a clear, odor-free ointment that you apply just inside of each nostril. Alergol establishes a physical barrier to help keep allergens, such as pollen, mold, animal dander, and dust, from ever getting into your body. It actually soothes irritated nasal passages, too.

This Herbal Combination From Germany Offers Outstanding Sinus Support
Sinupret forte is an extraordinary herbal sinus formula made by a German company called Bionorica. Most herbal extracts are standardized to one primary active ingredient, but this one is standardized to several, making it even more concentrated and potent.

The formula supports normal mucus production to give you well-drained, well-ventilated sinuses, which makes it easier for you to breathe and feel comfortable.

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