Many children who have food sensitivities don’t know it. Foods such as dairy and wheat can promote the formation of mucus and inflammation that create an imbalance in immune system function, advises Neustaedter. Consider limiting these foods before and during allergy season. He also suggests using nutritional supplements to build up the small-intestine lining, which helps balance immune system function. For example, glutamine is an amino acid linked to improved intestinal-lining mainte- nance. Also add more antioxidant-rich and anti-inflamma- tory foods such as nuts, fish, grapes, oranges, apples and tomatoes to family meals. Because they fight free-radical cell damage (which interferes with the immune system), antioxidants can help boost immunity.
4. Try natural medicines.
When allergy symptoms flare up, Neustaedter recom- mends trying Chinese herbal formulas with Xanthium, which relieves symptoms by acting like an antihistamine. Recent studies also attest to the helpfulness of rosemary, which is deemed safe, even for children. The idea is to deliver “the most help with the least intervention,” Neustaedter says. Always consult an experi- enced herbalist or holistic doctor before giving any herbs to children; some can be toxic if taken improperly.
5. Consider allergy-soothing teas.
Warm liquids soothe the throat and nasal passages, and there are several teas created specifically for allergy suffer- ers. Natural tea sweeteners include honey and stevia.
Other Factors
While a genetic predisposition is often a factor, recent studies also suggest that oversensitivity to allergens might be linked to antibiotic overuse, which might explain why allergies have been on the rise for the past 40 years. “An- tibiotics kill off not only disease-causing bacteria, but also health-promoting bacteria,” explains Gary B. Huffnagle, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan. In his new book, The Holistic Baby Guide, Neus-
taedter also cites research that links allergies to vaccines. “Some researchers think that vaccination of children tends to create an imbalance in the immune responses, making children more prone to allergic responses,” he notes. The most common hay fever triggers are plant pol-
lens. Flower pollen is usually carried by bees, so it isn’t windblown and rarely gets into people’s noses. More than 1,000 varieties of grass grow in North America, but only Kentucky bluegrass and a few others produce allergic pollen. The most prolific culprits are weeds such as ragweed, sagebrush and thistle. Trees with the highest pollen counts include oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, box elder and mountain cedar.
natural awakenings
May 2010
33
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