Ever wonder why “allergy season” makes some people so completely miserable, while others sail right through? How do you strengthen your system to tolerate the added stress of all that crud in the air? Consider these….
Get Yourself Well-Adjusted –
“What does Chiropractic have to do with my sinuses??” The function of your respiratory and immune system is regulated by your nervous system (just like every other part of your body!) Specifically, the nerve supply to your lungs and sinuses is concentrated in your neck and upper back. Poor posture, restricted joint motion, and tight muscles irritate these nerves, compress your chest and lungs, and restrict lymphatic flow and drainage. All of these make it hard to breathe!
Chiropractic adjustments can relieve tension and stress in your spine, muscles, fascia, and nervous system, allowing your entire body, including your respiratory and immune system, to function better!
Patients in our office often report easier breathing and improved sinus drainage following their adjustments. If you have been coughing/wheezing/sneezing, adjustments help relieve the muscle tension and strain that often results. Also remember that coughing and sneezing are your body’s way of clearing out the allergens you are breathing in, so these irritating symptoms are actually the solution!
Other things that can make your allergy symptoms worse….
Food sensitivities and allergies…
keep the body in a systemic, elevated inflammatory state, which can exaggerate airborne allergy symptoms. It’s like the straw that broke the camel’s back…you are already inflamed, and a few grains of pollen, mold, or dust send your immune system over the edge! Wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy are common culprits. If you seem to have allergy symptoms frequently throughout the year, you should consider eliminating these common allergenic foods such as from your diet for a few weeks to see if your over-all inflammation and allergy symptoms diminish. Excess sugar consumption also increases inflammation and puts extra strain on your immune system.
Dehydration
Put simply, if you’re not drinking enough water, your internal metabolic environment might be toxic. For those with hypersensitivity problems, even mild dehydration makes the problem worse. Aim for ½ your body weight in ounces, daily (Ex: 150 lbs/2 = 75 oz of water). Coffee, tea, and soda don’t count! They are often loaded with added sugars that irritate and suppress your immune system. Herbal and green teas are excellent choices and can actually help with detox and reduce inflammation.
Get Enough Rest
Sleep deprivation is an epidemic, and a common result is decreased immune function. Your body does most of its detox and repair while you are deep asleep. If you are having trouble getting enough rest (whether by choice or not), talk to Dr. Morrone about possible solutions.
Use a Neti Pot or Saline spray…
to flush and hydrate your sinuses (they are widely available in most stores.) Medicated nasal sprays can cause “rebound inflammation” with excessive use and make you feel worse.
Use a HEPA filter…
especially in the areas where you spend a lot of time, like your office and bedroom.
While the steps mentioned above can really help, it’s difficult to remove yourself from all stress, eat a “perfect diet” and eliminate all allergic triggers. This is where supporting your immune system with targeted whole-food nutritional supplements and herbal formulas can help calm your body’s response to the allergens.