Hay fever is an allergic reaction. It is the response of your immune system to foreign material in the air you breathe. Hay fever generally refers to allergies from outdoor, airborne materials such as pollens and molds. Approximately 15-20% of the population of the United States has some degree of hay fever. It is found equally in men and women.

In research that correlates with projections by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, plant and allergy experts found that ragweed pollen season lasted as much as 27 days longer in 2009 than in 1995. The further north you are in the Western Hemisphere, the more dramatic the change in the length of pollen season.

Ragweed was used in the research because its season is naturally easy to track, although the studies probably hold true for other pollens, too. Ragweed begins blooming when the days get shorter, meaning after the summer solstice on June 21st. Ragweed stops flowering with the first frost. This means that the later the frost, the more pollen we will have.

Treat hay fever before it treats you! Here are some tips for treating hay fever:

• Avoid known or suspected allergies if you can.
• Reduce dairy, wheat, and sugar in your diet.
• Increase servings of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Boost your immune system.
• Use a Netti Pot. (Ask me for some recipes for nasal rinse solutions to find which is best for you)
• Thin the nasal mucus to avoid sinus congestion and future infections.
• Natural antihistamines are available (These are invaluable for people who can’t take over the counter antihistimines.)

Call for an appointment today for more help in treating hay fever.
 

With nutritional deficiencies, we can experience mood changes and depression. Don’t be treated for depression without having your nutritional status evaluated!

Certain essential vitamins are not stored for future use in our bodies, particularly when we are under stress. Also, depending upon how we eat, our food sources of these vitamins may not be in the proper forms to prevent deficiencies.

Research has shown that nutrition plays a large role in how our bodies maintain balanced biochemicals, which control brain hormones and neurotransmitters. In other words, our neurotransmitters need proper nutrients to function at an optimal level to prevent mood changes under stress.

Certain vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, and caffeine. Unfortunately, these foods are often the first we eat when we are under stress. More coffee for energy, drinks to relax, and sugar to boost our mood. These are all temporary effects, and these foods ultimately have detrimental effects on our energy level, relaxation, and mood.

It is also important to note that many drugs can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, especially when taken over a long period of time.

Depression is a complex illness with many possible causes and treatments. Call for an appointment to evaluate your entire self in order to heal your entire self.

Depression is a common complaint among many of my patients. Depression has many forms and many symptoms, and it is often difficult to recognize in oneself.

The most common treatment for depression is medication. While medication does have value for many people, it is too often the only treatment pursued. Medication can be supportive during a traumatic time, but it can also turn into a lifetime crutch.

A holistic approach to conquering depression goes far beyond medication. In order to experience healing from depression, the whole person must be treated.

We might consider these questions when exploring your depression:

• What triggered the depression?
• Was it a gradual or sudden onset?
• Has the trigger been resolved?
• If not, how can the trigger be resolved?

It is also important to consider spiritual elements of healing that can create a more balanced life. You must be willing to do self-reflection to promote spiritual growth to create a change in your life. An individual’s person growth evolves when there is a change in thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors. Great healing can occur by looking at the world with new glasses. This can be accomplished through meditation, journaling, spiritual counseling, and reading specific books. Most people need support through this process, and I am there to provide it.

Remember that in order to heal your entire self, we must consider your entire self.

Next week: Nutrition & Depression

Today is the birthday of the United States of America.
There has been much evolution in the 235 years of our country.
Today is a day to celebrate our strengths and not complain about our weaknesses.
It is a day to reflect on how we are contributing to our communities and living sustainably for the future.
“Let’s Live For Today,” Grass Roots, 1967… and make each day count!