Wellness Solutions Blog

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Category Archives: Allergies

1:42 pm - May 23, 2021 -

The 2021 pollen-pocalypse: How to stay protected during allergy season in Southwest Florida

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By: Justin Ceravolo, PharmD, pharmacist at Cypress Pharmacy

It’s that time of year again – the sniffling, sneezing and suffering of allergy season caused by the telltale yellow dust that blankets Southwest Florida for months.

With longer and warmer seasons each year, the spring and fall pollen is literally and figuratively growing worse. Right now, the biggest offenders like tree pollen, grass pollen and ragweed pollen are blowing through our breezy coastal region.

These tiny airborne allergens easily get inside your body, and when they do, your immune system goes into defense mode. To combat these intruding allergens, your body releases a chemical, called histamine, which triggers a familiar response you might recognize: sneezing, itchy throat, runny nose or teary eyes.

If you are an allergy sufferer, you are not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundations of America, more than 50 million people struggle with it every year.

In its latest 2021 Allergy Capitals report, AAFA placed a Southwest Florida region on its top 50 list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies. Cape Coral was ranked No. 33 for allergies during spring season and No. 35 for the months during fall.

So, what can you do if you struggle with seasonal allergies and Southwest Florida is your home? A few proactive steps to recognize, prevent and manage symptoms will bring hope to those with the seasonal stuffy blues.

Reduce Your Exposure

  • Before planning your day, check local news or the Internet for the area’s pollen count forecast.
  • Keep doors and windows shut to avoid pollen from coming indoors.
  • Delegate outdoor chores, such as mowing the lawn and gardening.
  • Keep floors cleaned and maintain air filters inside the home.
  • Avoid air-drying clothes and bedding outside where pollen can stick to it.

Prevent Spread & Symptoms

  • If high pollen counts are forecasted, take allergy medication before symptoms start.
  • After outdoor activities, change into clean clothes and shower to rinse pollen from skin and hair.
  • Remove shoes, jackets and hats at the front door.
  • Wipe pets down with a towel after playing outdoors.
  • Wear a pollen or dust mask for outdoor activities.

Nonprescription Medication & Remedies

  • Oral antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching and runny noses.
  • Antihistamine eye drops can reduce itching and redness.
  • Specially formulated supplements may support healthy respiratory and immune systems.
  • Nasal rinse devices, such as a Neti pot, can flush out inhaled pollen and alleviate congestion.
  • Oral and nasal decongestants can offer temporary relief to help with nasal stuffiness.
  • Cromolyn sodium nasal sprays can help treat and prevent allergy symptoms.

When stubborn symptoms persist, your pharmacist or physician can identify which over-the-counter medicines are best suited to alleviate your symptoms. They can also help you navigate your options when more severe conditions must be addressed.

Treatment options to manage allergies can range from immunotherapy, such as shots, to prescription-strength antihistamines, decongestants and combination allergy drugs.

In addition, rescue inhalers and other medications can be prescribed for people diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma.

Amid the pandemic, a case of the sniffles, or hay fever, is the last thing you want to stress over. While allergies can’t be cured, they can certainly be managed. Having a seasonal action plan that attacks allergies first is a good place to start, and will keep you from playing catch-up once symptoms arise.

Category: Allergies
11:33 pm - May 20, 2021 -

Managing Your Allergy Challenges

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allergies

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic inflammatory condition of the nasal passages that affects a large portion of Americans. For some individuals, allergies are a seasonal manifestation. For others, allergies are a year-round challenge.

The term “hay fever” originated in the early 1800s when individuals seemed to suffer allergy symptoms during the hay growing season. The symptoms commonly seen with hay fever and seasonal allergies are watery, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, excessive mucous production, and sneezing. Histamine, which is produced by the mast cells, creates a cascade of events that are meant to flush out the offending substance from the body. That is why antihistamines are commonly used to address the symptoms of histamine release. However, antihistamines come with a number of adverse side effects. Fortunately, there are several natural substances that may help to manage allergy challenges without the side effects found in traditional antihistamine products. Do Natural Solutions for Allergies Work?

Vitamin C 500 mg Esterified taken 2-3 times daily has been shown to be beneficial against allergies by expediting the elimination of inflammatory histamine from the body. Quercetin, another natural substance, can serve as a mast cell stabilizer, blocking the release of histamine. Quercetin has also demonstrated a bronchodilator effect, helping to open the airways of individuals with asthma.

Aller-Calm Complex is a unique formulation featuring all of the above ingredients, as well as additional ingredients in a single tablet that supports allergy and asthma relief. Aller-Calm Complex has been shown to help relieve allergy symptoms in most individuals with allergies and asthma, as well as minimizing the need for prescription medications. Aller-Calm Complex is safe for both children and adults.

Medical studies are indicating that for many individuals, allergic reactions can be caused by permeability in the gut, or what is known as leaky gut syndrome. Since most allergens are protein-based, low stomach acid and the inability to digest offending proteins can create issues when those proteins cross over from the gut into the serum. For individuals presenting chronic allergic problems, Gut Restorative PRP can be helpful in restoring healthy gut immune function. Once the gut is restored, a quality probiotic can help to maintain gut health. Omega-3 essential fatty acids like those found in Omega-3 Fish Oil Enteric Coated have been shown to be beneficial in managing inflammatory allergic and asthmatic symptoms. 70 percent of our immune function and our ability to resist allergens is found in our gut. So maintaining good gut health on a daily basis can be essential for the management of allergic issues, regardless of the source.

Categories: Allergies, Nutrition & Supplements
7:16 pm - April 8, 2021 -

How to Stay Protected During Allergy Season

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allergy season

It’s that time of year again – the sniffling, sneezing and suffering of allergy season caused by the telltale yellow dust that blankets Southwest Florida for months.

With longer and warmer seasons each year, the spring and fall pollen is literally and figuratively growing worse. Right now, the biggest offenders like tree pollen, grass pollen and ragweed pollen are blowing through our breezy coastal region.

These tiny airborne allergens easily get inside your body, and when they do, your immune system goes into defense mode. To combat these intruding allergens, your body releases a chemical, called histamine, which triggers a familiar response you might recognize: sneezing, itchy throat, runny nose or teary eyes.

If you are an allergy sufferer, you are not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundations of America, more than 50 million people struggle with it every year.

In its latest 2021 Allergy Capitals report, AAFA placed a Southwest Florida region on its top 50 list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies. Cape Coral was ranked No. 33 for allergies during spring season and No. 35 for the months during fall.

So, what can you do if you struggle with seasonal allergies and Southwest Florida is your home? A few proactive steps to recognize, prevent and manage symptoms will bring hope to those with the seasonal stuffy blues.

Reduce Your Exposure

  • Before planning your day, check local news or the Internet for the area’s pollen count forecast.
  • Keep doors and windows shut to avoid pollen from coming indoors.
  • Delegate outdoor chores, such as mowing the lawn and gardening.
  • Keep floors cleaned and maintain air filters inside the home.
  • Avoid air-drying clothes and bedding outside where pollen can stick to it.

Prevent Spread & Symptoms

  • If high pollen counts are forecasted, take allergy medication before symptoms start.
  • After outdoor activities, change into clean clothes and shower to rinse pollen from skin and hair.
  • Remove shoes, jackets and hats at the front door.
  • Wipe pets down with a towel after playing outdoors.
  • Wear a pollen or dust mask for outdoor activities.

Nonprescription Medication & Remedies

  • Oral antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching and runny noses.
  • Antihistamine eye drops can reduce itching and redness.
  • Specially formulated supplements may support healthy respiratory and immune systems.
  • Nasal rinse devices, such as a Neti pot, can flush out inhaled pollen and alleviate congestion.
  • Oral and nasal decongestants can offer temporary relief to help with nasal stuffiness.
  • Cromolyn sodium nasal sprays can help treat and prevent allergy symptoms.

Read more: Do Natural Solutions for Allergies Work?

When stubborn symptoms persist, your pharmacist or physician can identify which over-the-counter medicines are best suited to alleviate your symptoms. They can also help you navigate your options when more severe conditions must be addressed.

Treatment options to manage allergies can range from immunotherapy, such as shots, to prescription-strength antihistamines, decongestants and combination allergy drugs.

In addition, rescue inhalers and other medications can be prescribed for people diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma.

Amid the pandemic, a case of the sniffles, or hay fever, is the last thing you want to stress over. While allergies can’t be cured, they can certainly be managed. Having a seasonal action plan that attacks allergies first is a good place to start, and will keep you from playing catch-up once symptoms arise.

Categories: Allergies, Immune Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition & Supplements
6:52 pm - September 17, 2020 -

Is Leaky Gut Impacting Your Health?

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leaky gut

Leaky gut is a rapidly growing condition that millions of Americans are struggling with, and most times, they don’t even know it. You might think, as most people do, that a leaky gut only affects the digestive system, but in reality, it can lead to many other health conditions. Practitioners of functional medicine have been actively diagnosing and treating leaky gut with natural, non-invasive therapies successfully for years. Mainstream conventional medicine, on the other hand, has not embraced leaky gut syndrome as an actual medical condition or diagnosis up until now. According to the research, leaky gut could be the underlying cause of your food allergies, low energy, joint pain, thyroid imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and slow metabolism, just to name a few.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

To best explain the condition called leaky gut syndrome, think of the lining of the digestive tract like a net with tiny holes in it that allow specific substances to pass through. The lining in your gut works like a wall, keeping out larger-sized particles that can damage your digestive tract. When someone suffers from leaky gut (also referred to as increased intestinal permeability), the “net” in your digestive tract gets damaged, which results in micro-tears that grow and allow substances to easily pass through. This includes things like gluten, harmful bacteria, and undigested food particles. Toxic waste can also leak from the inside of your intestinal wall into your bloodstream, causing an immune reaction.

Symptoms To Watch For:

When you suspect you may have leaky gut syndrome after other more routine conditions have been ruled out, the inflammation throughout your system can cause symptoms such as: bloating, food sensitivities or intolerance, thyroid conditions, fatigue, joint pain, headaches, skin issues like rosacea and acne, digestive problems, weight gain or weight loss, and even metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent condition that encompasses a cluster of different symptoms, including elevated blood pressure, increased cholesterol, increased waist circumference (more than 38” in men or 35” in women), obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

One of the warning signs that you may have a leaky gut is experiencing multiple food sensitivities. Partially digested protein and fat can seep through your intestinal lining, making their way into your bloodstream, which may cause an allergic response. If this leakage is left untreated, it can manifest into other severe health issues like inflammatory bowel disease (chron’s or ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, anxiety, depression, migraine headaches, muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Another real problem with leaky gut syndrome is that it can lead to malabsorption of vital nutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

As more studies are coming out regarding the triggers for leaky gut syndrome, it has been shown that there are four primary factors which can cause or manifest into a diagnosis:

  1. poor diet
  2. chronic stress
  3. toxin overload of kidneys and liver
  4. bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract

The most common components of food that can damage your intestinal lining are wheat, gluten, dairy, sugars, and GMO (genetically modified) foods.

Other Related Factors

When we dig deeper into potential causes which lead to leaky gut in some people and not others, we must also consider each of these three things:

  1. chronic stress – chronic stress weakens your immune system over time, which impacts your ability to fight off foreign proteins or substances like harmful bacteria and viruses, leading to inflammation and leaky gut
  2. toxins– we are in contact with chemicals and toxins everywhere but probably the most persistent offenders for causing leaky gut include antibiotics, pesticides, unfiltered tap water, aspirin, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil)
  3. dysbiosis – an imbalance between beneficial and harmful species of bacteria in your gut

Is There A Diet To Heal Leaky Gut Syndrome?

The initial plan when approaching leaky gut is to remove foods that damage the gut. Then, replace the bad foods with healing foods, add some targeted nutritional supplements, and finally rebalance the gastrointestinal tract with probiotics. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet plan to address leaky gut syndrome, experience from functional medicine practitioners indicates that there are some healing foods that should be included along with a common-sense approach to healthy eating. This includes bone broth and raw cultured dairy (contains both probiotics and short-chain-fatty acids that can heal the gut), including kefir, yogurt, and raw cheese. Others on the food list include fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi, coconut products, and sprouted seeds like chia, flax, and hemp seeds.

Nutritional Supplements For Healing Leaky Gut

Knowing which nutritional supplements that can support your digestive health can be a challenging task to the average consumer. Working with a healthcare professional knowledgeable in supplements and the condition itself, can be very beneficial and time and money well-spent. Again, because there are no established protocols for what might get the job done for everyone with this condition, it is best to start with a modest protocol of nutrients that we know improve gastrointestinal function. The following are nutritional supplements that have proven through the years to balance the gut and improve digestive function. The shortlist includes the following key supplements from which to build upon:

  1. Gut Restorative PRP – this supplement is comprised of bovine colostrum for supporting a healthy immune system. Supplementing with bovine colostrum has been shown to bolster the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and fight inflammation by regulating the cytokine response.
  2. Probiotics– these are known to replenish good bacteria and crowd out the bad bacteria. However, in leaky gut syndrome, the administration of probiotics when the gut is still permeable may create additional problems as the probiotics permeate through the gut wall,  and may cause an allergic response. Extensive probiotic supplementation should be withheld until the leaky gut has healed (about 4-6 weeks).
  3. Digestive Enzymes – these can be either gluten digestive enzymes or regular digestive enzymes used before meals to ensure foods like protein, carbohydrates, and fats are broken down into fine particles for better absorption to maximize the full nutrient value without post-meal side effects like bloating, gas, abdominal pain or heartburn.
  4. L-Glutamine – this is an essential amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties and is necessary for the growth and development of the intestinal lining. It also coats your cell walls as a protector.
  5. Quercetin – this ingredient improves gut barrier function by sealing the gut and supporting the creation of tight junctions. It also highly stabilizes mast cells and decreases the release of histamine, which is common in food intolerance.
  6. Turmeric – the ancient Indian spice (curry) has many healing properties, including decreasing inflammation, improving micro-circulation in the gut, removing toxins, and supporting healthy digestive function. No leaky gut protocol should be without this vital herb.
  7. Pyloricil – this is the active ingredient extracted from pistachio nuts that have excellent healing properties for the entire gastrointestinal tract. This product is endorsed by some of the top thought leaders in functional medicine and has many applications for leaky gut syndrome and its associated symptoms.
  8. CBD oil – this is included in recommended essential products for leaky gut provided it is a high quality third-party validated pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil. Hemp-derived CBD has shown it can modulate the healing process in the digestive tract, calm the nervous system, and reduce inflammation (all part of the symptom cascade seen in leaky gut). Either soft gels or sublingual liquid tinctures can be very effective at reducing symptoms triggered by leaky gut syndrome.

A Path Towards A Healthier Gut

Functional medicine practitioners have worked on gut healing as an initial step to treating chronic diseases for decades. Naturopaths are trained that 70 percent of all inflammation in the body begins in the gut. A typical initial step is to remove foods that can be inflammatory like nightshades (tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant) and decrease alcohol, processed foods, and excess sugar. Controversy still exists on whether leaky gut causes the development of diseases outside the GI tract in humans. The key is to help rebuild the gut lining, bring more balance to the gut flora, and provide a protective barrier to avoid the leaky gut phenomena in the first place. By implementing these lifestyle changes, especially in your diet, you will not only feel better, but, in some cases, you may ward off a diagnosis of leaky gut syndrome in the future.

Categories: Allergies, Digestive Health, Nutrition, Nutrition & Supplements, Wellness
4:43 pm - May 21, 2020 -

Do Natural Solutions for Allergies Work?

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Allergies

It’s that time of year again when seasonal allergies kick into high gear. The number of Americans suffering from allergies, asthma, and hay fever (allergic rhinitis) has risen dramatically over the past twenty years. Some possible reasons include increased stress on the immune system due to poor lifestyle choices, higher chemical pollution in our air, water, and food supply, earlier introduction of solid foods to infants, food additives and preservatives, and genetic manipulation of plants resulting in food components with greater allergenic tendencies. There are other reasons which contribute to allergies, but these are some of the most common triggers which increased the frequency and severity of allergy symptoms. It is currently estimated that at least 25 percent of Americans suffer from asthma and other allergy-related syndromes. Natural remedies and lifestyle measures may reduce the allergic threshold and help to prevent acute symptoms or a more severe allergic reaction.

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom, pet dander, or foods. In a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals such as histamines, which fight off the allergen. This causes allergy symptoms. Your immune system also produces substances known as antibodies. Some of these antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause a bacterial or viral infection. When you have allergies, your immune system produces antibodies that identify your specific allergen as something foreign or harmful to the body. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system reaction inflames your skin, sinuses, airways, or your digestive tract. People who have allergies are often sensitive to more than one thing. Milk, dairy, wheat, corn, nuts, and shellfish, such as shrimp, are prevalent culprits in many people who suffer from chronic health issues caused by allergies.

COMMON ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Generally speaking, there is a cluster of symptoms that can be associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma. Alphabetically, symptoms may include: abdominal pain, anaphylaxis, burning teary eyes, cough, dermatitis, ear infections, eczema, fatigue, hay fever, headaches, hives, increased colds, itchy throat, mucus production, rash, runny nose, shortness of breath, sinus infections, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, throat clearing, and wheezing to name a few. The symptoms you experience because of allergies are the result of several factors. These include the type of allergy you have and the severity of the allergy. If you are taking any medication before an anticipated allergic response, you may still experience some of these symptoms, but they may be reduced in severity.

FOR FOOD ALLERGIES – Food allergies can trigger swelling, hives, nausea, fatigue, and even anaphylaxis in severe reactions. It may take a while for a person to realize that they have a food allergy or food sensitivity. If you have a severe reaction after a meal and you are not sure why, see a medical professional or specialist immediately.

FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES – Hay fever symptoms can mimic those of the common cold. They include congestion, runny nose, and swollen or puffy eyes. Most of the time, you can manage these symptoms at home with natural medicines, nutritional supplements, or OTC (over the counter) remedies.

WHAT CAUSES AN ALLERGIC REACTION?

Doctors don’t know why some people experience allergies. Allergies appear to run in families and can be inherited. If you have a close family member who has allergies, you are at a higher risk of developing allergies. Although the reasons why allergies develop aren’t known, some substances commonly cause allergic reactions. People who have allergies typically are allergic to one or more of the following: pet dander, bee stings, certain foods, certain medications (penicillin, for example), aspirin, certain plants, pollen, or molds.

HOW IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION DIAGNOSED?

Your doctor can diagnose allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, your doctor will perform an examination and ask you about your health history. Your doctor may also want to order tests in an attempt to determine what’s causing your allergies. The most commonly ordered tests for allergies are skin tests, challenge (elimination type) tests, food allergy tests, and specialty blood tests with immunoglobulins.

CAN YOU USE NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ALLERGY RELIEF?

What we have seen through the years is that each type of allergy has a host of natural remedies that may help to prevent the onset or speed up recovery. Many times, people find symptomatic relief by starting with nutritional supplements and herbal medicines that target allergens. Typically, the severity of the allergic reaction, whether it is mild, moderate, or severe, will dictate which therapeutic approach is best to implement.

Standard medical practice includes prescription medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other prescription inhalers. These medications can improve allergy symptoms, but also carry significant side effect profiles. Many allergy sufferers have experienced dramatic improvement by combining lifestyle and behavioral changes such as avoidance therapy, including avoiding areas out in nature where exposure may be higher. Also, food allergy awareness, keeping a food allergy journal, and maintaining a healthy plant-based or Mediterranean diet to boost immunity has demonstrated improved results. Many people who have tried science-based, pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements have experienced tremendous relief once dosing and therapeutic blood levels are established. Here are some of the tried and true supplements and some of my personal favorites:

  • ALLER CALM – This is a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, which is very effective at supporting the immune system and providing a natural antihistamine effect. Key ingredients such as quercetin, stinging nettles, ginger, turmeric, and MSM provide symptomatic relief of allergy symptoms regardless of the cause.
  • PROBIOTICS – Taking a daily probiotic containing lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can balance good bacterial counts in the digestive tract. 70 percent of your immune cells reside in the gut, so it is easy to understand why probiotics should be taken by everyone with a history of allergies and for good general and digestive health.
  • OMEGA 3 FISH OILS – Substantial evidenced-based clinical studies have documented the value of consuming adequate amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids to alleviate mild to moderate allergic reactions or allergy symptoms.
  • VITAMIN D3 – A recent study from Stanford University showed that Vitamin D3 is very effective at enhancing the immune system and helping to combat viruses, bacteria, as well as reducing inflammation in the body.
  • ZINC – This trace mineral is generally thought of in the context of helping men with prostate issues; however, it is well known to help reduce symptoms associated with allergies, including throat irritation, taste and smell, and head congestion.
  • TURMERIC – Curcumin in therapeutic doses has shown to have tremendous anti-inflammatory properties to help with sinuses, nasal membranes, and lung-related symptoms from allergies.
  • VITAMIN C – People often think they get enough Vitamin C from their diet. However, the truth is that 90 percent of adults are nutritionally deficient, and that includes not getting enough fruits and vegetables. Today, 1,000 – 2,000mg of Vitamin C should be part of everyone’s daily regimen.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While most allergies are not life-threatening, allergic rhinitis or allergies may trigger an asthma attack, which can be more serious. An acute anaphylactic reaction can also occur if you eat a food item you are highly sensitive to or allergic to (shellfish like shrimp, for example).

Knowing that people who are prone to allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing opens the door for using natural remedies as first-line therapy in many cases as a preventive or for general maintenance of allergies. Natural health can play a significant role in improving the quality of your life by helping to identify the underlying trigger or root cause of your symptoms. Targeted nutritional supplementation can be an effective solution to minimize and control the various symptoms linked to allergies.

Because everyone is biochemically unique and different, the decision whether to use traditional prescription medications or natural solutions should be determined on a case by case basis and discussed with your physician or health care professional. Regardless of which treatment you choose as your first-line therapy to combat the symptoms of allergies or an allergic reaction, just know that sometimes blending the best of both traditional medicine and natural health might be your best option.

Categories: Allergies, Immune Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition & Supplements, Wellness
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