Health and Allergies

Nasal symptoms affect millions of Americans all the time. But is it allergies or sinus infection? What’s the difference? How does it matter?Allergic RhinitisAllergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic response to pollen or other microscopic particles or organisms. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:Itchy, watery eyes
Congestion
Sneezing
Runny noseColds or flu may cause some of these same symptoms, but are usually accompanied by fever, sore throat, and body aches. Colds typically last about seven days, then go away. But with allergies, symptoms last longer. And allergy symptoms occur in a predictable pattern: The symptoms of allergies tend to be present when pollen counts are high, and go away when they are lower.Sinus InfectionSinus infection (sinusitis) is inflammation of one or more of the sinus cavities in the skull. Sinuses have small openings into the nasal cavity and are normally just filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, they become a breeding ground for germs that cause an infection. These can include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Based on the length of time symptoms are present, sinusitis is classified as acute, chronic, or recurrentAcute SinusitisIn acute sinusitis, the primary symptoms last about 7-28 days and include:Facial pain/pressure
Nasal stuffiness
Nasal discharge
Loss of smell
Cough/congestionAdditional symptoms may include:Fever
Bad breath
Fatigue
Teeth painA health care professional will make a diagnosis of acute sinusitis when a person has two or more symptoms and/or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge. Treatment for allergies is usually symptomatic. These include medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. Antibiotics are not needed. Non-medicinal remedies such as nasal irrigation has been proven helpful as well.Chronic SinusitisPeople with chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms for 8 weeks or more:Facial congestion/fullness
A nasal obstruction/blockage
Pus in the nasal cavity
Fever
Nasal discharge/discolored postnasal drainageAdditional symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include:Headaches
Bad breath
Fatigue
Teeth painA physician may treat sinusitis with symptomatic medication or antibiotics in severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics has lead physicians to be more reserved in prescribing antibiotics. Nasal irrigation has been proven effective, as well, in helping to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis and maintain nasal health.One Condition May Lead to AnotherIt is not uncommon for allergies to lead to sinusitis. Nasal allergies cause swelling of the lining of the nasal passages, which can lead to a blocked sinus. Sinus infection can then develop because of the blockage.Nasal allergies and sinusitis affect the body in different ways and are treated differently, so it is important to know the difference.

Food is truly the most powerful natural medicine there is. Sound nutrition is your greatest guarantee of health.If we regularly get enough good quality food, the benefits are enormous. Our cells (which make up every part of our physical bodies) are plump, nourished and healthy. We have a steady reserve of energy to draw on through the day, and extra reserves to help us cope with stresses. Our natural detox and elimination systems are scrubbed clean of accumulated glug and toxins, and our brains get all the oxygen and nourishment they need to help us think clearly, remember, and be positive.If, on the other hand, we get too little or too much food, or eat mostly the wrong kinds of food, our health can swiftly decline. In addition to leaving us without energy and causing us to age faster than we should, poor nutrition can lead to, or worsen significant health conditions such as adrenal fatigue, a very common but under-diagnosed condition that leaves us chronically exhausted, spiritless, and struggling to cope.You are also at higher risk of hormonal imbalance, which can affect your weight, moods, and memory, and cause breast or prostate cancer; allergies, which deplete the body of nutrients, and depression or anxiety. In children, nutrient deficiencies, food additives and sugar can lead to hyperactive disorders, partly due to inflammation in the nervous system.But What To Eat?Some experts steer you away from dairy, and others tell you to get more of it….. T.V. ads promote the benefits of eating red meat, while your health practitioner might encourage you to eat less of it…Sugar is a natural food and can’t harm you, or you should completely steer clear of it.Are you confused by all the conflicting information about food? You don’t have to be. The same few simple guidelines have been advocated by health practitioners from as far back as ancient India to the Greek physician Hippocrates and now by modern holistic health practitioners. Follow them, or take steps along these lines and you’ll notice how your health and energy levels improve.
Eat most of your food in as natural a state as possible. Choose wholemeal bread and cereals and brown rice, at least most of the time. Limit your intake of processed and packaged foods, and eat most of your vegetables, fruits and nuts raw.
Eat food as free of contaminants as you are able. Organic food is the best option, but you don’t have to go totally organic to reap the benefits. When you buy foods, look for seasonal, locally grown food that is less likely be irradiated or chemically treated for easy transport over long distance, or to prolong shelf life. Instead of eating lots of chemically treated meats, eat less meat and make as much of it as you can organic.
Avoid over-cooking food. Sometimes, a warm, hearty stew or soup is just what you need and very nutritious, but many scrumptious meals can be prepared with minimal cooking. Cooking destroys the enzymes in foods that aid digestion, and also destroys many of the essential vitamins and minerals. You can steam vegetables, chicken or fish until they are just cooked (the best vegetables are ‘al dente’ anyway) or stir fry wonderful combinations of protein and vegetables for superb meals that are packed with nutrients, full of colour, and only take moments to prepare.
Eat animal flesh moderately, if at all. If you have a choice, eat more fish or chicken than red meat, though a good beef broth is very valuable for building up the blood after prolonged illness. You can get excellent protein from eggs, lentil/bean/whole grain combinations, nuts and tofu. Check out a good vegetarian cookbook for ideas.
Create a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere for your meals. Food eaten under stress or in a rush is poorly digested, so you don’t get the full benefit of nutrients from it anyway, and it can even harm you. Enjoy your meals, chew well and appreciate what you’re eating.
Drink pure water. Tap water is often so polluted that even chlorine can’t control the harmful microbes, and the chlorine is toxic to your body. If you can’t get a good water filter or bottled water, at least boil your water thoroughly and let it cool down before drinking. If you’re lucky enough to live near a natural spring, well, you’ve been blessed.
Now that’s not so hard, is it? What’s more, even just a few steps in this direction will benefit you. I have patients who have experienced remarkable improvements in their health and well being just by including more raw foods into their diet. Every little bit helps.