When I announced my intention to move to Austin, TX after graduate school my mother asked me incredulously, “Why would you want to live in the allergy capital of the US when you’re an allergy sufferer?” My answer at the time was a very practical one, “Um, for a job.” Ultimately that job hasn’t had much to do with how much I’ve come to love Austin! THIS time of year, however…. I would not mind spending some time shoveling snow in the frigid Maine winter, just to escape the dreaded ‘Cedar Fever.’
Today I woke up a little more ‘schnozzely’ than usual, the winds are whipping up quite a bit of pollen… but I have to tell you this winter, for me, has been so mild in comparison with the previous ten. I am quite elated that I am not suffering intense sinus pressure, migraine headaches, and flu-like lethargy that can persist for days… weeks even, if there is no rain. Perhaps one reason is that we moved from a home on the west side of town, on the greenbelt, surrounded by cedars. Now we live east, not a pollen-producing cedar in sight (apparently the architects of this new development purposely avoided them). But the experts say that’s not it, and if you’ve ever seen footage of huge cedar pollen plumes being swept up by the wind… I’d say they’re right – that stuff is difficult to avoid. It makes more sense to me that I’ve incorporated a good cadre of remedies over the years and they’re working. So I thought I’d share them here… since it happens to be a frequent topic of conversation in these here parts December through February:
The neti pot ~ It took a few days of choking and sputtering to figure out how this thing works; now I have it down to a science…or an art. My formula is to exercise in the morning to get my body temperature up and mucus flowing (more mucus ahead, stop now if you can’t handle it please!). I then eat breakfast and drink a bunch of water (moving the jaw, more mucus flowing). I prepare my neti pot with a scoop of non-iodized salt (knowing how much is an art, too much and it stings, too little and it won’t flow properly). I add one small drop of grapefruit seed extract (recommended by my chiropractor to inhibit fungal growth in the sinus cavity). It’s important to add just the right temperature water (too hot burns, too cool won’t flow). I take it with me into the shower. This is genius, I say! The mucus gets even more loosened up by steam from the shower, and it’s not quite so messy/gross to let the water go down the drain instead of spattering all over my bathroom sink. I also have paid attention to my body, the angle of my head tilt to the side (just so), noticing and releasing any tension in my face, neck and shoulders. Yes, this takes a little getting used to but the result is well worth it. I call it ‘flossing the sinuses’ and I never go a day without flossing.
High quality supplements ~ We all require enhanced nutrition for many reasons other than suffering from allergies. On today’s Earth we are exposed to more toxins and stresses than ever before, and although well-balanced organic diet, enough exercise and rest are all important, they aren’t enough by themselves to support optimal health. Many allergies are a result of chronic stress and inflammation in our bodies. The nutrients and anti-oxidants we supplement our foods with can reverse the free radical damage our cells undergo, which then allows healthy cells to repair chronic inflammation. It is important to choose a high quality, pharmaceutical grade brand to avoid the fillers found in many vitamins on the market. In addition to anti-oxidants, I also increase my intake of fish oil and calcium to minimize the effects of allergies (note: men should not take too much calcium).
Avoid sugar and gluten ~ A few years ago I participated in Lent for the first time ever, and I chose sugar and gluten as the items I would stop eating. Lent of course ends on Easter Sunday, so I celebrated my successful 40-day run by popping a few of my favorite jellybeans. I was sneezing within moments! As I’ve grown more attuned to my own body over the years I now know that I feel much better when I avoid or at least minimize sugar and gluten in my food. It’s not easy, and I do not practice this perfectly! I periodically use a five-day cleanse to curb regular sugar cravings which helps a lot (especially around Christmas, Valentines, and Girl Scout cookie seasons). And I just don’t do a lot of breads or pasta anymore. I actually feel lighter and less congested throughout my body when I avoid foods containing gluten.
Stinging Nettle/Quercetin ~ These herbal remedies have helped everyone in my family and are a part of our morning and evening supplement ritual. Yes, we swallow a lot of tablets. You can’t do it you say, because you gag easily? Here’s a tip: put the water in your mouth first, then add a tablet (or two) and swallow. It’s amazing but the water allows your throat to relax and open. I can now swallow up to four tablets at a time easily, which is nice because it takes less time for me to complete this important healthy lifestyle practice. This October my friend Ginger of Texas Medicinals introduced me to her nettles and my family has added ‘green juice’ to our routine as well. I brew a pot every couple of days and keep it in the fridge. I believe this latest addition has made a big impact.
Be open-minded ~ a few years ago I was suffering horribly and called my friend Dr. Deb Kern, I was in tears, and woefully said “I think I’m gonna have to take something over the counter.” I’ll never forget sweet Deb saying “Oh Maddy, there is a place for conventional Western medicine!” This is kind of a silly story, but I was SO DETERMINED to find totally natural answers to all my health issues. I did not want to give in one whit to conventional treatments, as I’d had health experiences that I felt were poor choices in the past, and I was going to make a complete turnaround! Whether you experience similar self-judgment or insanely high expectations, I’ll invite you (and remind myself) that there are good ideas available from many places, if we’re open to them. I certainly prefer not to take over-the-counter medicines and I don’t like how I feel when I do, but there were a couple days last winter when Claritin D saved the day.
I’ve learned from experiencing allergies. Louise Hay suggests in her book ‘You Can Heal Your Life’ that one probably cause is ‘denying your own power’ and invites us to affirm ‘The World is safe and friendly. I am safe. I am at peace with life.’ Excellent food for thought. Wishing Austinites and allergy-sufferers everywhere clear sinuses and a beautiful winter.
Be Well, Maddy
