Blog #5 Allergies

This information can be found at: http://acujan.blogspot.com/

To all of my clients and friends:

Ah-Choo, ooooh those Allergies that range from mold spores,pet dander and other irritants that tend to lurk in the spring breeze. Symptoms such as itchy eyes,runny noses,serial sneezes and congestion can be eliminated or reduced by taking  steps now to minimize the frequency and severity of seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are a few antidotes: 

1)Eliminate Food allergies and intolerances 

Eighty percent of our immune system is in our gut. If we unwittingly eat foods every day that triggers the body into an inflammatory reaction we create a cycle that puts a burden on our immune system. Common culprits are dairy, wheat,corn,soy,yeast and nuts.Try avoiding these common offenders for a couple of weeks and then gradually reintroduce them one by one over several weeks, watching for ill effects. 

2)Recharge Immunity

Now is the time for a tune up to balance your immune system. Acupuncture can help give a boost in many ways either by stress reduction, improved sleep cycles or balancing hormones. Under stress, the body releases too much cortisol that eventually will wreak havoc with the immune system. Frequent sessions of moderate exercise and other stress reduction activities are also good to commit to . 

3)Nasal Wash

A simple and effective way of cleaning our the mucus that tends to collect allergens, is to gently irrigate your nasal passages using a neti pot.Others find relief with nasal sprays that contain xylitol. Research shows that this natural sugar may enhance the killing of bacteria in the nasal passages. Acupuncture can also assist with nasal flow and congestion.

4)Herbs and Supplements

Try some natural substances that contain antihistamine and antiallergenic compounds such as Butterbur,Nettle,Quercetin and Tumeric. Eat fruits and veggies such as red onions,capers and apples that are rich in  bioflavonoids. Drink lots of great and black teas. Inquire about Chinese herbal formulas to help with immune boosting and or alleviating allergy symptoms. 

5)Manage your Environment

Minimize common allergens such as dust mites,pet dander and chemicals with frequent vacuuming,dusting and pet-grooming.Avoid artifical fragrances that can trigger immune responses. For cleaner air inside, change your furnance’s air filter once a month and consider buying a HEPA air filter for the bedroom. 

HAPPY SPRING!!

Blog #4: Eye See U

Nearsightedness is on the rise, partly because we're squinting at our computers instead of scanning the horizon. A large study published recently in the Archives of Opthalmology show that nearsightedness, or trouble seeing objects at a distance, rose by 66 percent over a 30 year period. An increase that seems to dove-tail all the close work we do like using computers, smart phones, e-book readers and other electronic devices.

Here's what you can do to maintain good vision throughout your life.

1) Eat Well: General rule of thumb: if it comes from your garden and is brightly colored, it's good for eye health. That means dark leafy vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beets, etc. Data also suggest that people who consume more of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts are less likely to experience dry eyes.

2) Stay Healthy: Preventing the development of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity helps with keeping your eyes healthy. First, don't smoke because nicotine has an effect on blood vessels in the eyes. Second, good old fashion aerobic activity can help deliver oxygen to the eyes. Aim to move for at least an hour on most days.

3) Get Checked: Diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma often are not noticeable until damage has already been done. That's why it's crucial to have your eyes checked at age 40 and regularly thereafter based on your doctor's advice.

4) Prevent Infections: Contact lens safety is critical for good vision. Contacts can slightly alter the surface of the eye and increase the risk for infection, which can lead to vision loss. Clean your contacts, wash your hands before touching them, and never sleep in them.

5) Protect your Eyes: Sun damage is cumulative all year round. Look for glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wear goggles or safety glasses to prevent potential injuries. 

Other Stuff:

-20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes stare about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

-Since we tend to blink less when working close us, use natural tear drops before a long session on the computer.

-Apply cool compresses to closed eyes a few times a day. Using soak and cooled tea bags such as chrysanthemum can help with sore, bloodshot eyes.

-Be aware that dry eyes can be a side effect of some drugs used to treat things such as high blood pressure, pain and allergies.

-Qi Gong Exercises for eyes: Ask me for a copy.

-Herbal supplements: Ming Mu Qi Huang can be helpful depending on what is going on.

Jan Evraets RN LAc

Acupuncture

Scenar

Herbal Medicine