APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
...AND MOLD!
April 12 , 2004
Depending on the weather and when the winter
begins to turn to warmer weather, mold can
act as a powerful trigger for allergic reactions.
Some people are acutely aware of this fact
due to their symptoms and suffering. Others
have increased allergic reactions and may not
even realize they are being aggravated by mold
sensitivity.
This reality can be further aggravated
by the fact that "mold season" can
be quickly followed by pollen season and symptoms
can continue to worsen. For asthmatics this
can all prove to be an extremely dangerous
time of the year and they must keep in close
contact with their family physicians to be
proactive, so their conditions do not become
aggravated by reactions to mold.
As an article in the
Berkshire Eagle explained (Allergies can trigger
asthma attacks, Tuesday, March 30, 2004), " … many
sufferers don't know that pollen or other allergens
are triggering their asthma attacks…".
In fact anything that can make increased demands
of the immune system may have the potential
to aggravate allergic reactions and asthma.
For similar reasons people can succumb to
dangerous upper respiratory infections, colds
and flu conditions and then react to airborne
allergens as well and aggravate their asthma
problems. Your health can be effected by a
series of incidents that can begin to all work
together to lower your immune capability and
leave you more prone to other health problems.
One of
the ways to avoid the above scenario is by
taking steps to help keep your immune system
as strong as possible. Eating well and avoiding
foods you know you are intolerant of or allergic
to is vitally important during times of increased
reactivity to other allergens that are airborne.
Drinking lots of water and getting rest is
also important.
Try not to
overdo coffee, sugar, alcohol, deep fried
foods and fast foods. In fact, try to eat a
diet that is very simple that includes lots
of vegetables and fruit with lean proteins
and whole grains (for some, non-wheat based
grains may be best). Yogurt can be an important
food since it can contain acidophilus which
is very important for normalizing your intestinal
flora and can strengthen your immune function.
This can be supported by a digestive enzyme
and fish oil supplement.
There is no coincidence
that during this time of the year traditionally
herbalists of old and in recent times as well,
recommend taking herbs called bitters to act
as a cleanse for your digestive tract and elimination
system. They know that this time of the year
is important for not only "external" spring
cleaning but "internal" spring cleaning
as well. Most importantly, have a healthy and
safe spring season so you can enjoy this wonderful
time of the year.
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