Ki Center Blog

Once again it's allergy season. I can tell because the amount of allergy medicine commercials has increased. The amount of money spent on over the counter medications is almost obscene. And none of these drugs address the cause of your allergies but only mask the symptoms. Wouldn't it be nice if you could actually alleviate the cause instead of just drying up the runny nose? Well, you can.

Dietary fats are important

One of the leading causes of over-sensitization to allergens is the amount of omega 6 fatty acids we consume. These fats are primarily found in vegetable oils. These oils make up a large portion of the ingredients found in processed foods, salad dressings and the like, and as a result are ingested in higher doses than the body can handle. When these omega 6 fats are out of balance, the beneficial omega 3 oils are overwhelmed and can lead to several diseases, hormonal problems, bad hair and skin and seasonal allergies. A significant change in dietary habits can alleviate these problems, make you healthier and help you to live a longer life with less illness.

As difficult as it sounds, reducing, and whenever possible, eliminating processed foods from your diet will be a huge step to correct this yearly ritual. Whenever possible eat whole foods, eat real butter not margarine and use oils such as flax and olive oil in your foods. You may have to take a tablespoon of raw flax oil each day for an extended period of time to balance the omega 6 to omega 3 levels.

Making these simple dietary changes will reduce the amount of omega 6 and linoleic fatty acids intake, and make a profound change in your body's metabolism. In addition, it will reduce the prostaglandin E2 production (which causes allergies) and increase the production of the good stuff helping to prevent these allergies. Getting on the right supplements, using a good quality air purifier and making sure your digestion is on track will be a powerful protocol for allergy health. In the clinic, we use a product from Standard Process called Allerplex with great results during the tough times. At times adding a digestive aid such as Multizyme (also from Standard Process) will greatly reduce a persons inhalant allergy.

Digestion important too

I need to emphasize the role of proper digestion in allergy relief. If you are a chronic antacid user, or suffer from consistent heartburn and digestive ailments, then we need to balance this issue before we can be successful with the allergy. I've noticed that many seasonal allergy sufferers also have a significant food sensitivity history, especially with proteins. I have written articles in the past that address digestive problems so I won't go into details.

If you are one of those who have severe seasonal allergies you may need to eliminate wheat, grains and dairy for a time. Sleep apnea and horrendous snoring can be a symptom of wheat sensitivity. Just because you are not allergic to wheat doesn't mean it is not playing a part in this disorder. Try this; eliminate all wheat and dairy for a week and see how you feel, and if you (and those you love) sleep better.

Water intake

Another player in allergy relief is dehydration. When we consume too much bread and sugars your body uses water to dilute and eliminate these excess sugars. So again we see the connection of a diet of high processed foods (high in sugar) contributing to dis-ease in the body. When the body uses up so much water, dehydration occurs. This then dries up the mucous membranes in your sinuses. This of course results in a reduced protective factor for inhaled allergens, dust, yeast and molds. Add to this the use of allergy medicines which dry you out even more, and it is no wonder dehydration is a part of the allergy puzzle.

Finally, there may be a need for overall liver support. When your body is trying to get rid of toxins (allergens), and your liver is struggling because of overload from poor diet, frequent medications and the like, you may need to give it some help.

Isn't it time to break the cycle? Come see us at the Ki Center and get a comprehensive evaluation for these and many other problems.

These days, chronic stress and anxiety seems to be increasing with more and more prevalence. I can speak from first hand experience as I have been going through some serious issues this past year myself. Fully a third of my new clients are experiencing a marked increase in their stress levels with the associated physical symptoms.

Besides the obvious problems of employment, economics and world problems, there seems to be a general feeling of uncertainty about life in general. We are all feeling it; its just a matter of to what degree.

How it affects you

Long term chronic stress and anxiety will wreak havoc on your immune system, the adrenal glands, and the pancreas. As a result you will have a constant roller coaster ride of adrenalin, high and low blood sugar fluctuations, and other symptoms like the lack of quality sleep. When the blood sugar goes up and down over and over, it can create the same symptoms that diabetics experience. Unfortunately, if you do not address the cause of the stress, whether it is in relationships, your job or whatever, the physical load on your body, gone unchecked, will send you on downward spiral of poor health.

What helps

The protocols I use to stabilize mood and brain chemistry, as well as the blood sugar and support of the adrenal glands, can help tremendously to balance out physical symptoms. As to the cause of the stress, you will need to take a heart felt look at what is working in your life and what is not.

Deep breathing can help more than you know. I've talked about this simple yet effective practice in previous columns. Begin by finding a quiet place that you can have five minutes of uninterrupted space. Start with a deep full breath through the nose, hold for a count of three and exhale through the mouth. Do this for at least five repetitions. You will be amazed at how it can help you to relax. The nice thing about this simple technique is it can be done anywhere, even while driving. I am not saying that this alone will reverse your stress, but it can help. When you combine the nutritional support with this breathing technique, you will at least give your body and mind a fighting chance to cope with all that is troubling you.

Anti-anxiety drugs should be used as a last resort. Not only are the side effects problematic, you can risk the potential for dependence on these drugs as well. In most cases, I can find a nutritional or herbal protocol that will benefit your emotional stress without the use of prescription medications. Or if already taking them, it can help you to begin the weaning process to get off of them.

No amount of nutrition or drugs for that matter, will correct the problem until you address the initial cause. Whether you get into some counseling, psychotherapy or support from friends and family, you must correct the cause or struggle with the stress and anxiety.

Another powerful tool I can recommend is exercise. If you can find the time and motivation for daily aerobic exercise, the benefit from this activity can also add to the healing process. Whether you go to a gym or simply power walk around the neighborhood, the release of endorphins and the use of excess adrenalin will benefit your body chemistry. And of course proper exercise will help to stabilize blood sugar and help you sleep.

Don't wait too long

The worst thing you can do is nothing. And men, this is directed at you more than women. We men have a tendency to compartmentalize our stress and anxiety. It does no good to ignore the problem or just brush it aside for later consideration. It will continue to eat at your emotions, and can ultimately result in damage to the one support system you do have—your family. Most women are innately aware that talking about the emotions and addressing the problem is healthy. It will probably not take away the stress but it can help to deflate the sometimes overwhelming feeling of fear and uncertainty that goes along with chronic stress and anxiety.

The extreme amount of stressors in our society these days are not going to go away quickly. The best advice I can give is to buckle in for a wild ride. Support your body chemistry, get a support system in place and do all you can do, like the breathing and exercise, to help support the bodys needs during this difficult time.