Fight allergies with immunity

Runny nose, smarting eyes and sniffles are typical symptoms of winter allergies. Ayurveda offers help, learns Soumya M Nair While winter is not typically a season of colds and coughs, it sure is the time of the year when allergies are given a ruffle. Just when the air turns crisp and cold, we pack our pockets with tissues and throat lozenges. The cause: allergies. Allergies can be triggered by almost any tiny particle in air, food or water, say doctors. Any toxin that accumulates in the body and decreases immunity can be considered an allergen.  The ones to look out for this season are: *Dust mites: They thrive in mattresses and bedding. Once these creatures become airborne, they can cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to them. *Mold: This fungus thrives in damp, humid areas like the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom. When spores enter the air, they can trigger a reaction. This often leads to a cold or nasal irritation. *Pets: They may be your best friends, but everything — from their fur, urine or saliva — can trigger an allergic reaction in you. Contrary to popular belief, most people are not allergic to animal fur, but rather to a protein found in dead skin flakes, saliva and urine. These proteins, when inhaled, cause a reaction. *Perfumes: Getting dressed up for holiday parties often means spritzing on perfume and cologne which can worsen breathing and lead to skin reactions in some people with allergies and asthma. Avoid using heavily-scented lotions, hairspray, room freshners and perfumes. Allergy symptoms caused by dust, pollen, or mold are referred to as allergic rhinitis (hay fever). The symptoms include: *Coughing *Dark circles under the eyes * Itchy eyes and nose * Runny nose *Sneezing *Smarting eyes Pollen & allergy relief Bangalore, also known as the Garden City, maybe famous for its cool summers and blissful winters, but with the winter comes the undesirable asthma attack. Asthma patients must take good care of their health before the onset of winter as pollen and fog can trigger an attack. “Seasonal pollen is the prime villain for winter allergies. Pollen can penetrate even the healthiest of bodies. Which is why ayurvedic medication for winter allergies recommends that you focus on bringing the body up to speed before an allergy,”  says Muhammed Rafik, Chief Medical Officer, SDM Nature Cure Hospital. When the mercury dips, it sends dust, mold spores and insect parts scurrying into the air. During an allergic condition, the immune system goes into overdrive when it comes into contact with allergens and releases a chemical called histamine, which causes smarting eyes, runny nose and other symptoms. “With the onset of winter, we also tend to spend more time locked up inside closed, damp spaces. This is unavoidable. But use that time indoors to strengthen your immune system. Eat right,” advises Dr Muhammed. Food products like eggs, milk, peanuts, sea food and wheat can cause allergies in some people. The first contact with any foreign particle affects the nasal system, followed by the throat and, then, the skin. Ayurveda is popular for its remedial ways, especially when it comes to tackling allergies. “With ayurveda, remedy begins with prevention. It is always easier to fight an infection with the right armoury,” says Dr G Narasimha Swamy, an ayurvedic doctor based in Bangalore. He recommends six basic steps to follow to ensure that an allergy in winter does not pull you down. *Build your immunity: There is nothing like a strong immune system to fight even the deadliest of viruses or bacteria. *Go herbal: Just a few weeks before winter, avoid artificially-flavoured products and incorporate more healthy ingredients into your diet. Eg: Mint, tulsi, carrots, milk with turmeric, pepper, ginger, and cumin seeds help  to cleanse and strengthen the body. *If you you suffer from asthma, medicines like talisathi, sithopalath, adathodavasika help to stabilise breathing and enhance lung capacity. “Dosage of medicine will depend on the severity of his/her condition. One must consult a qualified ayurveda doctor,” says Dr Swamy. *Avoid tea and cocoa for a few weeks. *Breathing exercises are of great help. Pranayama techniques can strengthen the lungs. They also remove toxins like dust particles and bacteria that settle regularly on the tongue and in the nasal cavity. *Clean the tongue every day. Avoid stepping out without an extra layer of clothing. Dr Radhika R, who has a private practice in Chennai, says: “Winter allergies can last anywhere between three and seven days. Very rarely are they intermittent, unless the patient neglects the condition.” You can identify a winter allergy if you find that your eyes are itchy and dry, says Dr Muhammed. Ayurveda prescribes a number of medications for allergies and nasal infections. Some of the general medicines that can be consumed to prepare the body for an attack, include lehya and rasayana preparations. Such products, made from plant extracts, are known to purify blood and strengthen the immune system. “To all my patients who suffer from a cold or a throat infection, I recommend  mahaswasaharapavati. The more popular ones like amrutha churna and dashamalarishta are equally effective too,” says Dr Narasimha Swamy. Ayurvedic practices involve cleansing, strengthening and reviving the body. The same is the case with treating allergies. Source:Deccan Herald