HomeHealth TipsTake control of that allergy

Take control of that allergy

It is no secret that seasonal weather changes have a strong impact on human health and some of us are prone to theses changes taking hold of our respiratory system. A person is said to be allergic to a substance if he/she overly reacts to the substance more than a normal person, whereby the body’s immune system is reacting to something it recognises as being foreign. Substances that result in allergic reactions are called ‘allergens’ and include pollen, dust, mould, certain foods, certain medicines or vaccines, cosmetics and environmental pollutants.

In response to an allergen, mast cells release chemical mediators such as histamines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and kinin that cause dilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, increase contraction of smooth muscles in the airway of the lungs and increased mucous secretion. The allergic person in response to these changes may experience inflammatory responses, difficulty in breathing because of constricted airways and runny nose because of excess mucous secretion.

Allergic conditions can rapidly deteriorate if left untreated. Around one third of Australians suffer from allergies at some time in their lives. Unfortunately, many people fail to treat their condition appropriately because they do not recognise the symptoms or understand what causes them. In fact, many people affected by an allergy do not treat their condition at all and instead , they simply learn to live with the discomfort that their allergy causes them. If left undiagnosed, allergies may cause further complications throughout life, therefore it makes sense to deal with allergies and re-occurring health issue immediately. In the case of seasonal allergies why not prepare as prevention is always better than cure.

The herb Nettle has anti-inflammatory and astringent effects in its action whereby inhibits a drying effect in the body, in addition to its high bioflavonoid content.

Quercetin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-allergic properties.

The flavonoids of Citrus aurantium (Bergamot) Fruit also known as Bitter orange have been fractionated and found to comprise tangeratin and nobilatin, both of which inhibit histamine release from mast cells which has a relieving, relaxing effect on allergies and congestion.

Bromelain is an anti-oxidant and also interferes with the synthesis of certain metabolites, substances which promote inflammation and inflammatory reaction, thereby reducing inflammation, especially mucosal.

Nature’s Sunshine has formulated HistaBlock, which delivers a formula of herbs and antioxidants that support the body’s efforts to maintain mucous membrane health and nasal passage tissues, especially during the hay fever season.