Experts Warn: Allergy Seasons Are Getting Worse, But Chiropractic Care Can Help
Experts have noticed a troubling trend: allergy seasons are getting worse, thanks to rising temperatures and higher levels of carbon dioxide.
"We're seeing higher temperatures and increased levels of carbon dioxide," said Dr. Jeffrey Demain, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, at the recent American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology meeting.
Dr. Demain explained that allergy seasons are now lasting up to 27 days longer than they were just seven to ten years ago. This extended period gives allergens more time to wreak havoc on people's lives. "A staggering 25 percent of our population has some form of allergic disease," he said. "These issues are going to affect a vast number of people around the world."
Before you reach for that allergy medication, there might be a safer and more effective way to tackle your symptoms. It's crucial to understand why some people suffer from allergies while others don't. Pollen often gets the blame, but it's not the whole story. Pollen is indeed a stressor to the body, but the key factor here is how well the body can adapt.
Think of it like this: imagine filling a bucket with water. The bucket represents your body's ability to handle allergens. As long as the amount of water (or allergens) stays within the bucket's capacity, you're fine. But if the bucket overflows, that's when allergy symptoms kick in—itchy eyes, congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. People who don't suffer from allergies simply have a larger bucket; their bodies can handle more allergens without overflowing.
Your body has the potential to adapt and fight off most allergens. Several factors can help improve this adaptability, and one powerful ally is chiropractic care. A 2010 study found that people receiving chiropractic care had higher levels of immune-boosting antibodies in their blood. These antibodies help minimize the effects of allergens. Alongside chiropractic care, diet, exercise, and emotional health are crucial in managing allergy symptoms.
Traditional medical advice often involves anti-histamine drugs as the first line of defense against allergies. However, these drugs can have harmful side effects and don't address the root cause of the problem. This means people end up relying on these medications without ever finding a permanent solution. What allergy sufferers need is a drug-free alternative that addresses the underlying issues. Chiropractic care offers just that—a safe, drug-free way to help the body adapt and fight back against allergens.
Here are some tips to help your body combat pollen and other allergens:
- Regular chiropractic care: Ensure good posture at work and home.
- Healthy diet: Cut down on sugar and refined processed carbohydrates.
- Stress reduction: Practice yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation.
- Physical activity: Engage in walking, jogging, high-intensity interval training, and resistance training.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water (aim for 50% of your body weight in ounces).
By following these steps and considering chiropractic care, you can help your body better handle the challenges of allergy season.
Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010
"Interleukin 2-regulated" in vitro antibody production following as single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects."
J Teodorczyk-Injeyan, M McGregor, R Ruegg, HS Injeyan