Use Xlear Nasal Spray with Xylitol to wash your nose and help filter out the contaminants you breathe in each day.

Allergies occur when our body’s immune (defense) system reacts to something harmless in our environment. Inhalation allergies like pollen can cause mild symptoms, such as red eyes, itching, hives or runny nose.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are more likely to cause a wide assortment of symptoms (fatigue, pain, nasal congestion, migraines, spastic colon, autism, and many more), and should be considered when your doctor does not know the cause of a chronic problem. In rare cases they can be life threatening (anaphylaxis where the throat swells shut or shock can occur) as occurs in some peanut allergies. For those with the latter type, carrying an “Epi-pen” (preloaded adrenaline syringe) can be life saving.

We are seeing a dramatic increase in food allergies, with wheat/gluten sensitivities being especially common. These are likely occurring because food proteins are being absorbed into the blood before they are broken down to their basic non-allergenic building blocks (called amino acids). This is occurring because:

• Enzymes that help digest the food are purposely destroyed during food processing to prolong shelf life.
• Stomach acid being turned off by acid blocker medicines.
• "Leaky gut" caused by candida and other bowel infections.
• Adrenal fatigue increases allergies.

Allergy Testing

For sneezing/runny nose type inhalation allergies, standard skin testing works well (i.e., putting a drop of the stuff you’re allergic to on the skin and making a tiny prick with a needle to see if the area turns red).

For food allergies, skin testing and most blood tests are not reliable. The blood tests seem to almost randomly pick 30-40 foods and say you're allergic to them. Repeat the test another day and it may pick totally different foods that it says you're allergic to. Avoid these tests — they are a good way to make yourself nuts.

One possible exception is IgE testing. This will miss most food sensitivities, but when positive, you do have a food allergy. So a positive IgE test means you do have the allergy, but a negative IgE, or ANY IgG test is, imho, meaningless.

If you do not know what is causing your symptoms, an elimination diet for food and chemical allergies is a good idea. In this, you avoid common allergy producing foods and chemicals for 7-10 days and then retry them one at a time.

Treatment

For occasional, mild runny nose or sneezing from allergies, simple medications such as Claritin or Zyrtec during the day (not sedating) and/or Benadryl at night (sedating) can be easy and well-tolerated. If the allergies are ongoing and problematic, more effective measures are warranted.

Recommended Supplements

• MSM

  MSM is a supplement found in health food stores. Taking 3,000+ mg a day can decrease allergies after 4 weeks of regular use.

• Vitamin C, B Vitamins, Magnesium

  These and other nutrients decrease allergic reactions as well. These can be found in good multi-vitamin supplements designed for overall nutritional support.

Other Therapies & Advice for Allergies

• Acupressure — NAET

  An excellent treatment for determining and eliminating allergies is a special acupressure (no needles needed) technique called "NAET." It uses muscle testing (sometimes reliable) to see if you go weak when holding an allergen and then can eliminate an allergy in just 20 minutes by stimulating certain acupuncture points.

  There are over 12,000 NAET practitioners worldwide. Most people have multiple allergies, so expect to need a course of about 25 sessions, and I recommend treating for the 10 most common food allergens regardless of what the muscle testing shows.

  Most people will begin to feel better after the 10 treatments.

• Improve Digestion

  • Take 2 tablets of a plant-based digestive enzyme (animal enzymes work poorly for digestion) with meals.
  • Take 2 Betaine HCL tablets, eat vinegar-based salad dressing, or 4-8 oz of refrigerator cold diet cola (e.g., Zevia Cola) with meals for acid support.

More Information Online

• Food Elimination Diet: Multiple Food Elimination Diet
• Reliable food allergy blood test lab: ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies
• Acupressure technique for treating food allergies: NAET
• NAET practitioner Laurie Teitelbaum: NAET Hawaii

Our paranasal sinuses are mucus-making air cavities in the bones near the nose. The mucus keeps the inside of the nose moisturized and stops micro-organisms from entering the body.

But blocked nasal passages can trap mucus in the sinuses and lead to sinusitis—an infection or inflammation of the sinus lining.

It can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and sinusitis. The two conditions share the symptoms of runny nose, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure. Itchy, watery eyes and an itchy nose are telltale symptoms of seasonal allergies; thick green or yellow nasal discharge is the calling card of sinusitis.

Plant Extracts for Sinus Relief

• Andrographis to Reduce Sinus Inflammation

  This herb, native to India and Sri Lanka, has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine practices to stimulate the immune system and reduce the inflammatory symptoms of sinusitis. But anyone taking certain meds such as blood pressure–reducing drugs, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs should not use andrographis.

• Bromelain to Thin Mucus

  Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple. Studies show that taking bromelain supplements can help improve symptoms of sinusitis, including the thinning of mucus secretions. Bromelain thins the blood, so consult your healthcare practitioner if you take blood-thinning meds or have a bleeding disorder.

• Quercetin as a Natural Anti-Histamine

  This natural plant compound acts as an antihistamine and reduces mucus secretion. It’s often combined with bromelain and vitamin C in supplement form.

• Butterbur for Allergy Relief

  Butterbur works well for allergies, appearing to inhibit inflammation. In one study with more than 300 participants, butterbur worked as well as Allegra at reducing hay fever symptoms. 

What are Respiratory Tract Infections?

Simple respiratory infections include sinus infections and the common cold.

Do Respiratory Infections Go Away?

Up to about 80 percent of the time, they are self-limiting. This means symptoms are harmless and expected to resolve on their own. The only treatment needed is for symptom relief.

Up to 20 percent of respiratory infections are complicated, though, and lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, conjunctivitis, ear infection, or bacterial sinusitis.

How Do You Prevent Respiratory Infections?

Prevention of respiratory tract infections is the desired goal, of course, but often frequent hand washing, healthy eating, regular exercise, fresh air, and not smoking are not enough.

Here is where one of the valued aspects of echinacea comes in.

Echinacea for Fighting Infections

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is used for the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections. Previously published studies have shown the herb possesses anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, and immunomodulatory effects that stimulate immunity. 

Studies on Echinacea

• To Treat Existing Infections

  The purpose of a recent meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of echinacea on recurrent respiratory tract infections and complications from these infections. The intent of the meta-analysis was to see if two to four months of taking echinacea products could prevent recurrent respiratory tract infections, which then also prevents complications.

• To Prevent Future Infection

  A comprehensive literature search was done of randomized, placebo-controlled trials using echinacea in healthy individuals over two to four months for prevention of respiratory tract infections. Of the 101 clinical trials, 89 did not meet the full-inclusion criteria. Of the 12 remaining, six were eliminated due to methodology or test materials. The remaining six studies reported significant benefits of echinacea treatment with regard to recurrent respiratory tract infections over those taking placebos. 

• Alcohol Extracts Compared to Juices

  When comparing the alcohol extracts with the pressed echinacea juices, there was a more pronounced effect from the alcohol extracts. In the largest study, not only was there a reduction in respiratory tract infections, but there also were fewer viral infections in the nasal passages that corresponded to a 58 percent reduction in the risk of viral reinfection. In people with recurrent respiratory tract infections who had risk factors such as stress, poor sleep, and smoking, the benefits were even greater.

• Echinacea for Other Infections

  Data from three studies also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in risk for complications such as conjunctivitis, ear infection, tonsillitis, and sinusitis, and even a 64.9 percent reduction in pneumonia in those taking echinacea products. Of additional importance, antibiotic use declined in three studies in those using echinacea compared with control groups or standard treatments.

In summary, this meta-analysis demonstrates that echinacea-containing products significantly reduce the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections in healthy individuals and in those with risk factors.

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Most of the time, sinuses are out of sight, out of mind. But when they’re inflamed, they can cause swelling, congestion, headache, facial pain, cough, toothache, and more. If you’re prone to sinus problems or are fighting a cold or allergies that could result in sinus blockage, there are simple steps you can take to keep things flowing.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an overgrowth of bacteria, infection, and an inflammatory response, in the sinus cavities.

What Causes Sinusitis?

The paranasal sinuses—four pairs of connected cavities in the bones around the nose—produce mucus that keeps the inside of the nose moisturized and helps keep out pollutants, micro-organisms, and dust. When sinus passages are blocked, though, they can’t drain, which leads to the condition.

How Long Does It Take to Go Away?

Most cases of acute sinusitis last less than a month, and clear up on their own.

Should I See A Doctor For Sinus Problems?

If you have a chronic or recurring case of sinusitis, or if your symptoms are severe and continue for more than a week, see a healthcare practitioner.

How to Prevent Sinusitis

The key to avoiding sinusitis is to keep nasal passages from clogging. Try some of these preventive measures.

• Neti Pot

  The Harvard Women’s Health Watch calls nasal irrigation “one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to prevent and treat sinus problems.” Irrigate your sinuses once or twice a day with saline nasal spray—if using a neti pot mix up a solution of two cups of water, a half teaspoon of baking soda, and a half teaspoon of non-iodized salt.

  Use Neti Pots Safely

  Organisms that are sometimes found in small amounts in tap water are safe for drinking because they are killed in stomach acid. But inhaled, bacteria, protozoa, and/or amoebas may stay alive in nasal passages and can cause serious infections and, in rare cases, even death.

  If you are cleansing or moisturizing your nasal passages with a neti pot, spray bottle, or other device, it’s critical to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Follow any manufacturer’s instructions, wash, dry, and air the device between uses, and use only safe water.

  Water Safe for Neti Pots

  • Distilled or sterile water that you’ve bought in a store.
  • Water that’s been boiled for three to five minutes and then cooled until it’s lukewarm.
  • Water that’s been processed with a filter designed to trap infectious organisms.

• Household Hygiene

  When possible, keep the thermostat turned down. Heat will dry out your nostrils, meaning mucus won’t clear as easily. If you can, put on a sweater rather than turning up the heat. Make your house an irritant-free zone by banishing cigarette smoke, harsh cleaning products, hairspray, and anything else that produces strong fumes. Ventilate your house well to clear out stale air.

• Personal Hygiene

  Drink plenty of water—at least a quart a day. Inhale steam in the shower to keep your nostrils moist. Humidify your bedroom, making sure the humidifier is regularly cleaned. Sleep with an extra pillow to elevate your head and promote sinus drainage. Be gentle with your nose: Blow one nostril at a time. Use decongestants sparingly.

• Diet

  Sinus problems are caused by inflammation, so eating an anti-inflammatory diet can keep them at bay. Avoid processed sugar, gluten, foods high in saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and excess omega-6 fatty acids from processed foods. Instead, focus on foods that contain antioxidants or omega 3s. That includes oily fish, tart cherries, avocados, green vegetables, beans, citrus, berries, and other fruit, green tea, and spices including turmeric, ginger, basil, and cayenne pepper.

• Oregano Oil

  Oregano oil has been shown to rival antibiotics for treating or preventing various infections, without harmful side effects. It potentially can fight off allergies, sinus pain, arthritis, colds and flu, earaches, and fatigue. It’s also been shown to prevent overgrowth of yeast that can lead to thrush, yeast infections, and other digestive problems.

Natural Treatments for Sinusitis

• Steam and/or Warm Compress

  You can alleviate discomfort with nasal irrigation, by inhaling steam, and by applying a warm compress to your face.

• Self-Massage

  The UCLA Center for East-West Medicine recommends acupressure as a way to improve symptoms stemming from seasonal allergies and sinusitis.

  • With fingers or thumbs, apply gentle pressure for two to three minutes on the B2 acupressure points—you’ll find them in the indentation of your upper eye sockets, where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows.
  • To open up the sinuses in your cheeks, put pressure on the LI20 and St3 points. They are located beside your nostrils, just below your cheekbones.

The Sinus Microbiome

The future of sinus care may include probiotics. A 2017 study of topical probiotic interventions recommends research to determine whether probiotics applied directly to the sinuses via nasal spray and mouthwash could serve as a treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis. The idea would be to create a healthy balance in the nasal cavity microbiome.

The study author wrote: “If successful, probiotics could provide a highly valued, inexpensive, and safe treatment of airway disease, and is likely to have the added benefit of reducing antibiotic prescriptions and thus contribute to tackling the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance.”

It’s hard keeping a family healthy and running while also making sure you’re well enough to fulfill all your responsibilities. That’s where Xlear comes in. Xlear Nasal Spray cleans and moisturizes the nose and sinuses so that you and your family can breathe better and be better.

“Rhinitis” simply means having a runny nose.

“Post nasal drip” is when it runs down the back of your nose into your throat, instead of out the front of your nose, causing you to have to clear your throat frequently.

Causes

If the runny nose has been present for only a few days, it is generally an infection (like a cold virus). When it lasts over a month, and often from childhood on, there are several key causes:

• Allergies

  This is usually associated with sneezing and clear or white nasal mucus. If it usually recurs for the same few months each year, this also suggests grass or pollen allergies (e.g., grass pollen in spring and ragweed pollen, called “hay fever,” in autumn).  If it is year round, allergies to cats and dogs, dust, or molds are common triggers.

  Children will also often have what is called the “allergic salute,” where they often rub the bottom of their nose with their fingers.  They may also have "allergic shiners," which are dark circles under the eyes that resemble mild bruises from a black eye.

• Chronic Yeast / Candida Overgrowth

  Doctors ignore the research on this and continue to make believe there is no such thing, treating sinusitis with antibiotics—which, of course, worsens the yeast overgrowth in the sinuses and makes the sinusitis become chronic (persistent).

  Candida is also a very common cause of post nasal drip.

• Vasomotor rhinitis

  This is an autonomic disorder (not dangerous, but a nuisance), where cold feet hitting the floor in the morning (or later in the day) can trigger a runny nose — so keep a pair of slippers by your bedside. Smells, smoke and other triggers are also common. Gustatory rhinitis is when this is triggered after eating (especially spicy foods).

• Rhinitis medicamentosa

  This is caused by the chronic use of over-the-counter decongestant nose sprays. As they wear off, they cause “rebound swelling.”

Treatment

Review information on sinusitis as the potential cause. Treating Candida can not only get rid of the runny nose, but may clear many other symptoms as well.

• For allergic rhinitis, consider a special acupressure technique called "NAET."
• For dust allergies, your allergist can give a very helpful treatment for your carpets which will kill the dust mites (which cause the allergy), and plastic covers for your pillows and mattresses can trap the dust.
• For vasomotor and gustatory rhinitis, the prescription nose spray Ipratropium (Atrovent) can be very helpful and is low in side effects (but may aggravate glaucoma or slow urination).

• Recommended Supplements

  • MSM

    The supplement MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) 3,000-10,000+ mg a day often settles down many allergies after 2-6 weeks of use (at which time the dose can often be lowered).

• Other Therapies & Advice

  • Sinusitis Nose Spray

    I recommend the holistic “Sinusitis Nose Spray” by prescription (from ITC Pharmacy at 888-349-5453). After 1 week, it will often settle down allergic rhinitis or rhinitis from over-the-counter nasal sprays. It is wonderful for most chronic sinusitis, especially when combined with other Candida treatments.

  • Allergy Testing

    Allergy skin testing and shots can also help with persistent and severe allergic rhinitis (I would do NAET first — much simpler and less expensive). Over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin during the day (not sedating) or Benadryl at night (sedating) are also OK.

More Information Online

• NAET (acupressure technique for treating food allergies)