Step 4: After The Cleanse

It is very likely that after you have followed the above program for 2-4 weeks you will find that your body responds much better to allergens in the environment. However, it took your body a long time to get off balance, so it is likely to take a while for it to repair and rebuild itself. This means that even with improvement, you are likely to still be sensitive to many allergens.

The good news is that you should be able to help control them with natural supplements instead of over the counter drugs and medications.

The Maintenance Plan:

• It’s important that you continue to support your immune system. Improve your diet by eating more vegetable and fruit servings, whole grain foods, high fiber, and avoid processed foods as much as possible. The Formulas Defense Maintenance and, Thai-Go are great products to provide extra antioxidants that you may be missing from your diet, and food supply quality. These antioxidants help build the immune system and your resistance to allergens.
• Proactazyme Plus or Food Enzymes are digestive enzyme formulas that help to improve your digestion and help eliminate hidden food sensitivities that may trigger allergy symptoms. If you suffer from gas, bloating, indigestion, etc. on a regular basis this is a good sign you would benefit from adding enzymes to your program. Enzyme supplementation is highly recommended for people over age 40 because of natural reduction in your own enzyme production as we age.
• Another important step after cleansing is to replenish friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract. Probiotic Eleven provides eleven strains of friendly bacteria. These friendly microbes that live in your intestinal tract actually help you to be less reactive to allergens. A history of antibiotic use, which kills the good bacteria in your gut, has been shown to directly correlate to a higher incidence of allergies. This formula is specially formulated for those who suffer from food allergies as well. Take 3 capsules per day thru one bottle. Keep refrigerated.
• Nature's Sunshine has a several wonderful herbal blends that help bring relief from allergy symptoms and lessen the need for over the counter medications. My favorites are: Sinus Support, ALJ, and HistaBlock. Many people ask me what the difference is in these formulas, or how do you know which one to use? The answer is that these are 3 different allergy formulas, created by 3 different Herbalists, with the same goal in mind: bringing relief from allergy reactions. They each take a slightly different approach in the way they work, and the area they target. Since each person is different, you will have to try these formulas to find which one works best for you, sometimes I combine them. The dosage you need will depend on your personal make-up. Typically 2-4 capsules of a particular formula at a given time, 2-3 times daily works the best for most people. It is a learning process, so be patient
• ALJ was created to help relive sinus and respiratory congestion associated with allergies. It is a good choice if allergies tend to get you all stuffed up, mucus congestion, or swollen glands. I find it a wonderful formula to support those who also have asthma, and tends to really lessen the amount of medication they need to control their symptoms.
• HistaBlock is a fairly new formula created as a alternative to over the counter anti-histamines. The formula helps to stop sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and wheezing associated with allergies. It is a good choice for hay fever, and cat and dog allergy reactions.
• Sinus Support is somewhat a combination of the above two formulas, it is considered an expectorant, and a decongestant. It also helps to shrink swollen inflamed sinus passages. The formula contains burdock which helps to stop sinus drainage related to the sudden change in temperatures. It a favorite of mine for spring allergies. I usually take some sinus support daily when the flowers start blooming. If there is an unusually high pollen count or something in the air that I really seem irritated by, then I take a couple HistaBlock with 2 Sinus Support.
• ALJ comes in liquid form, and works great for children. I like to combine it with Red Clover Blend liquid which contains burdock and is similar to the Sinus Support. For children with allergies I usually try ¼ to ½ tsp. Of each, 2-3 times per day.

Copyright 2005 Herbal Answers For Health

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose illness nor prescribe treatment. We do not claim or imply that any instruction, advice, counsel, recommendations or products that we provide will cure, treat, prevent, or mitigate any disease condition. They are provided solely for nourishing and strengthening the natural function of the various body organs and systems so that they will have a greater capacity to heal themselves. Rather, this material is designed to be used in cooperation with your nutritionally-oriented health professional to deal with your personal health problems.