Ask the Wellness Expert
Dr. Karen Feeley
Did you know the most common immune system disorder is allergies?
Our immune system was created to keep us healthy by fighting off offending agents such as harmful bacteria and viruses, so a healthy immune system results in a higher resistance to disease and infection, better ability to handle stress, and greater overall health and well being. However, when our immune system becomes impaired, allergies can result as an over active response to a non-offending substance, like pollen, dust, dog or cat dander or even certain foods. Many things affect how well our immune system functions – the physical, emotional and bio-chemical stresses we encounter daily are the cause of decreased health, and symptoms, like allergies, are an example of an immune system overloaded with stress.
There is mounting evidence that vaccinations are becoming increasing responsible for many childhood allergies and immune system dysfunctions, and recently more research has begun to implicate the overuse of antibiotics and antiseptics as another growing influential factor in allergy development. Medical doctors commonly prescribe antihistamines or steroids to halt the immune system allergenic response. I am sure most allergy suffers are thankful for the relief of their nagging symptoms, but simply prescribing a pill does not address the underlying cause, and many of the drugs that are prescribed run a very real risk of causing other serious health complications, like heart problems, adrenal exhaustion, and damage to the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract. There is a healthier and safer approach to allergy relief.
Allergy suffers have long praised chiropractic for being a mainstay in their fight to alleviate their symptoms naturally. Since chiropractic care is centered on helping your immune system function as effectively as it can, it helps to combat the underlying causes where allergies begin in the first place. A healthy immune system is our first defense, and our ongoing offense against exposure to all types of allergens. Chiropractic is not a treatment for allergies, but a solution to a malfunctioning defense mechanism. Our emphasis must not be on evading but on building. Regular chiropractic treatments help us do just that, build a stronger more efficient immune system, which allows our body to function at its best. If you experience seasonal or chronic allergies, choose to be healthier by calling our office 423-323-7691.
Other ways you can combat allergies naturally include: increasing your intake of dietary antioxidants, notably vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids, adding more organic vegetables to your diet, and avoiding dairy products, sugary and processed foods. We’ll never be able to remove all the toxic substances from the world in which we live, but we can strengthen our immune system so it is able to neutralize the ones our bodies come in contact with.
