The Natural Reality of Allergies
Dr. Gene I. Riley
Natural Health, Inc.
(312) 243-5095
Upper Respiratory System
The natural reality of allergies is that our bodies have a natural barrier system against entry by foreign agents. These agents can be pollen, dust, food, and chemicals in the air. Nature provides a multi-layered defense system against invasion by these foreign agents.
These barriers are strategically placed throughout the body for the sole purpose of protecting
it. Every cavity of your body has a mucous membrane. Mucous is your first line of defense – it
literally disables foreign agents and prevents them from getting in your body.
The subject of allergies can be separated it into three basic categories: upper respiratory, low-
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er respiratory, and systemic or food based. In this paper we will only cover the upper respiratory
aspect.
Upper Respiratory System
The upper respiratory system starts at the nostrils and covers everything down to the split of
the trachea. All of this system is covered by a mucous membrane. The neurologic components
have the job of “sensing” when harmful debris invaded. A message is sent to centers in the
brain and spinal cord for proper analysis and response. The response is usually the secretion
of mucous or secretory immunoglobulins.
Mucous: Your Body’s 1st Line of Defense
In the battle against invasion, the body has
other soldiers too, such as Lymphocytes and
other members of the White Cell Spectrum.
These defence allies sole function in the
upper passageways is to attack and destroy
harmful substances.
The mucous that is produced is mostly regarded as undesirable, hence, the desire to
stop the symptoms.
In actuality this is just what your body should
be doing in response to potential invasion.
Instead of shutting off the mechanism, we
should be more knowledgeable about ways
of assisting our body in its response.
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Ways to Help Mucous Fight Invaders
Washing the mucous membranes with water, and reducing sources of known antigenic material
– such as pet dander, dust, and chemicals are some ways to reduce an extreme response.
Congestion alone does not indicate infection.
Mucous becomes unhealthy when it is thick, tenacious or greenish in color. The green color can
indicate a slight infection. Mucous can become too thick due to dehydration, a high concentration of dust, or other chemical disturbances within the
body.
Over-the-counter and Prescription Medications Overwhelm Natural Defense Mechanisms
Just think of the millions of dollars spent by this society
in defeating these misunderstood natural mechanisms.
Most over-the-counter or prescription remedies for mucous membrane treatment are intended to dry the mucous
membrane and cease its secretion of mucous. Using
these remedies can lead to a dysfunction in your natural
defense mechanisms. Taking function-arresting compounds, such as antihistamines, drying agents or steroidal
agents can lead to minor as well as life threatening conditions.
Recently several medical publications pointed out the
potentially harmful effects of products containing phenol
compounds, resulting in the pharmaceutical chain CVS
removing these products from its stores.
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Other side effects of OTC and Meds
Treating the symptoms of constipation alone with OTC drugs and meds can lead to endocrine
imbalance when steroidal products are used, gastrointestinal disturbances when acetaminophen
or other pain-reducing compounds are used, constipation when drying agents are used, and
rash or itchiness.
Natural Approaches
From a natural perspective, it doesn’t fit with nature to defeat one’s defense mechanisms. Instead, seek further understanding and find more natural ways of dealing with the problem. A
few natural tips include:
1. Wash out the membranes - Just like our skin needs washing to free it of dirt and oil, so do
the membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth and other cavities. They are exposed same as the
skin is, and some, such as the nose, are even more exposed. Washing the nasal cavity with
water or a combination of salt and water has always been effective in cleaning this membrane.
Filling an eyecup with plain water or adding small amounts of boric acid (follow directions on the
bottle) will cleanse the membranes of the eye socket.
2. Gargle with water and natural full mineral salt at the first signs of irritation in the throat.
3. Get some FRESH air If you work in an air-conditioned environment, you should go outside
periodically for fresh air. Air-conditioned air is dry and drying to the eyes and nasal membranes.
Seek Professional Help from a Natural Health Practitioner
There are many natural methods and approaches to deal with allergies more effectively than
over-the-counter medications. Some of these treatments include glandular-specific therapy,
systemic detoxification, nutritional support to shore up weakened areas, manipulation to assist
in better lymphatic drainage and improved neurologic orchestration. Seek a naprapath, naturopath, herbal practitioner or any natural health practitioner of your choice for evaluation and
assistance.
Support Your Body’s Ability to Fight Allergens
Anything that gets beyond your body’s barriers has to be attacked by secondary defense mechanisms. This is what we call an allergic reaction. These responses are normal, natural and
required. Don’t compromise your body’s natural ability to fight invading allergens with medications. Rather, think and look for ways to build up your body’s ability to protect itself.
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