Do Spring Allergies Really Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

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Seasonal and contact allergies are often viewed as more of a curse than a blessing, but research suggests that there could be a silver lining. People with environmental and contact allergies are thought to have a more responsive immune system, not only reacting to common allergens, like dust, pollen or nickel, but also more serious threats, like cancer cells. Since allergic reactions are simply our immune system overreacting to a benign compound, it is speculated that people with allergy symptoms might already be prepared for foreign bodies, like tumors.

"PEOPLE WITH A HISTORY OF ALLERGENS HAVE A REDUCED RISK OF BREAST BETWEEN THE AGES OF 35 - 45"

 

Many case studies have discovered a slight decrease in risk of various cancers in people with allergies, but they aren’t completely sure why. The theory is that their immune systems are already prepared and heightened from years of fighting foreign allergens that could lead to earlier detection of cancerous cells. In fact, people with a history of allergens have a reduced risk of breast cancer between the ages of 35 and 45, possibly due to the strengthened responses of their immune system over time. Researchers say that there is much more research that needs to go into this theory, but the connection is no far fetched.

 

5 NATURAL REMEDIES TO RELIEVE ALLERY SYMPTOMS

Although this may be a little bit of good news for chronic allergy sufferers, allergies are still wreaking havoc on our noses, eyes and overall faces this Spring. Luckily there are many natural allergy treatments to relieve some of your worst allergy symptoms this year so we can finally enjoy all the flowers blooming and breeze through the trees (I'm sneezing just thinking about it.)

Sea Salt The Natural Anti-Histamine

When you have a runny nose or feel a bit congested, put a little bit of unprocessed sea salt on the end of your tongue, no need to swallow, just let it soak in and spit out the excess after a minute or two. If you have a hay fever attack, try this followed by a glass of water for some instant relief. You can also use a saline water mixture in a neti pot for nasal pathway relief.

Vitamin D To Get Your Immune System Fight Ready

Humans used to get a sufficient amount of vitamin D from working outdoors, but these days about 95% of Americans work indoors and only spend about 10% of available daytime hours outside. Vitamin D is an immune system modulator and natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce allergy symptoms.

Nettle Leaf Relief Tea

Nettle leaves are a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory making it the perfect tea to sip on when your allergy symptoms get unbearable. Nettle has been known to relief watery, itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing, as well as helping with urinary tract infections and high blood pressure. Nettle can also be taken in capsules for more immediate relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar to Reduce Mucus

Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar that still contains the cloudy substance, often filtered out, called "The Mother", is the key to it's mucus reducing properties and cleansing of our lymphatic system. During peak allergy times or even during an allergy a attack, take a teaspoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar and mix with a glass of water, do this 3 times a day to get a break from some symptoms.

Quercetin for Prevention

Quercetin is a plant pigment that is commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as onions, citrus and apples. It has many benefits, some of which are relieving runny nose, watery eyes and swelling of the face. It can be taken preventatively year-round for chronic allergies and increased during seasonal allergies.

With just a little know how, we can enjoy the spring instead of just choosing the lesser of two evils, indoor or outdoor allergens. Try our our remedies and some other great resources for allergy symptom relief and get out there!

Wellness Mama: 7 Natural Remedies For Allergy Relief

Prevention: 7 Natural Allergy Remedies That Work - And One You Should Skip

Mother Earth News: 6 Natural Allergy Remedies

Shaney jo Darden