Going back in time to posts I made on my first Wellness Website! These two blog post will educate you on options for relief besides medications to control or eliminate seasonal allergies. 
Eliminate allergies....yes, it's possible. 
The desire to eliminate seasonal allergies was the motivation of my change in diet and lifestyle over 40 years ago. After a thirty day juice fast I was free of pollen allergies for many years. Although the pollen season still represent a challenge for me, I have successfully subsided my suffering. Susceptibility to seasonal allergies is the tip off that I need to do a detox, fasting, and liver support.

Pollen!
Even if you are not "allergic" to pollens, they are an irritant to nasal passages, throats and lungs. Just check out the microscopic photos below! Prickly, barbed and velcro like these guys are gonna get the reproduction job done by sticking to everything including your nasal passages, throat and lungs! They get in your hair, on your clothes, blankets, literally clinging to everything!

Allergy Medications
Both prescription and nonprescription antihistamines can make you drowsy. Remember to tell your healthcare provider about other medications you are on as interaction risk is high with antihistamines. It is dangerous to consume alcohol when taking over the counter or prescription antihistamines.  Headache, dry mouth, and low blood pressure are a few of the more common side-effects. Withdrawal from regular use will cause pruritus, itching and burning skin that can last for weeks. Insomnia and anxiety are other withdrawal symptoms.
The AAPRI Group has this informative blog about allergy medications and alternatives, "Pros and Cons of Allergy Medications". Allergy medications can provide temporary relief, but does not relieve the underlying cause of the allergic response.

High Histamine levels are the culprit
Elevated histamine levels play a key role in susceptibility to allergies of all kinds. Our histamine levels go up when we consume high histamine foods and our body's detoxification channels are not working to their highest potential. High histamine foods are meats, fish, cheese, cow's milk dairy, wine, beer, chocolate, avocados, peanuts, soy sauce. If your histamine levels are high from poorly functioning liver and detoxification channels are not working at a high level the exposure to pollen puts you overall histamine levels sky high and you are miserable! Reduce histamine levels in foods to support your body during the allergy seasons.
 
Colon Hydrotherapy
​Colon Hydrotherapy played a major role in my detoxification process. Colon hydrotherapy improves overall improvement of gut health, which many are now finally coming to see as crucial to overall immunity and health!   ​
Learn more about the importance of a clean healthy colon.

Detoxification
​Regular detoxing is essential to reducing overall inflammation, relieve congestion in the liver and purify the blood stream making a profound improvement in terms of susceptibility to all allergic responses to food, pollen, chemicals. Bridge to Health Seasonal Cleanses are a great way to detox and reduce inflammation through the year.  

        Read on and see the purchase links below to get additional support to see you through the season.      

PURCHASE LINKS:
Allergy Buyer's Club, Nasal Filters, Bulk Rose Hips,

​ Traditional Medicinals Rosehips and Hibiscus tea,  Buffered Vitamin C

Traditional Medicinals Breathe Easy tea

Candida, a yeast normally present in the human digestive tract.
Wikipedia - "Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that is a common member of the human gut flora. It does not proliferate outside the human body.  It is detected in the gastrointestinal tract and mouth in 40–60% of healthy adults. It is usually a commensal organism, but it can become pathogenic in immunocompromised individuals under a variety of conditions. It is one of the few species of the genus Candida that causes the human infection candidiasis, which results from an overgrowth of the fungus."

​Candidiasis, an overgrowth of candida yeast.
Causes: Antibiotic use, Steroids, Benzodiazepines, Poor Diet, Excessive Sugar, Low Immunity

Symptoms: Candida causes a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to extreme. An uncheck overgrowth can lead to serious compromises to your immunity. Researchers have determined links between candidiasis and cancer. View this report from The National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Cure: Diet rich in whole foods, moderate fruit intake (except in extreme cases), lots of fresh veggies (non-starchy) raw or lightly cooked, garlic, coconut oil, pungent herbs such as oregano, rosemary, celery seeds, dill, basil. Moderate intake of clean healthy meats and fish, preferably  grass feed, organic meats and wild fish. Elk, bison, venison, goats meats all good choices. Salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel.  Moderate whole grains such as rice, quinoa, buckwheat. Avoid gluten. Probiotic rich foods, goats milk kefir 3-4 oz. 2X's daily, fermented vegetables, sauerkraut and kimchi.

The BTH Candida Protocol, available to anyone anywhere as a guide to treating candida overgrowth affordably! Learn more about Online Detoxes and Protocols offered by Bridge to Health.
Certified Wellness Consultant Vanessa Goldeen has guided many client to recovery from candida overgrowth.

To determine if this protocol is right for you take the Candida test below to see if you may be experiencing Candidiasis.

When you complete the test from the webpage email it the pages to [email protected] for free review and assessment.

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed: to you it shall be for food.....Genesis 1.29

Let thy food be thy medicine...Hippocrates

"No disease that can be treated by diet should be treated with any other means." ..... Maimonides

                     There's a theme here! Food is our best medicine and garlic a miracle herb is not only tasty
​                                                          but a powerful source of healing properties

Garlic, ​has been used by humans for thousands of years and was used in Ancient Egypt for both culinary purposes and its health and therapeutic benefits. Researchers are catching up to what Traditional Medicine has known for centuries, garlic is antimicrobial and has antibiotic properties. 

Hippocrates promoted the use of garlic for treating respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion, and fatigue. Currently, garlic is widely used for several conditions linked to the blood system and heart, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high cholesterol, heart attack, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

Garlic is also used today by some people for the prevention of cancers. Organo-sulfur compounds found in garlic have been identified as effective in destroying the cells in glioblastomas, a type of deadly brain tumor.


Scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina reported in the journal Cancer that three pure organo-sulfur compounds from garlic - DAS, DADS, and DATS - "demonstrated efficacy in eradicating brain cancer cells, but DATS proved to be the most effective.

"Diallyl sulfide, a compound in garlic, was 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics in fighting the Campylobacter bacterium, according to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. The Campylobacter bacterium is one of the most common causes of intestinal infections. Senior author, Dr. Xiaonan Lu, from Washington State University, said, "This work is very exciting to me because it shows that this compound has the potential to reduce disease-causing bacteria in the environment and in our food supply.

"Diallyl trisulfide, a component of garlic oil, helps protect the heart during cardiac surgery and after a heart attack", researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found. They also believe diallyl trisulfide could be used as a treatment for heart failure. Hydrogen sulfide gas has been shown to protect the heart from damage. However, it is a volatile compound and difficult to deliver as therapy. Because of this, the scientists decided to focus on diallyl trisulfide, a garlic oil component, as a safer way to deliver the benefits of hydrogen sulfide to the heart. 

Aren't they so smart! It's wonderful to see researches catching onto what those of us who have been eating to a natural diet and using traditional forms of medicine and healing have known that garlic is the King of Detoxifying foods. Fresh raw garlic can be considered a daily tonic against all sorts of ills and is particularly useful in eradication of bacterial overgrowth in the gut. Including H-pylori and candida. It support of cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, respiratory congestion, liver detox, the list of benefits goes on and on. Raw is best, cooked is okay too. The bottom line. Get this super food into your body on a daily  basis. It's inexpensive, easy to use and taste GREAT! 

​Garlic is an essential defense against yeast and fungal overgrowth in the body, see the Candidia Blog to learn more.

Mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium are some of the more common metals individual may become exposed to. We encounter heavy metals in the workplace, through water supplies, cosmetics, pesticides and herbicides, dental fillings, fire retardants on furniture, carpets, mattresses. A new car is a constant source of exposure to heavy metals via the off gasses of chemical and contact with vinyl. Many pharmaceutical drugs and over the counter medications contain heavy metals used as binding agents. Antacids, for example contain significant amounts of aluminum! Vaccines use a mercury based preservative thimerosal. YIKES!!
​As innocuous as it may seem, your household keys are a source of constant exposure to lead through the brass they are made from, which contains lead. Don't give your keys to a small child to keep them occupied, they put everything into their mouths. Oil based paints made and applied before 1978 contained lead. Many contractors continued to use supplies of lead based paint still in stock with many paint companies that continued to sell products after the ban was in place well into the 80's. Historic and older homes most certainly have lead based paints in them. Applications of newer layers of paint do not protect one from the lead contamination of the older layers. The lead migrates to the surface. Contact with hands or mouths will cause contamination. 
A current trend is vaping and e-cigarettes. The solutions of these delivery devices often contains cadmium. Bringing us to air pollution which is a constant exposure to heavy metals from vehicle exhaust.

Acute symptoms associated with these metals include:

• headaches
• abdominal pain and cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• difficulty breathing

With chronic heavy metal poisoning, you may experience symptoms including:

• burning and tingling sensations
• chronic infections
• brain fog
• visual disturbances
• insomnia
• paralysis

Okay that's the bad news! The good news is nature gives us many powerful ways to rid the body of accumulated toxins, including heavy metals.
Methods of eliminating heavy metals include:

• Lymphatic drainage a specialized form of massage that specifically targets the lymphatic system. When seeking this therapy be certain your therapist is certified, check their credentials and be certain that you do not have contraindications for this modality. This therapy requires a Doctors Rx in most cases.
• Sauna's, steam rooms and sweating of any kind. Activities such as hiking strenuously, hot yoga, running, or a heavy game of tennis or anything that  get's you to work up a sweat is beneficial.
• Salt baths, clay baths, mud baths are delightful ways to draw heavy metals from the body. Particularly bentonite clay which absorbs 1,000's of times it weight in toxins and has a powerful magnetic attraction to heavy metals.
• Having mercury amalgam fillings removed. It is crucial that your teeth be relatively strong to avoid cracking of the teethe during the removal process. Find a dentist whose specializes in this procedure and ask a lot of questions, get referrals for other patients before committing to this expensive option.
• Homeopathic heavy metal detox formulas will aid the the elimination of heavy metals and have been used in Europe for many decades. My formula of choice is METOX, by Desbio
• Zeolite are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals commonly used as commercial adsorbents and catalysts.

Taken orally Zeolite can be used to pull heavy metals from the body by the nature of it's sieve like structure which traps heavy metals within it's structure. As the zeolite passes through the digestive system it will be carried out through elimination taking heavy metals with it. For those suffering from active symptoms of heavy metal poisoning who have been tested to clearly demonstrate their exposure levels this is a good choice. Also for anyone who has not undertaken a healthy natural lifestyle, reducing exposure actively and eating the foods that naturally detox heavy metals from the body. For more information on this subject read the following informative articles.
          Dr. Cousens’ Chemtrail Protection Protocol and this Blog The Zeolite Story
Zeolite has been controversial for many years often debunked by the American Medical Industry. Do your own  research and education before trying this method. I prefer the less is more solution of altering lifestyle and food consumption, reducing exposure before resorting to a more intense detox. However for those who have testing  dangerously  high in heavy metal exposure this protocol is decidedly worth undertaking.

• Many food we commonly eat are excellent for removing or detoxing heavy metals from the body. When eaten regularly in combination with an active sweat producing lifestyle and seasonal detoxification via fasting or elimination diets these foods will assist to keep heavy metals from overloading in your body.

It's a delightful list

• cilantro
• garlic
• wild blueberries
• lemon water
• spirulina
• chlorella
• barley grass juice powder
• Atlantic dulse
• curry
• green tea
• tomatoes
• probiotics

I addition to adding ample amounts of these foods to your diet on an ongoing basis it is equally  important that you reduce exposure by adding a chemical air filter to your home if you live in a high pollution environment. Avoid eating large amounts of fish, avoid alcohol, limit brown rice which naturally contains arsenic (only applicable to those who are suffering active symptoms and have been tested). 

Bridge to Health Wellness Support offers individualized protocols for detoxing heavy metals. For more information about this options schedule a Free 15 Minute Wellness Consult with Vanessa Goldeen CWC, CHT, CNT Practitioner

Various "binders" are a necessary component to support the body in detoxification from heavy metals. This Blog Post from Vibrant Blue Oils is a wonderful overview of key binders.  I recommend supporting the liver and kidneys with a detox before actively working on elimination of heavy metals. It's important that all elimination channels be active and strong during the process, liver/gallbladder, kidneys, skin. Symptoms of heavy metal detox can include headaches, nausea, acne, boils, malaise, cramping in muscles and stomach. Clay and salt baths several times per week, along with vigorous stimulation of the skin will help minimize symptoms. 

I recently created this Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy YouTube Video presentation as an educational tool for those interested in learning more about the benefits of colon hydrotherapy. It explains the two options of administration and the reasons why you should consider regular colon hydrotherapy as part of a balanced maintenance plan for your health.