Attack of the Allergies! Whole Food Market® Shares ‘Top 10’ Natural Options for Alleviating Allergy Symptoms

April 2007 — More Americans than ever before suffer from allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, it is among America’s most common, yet often overlooked conditions. Allergies can create an overly sensitive, imbalanced immune system.

Natural options* encourage natural defenses to adapt to their environment rather than just covering up the symptoms, helping the body acclimatize to allergens over time. They also work without creating product dependency and help side step the ‘rebound effect’ – when allergy symptoms are masked for a few days they often come back even worse. While conventional methods often have side effects, natural approaches help the body rest, recover and adapt to seasonal changes.

With allergy season upon us, Whole Foods Market has compiled a list of “TOP 10” NATURAL OPTIONS that may assist in alleviating common allergy symptoms.

1. Butterbur – studies show this herb is effective in providing relief from seasonal allergies with fewer side effects when compared with common conventional choices.
2. Stinging Nettle or “Nettles” – considered by some experts to be one of the best herbal options for relief of allergy symptoms.
3. Quercetin – a bioflavonoid that research shows may support a healthy inflammation response.
4. Bromelain – an enzyme that supports a healthy immune response to allergens and works synergistically with quercetin; derived from pineapple.
5. Probiotics – support healthy digestion and immune function; studies show a link between unhealthy gut flora and allergies.
6. Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3’s) – found in fish, flaxseed oil, dark leafy greens, and/or fish oil or flaxseed supplements; help to keep the immune system strong and play a role in regulating its allergy responses
7. Echinacea, astragalus, garlic, chamomile, turmeric, eyebright, licorice – herbs that support respiratory and immune health for allergy relief.
8. Allium Cepa – a homeopathic remedy for nasal congestion.
9. Sabadilla – a homeopathic remedy for sneezing, runny nose and an itching, sore throat.
10. Homeopathic nose sprays – for sinus pressure relief.

*Natural options, as well as helpful suggestions, are available at all Whole Foods Market locations. Some stores will host lectures on allergies throughout April. Check local listings for more information and events at www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America’s first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2006, the company had sales of $5.6 billion and currently has more than 190 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Whole Foods Market motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures the company’s mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Whole Foods Market, Harry’s Farmers Market®, and Fresh & Wild® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Whole Foods Market employs more than 42,000 team members and has been ranked for ten consecutive years as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine.
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*Herbs may interact with other medicines and may have side effects. A qualified practitioner should be consulted before starting any course of treatment. Pregnant or nursing mothers should always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbal remedies.