THE DOCTOR’S CORNER
Allergy Season...It's Hereeeeee!
by Dr. Timothy Grondin

Hi folks: It's that time of year again. For allergy sufferers, spring is a pain, literally. Allergy shots, antihistamines, decongestants.

These are tools most people use to overcome allergy symptoms. Sometimes they bring much needed relief; sometimes the side effects are worse than the symptoms. There are some natural things to try that are often helpful and with no side effects!

I often start with Vitamin A. This little powerhouse of a vitamin is often overlooked but that's a mistake. Vitamin A helps to regulate the immune system! Isn't that what produces allergy? An unregulated immune system? Yes, an allergy is an over response to something that doesn't bother most people. Vitamin A helps to correct this. Vitamin A helps prevent or fight infection by making white blood cells that destroy bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A also may help lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) fight infections more effectively.

Vitamin A also promotes healthy surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory tract. What this means to you is a lot less itchy eyes, less sneezing and less wheezing. That sounds pretty good doesn't it? Vitamin A also helps the skin and mucous membranes (nose and mouth) function as a barrier to bacteria and virus. For many allergy sufferers secondary infections occur all too often.

In general, there are two categories of Vitamin A depending on the food source. Vitamin A from an animal sources is called preformed A, and is converted to retinol. You get it from liver, whole milk and eggs. The vegetable form is called provitamin A or carotenoids. These are converted into Vitamin A. There are over 500 different carotenoids and fewer than 10% are actually converted into Vitamin A. Sources include carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes and spinach. Vitamin A in foods from animal sources are readily absorbed and effectively used by the body. Less so with the plant sources. But when treating somebody for allergies it's important to use both food groups and to supplement those patients as well. You simply can't eat enough of these foods to meet the needs of an allergy sufferer. That's why I often supplement with Standard Process's Cataplex A or ACP. Both these products have enough Vitamin A from animal and plant sources and you don't have to eat a mountain of food at every meal.

I have the patient take three or four tablets at each meal and it often provides valuable relief without any side effects. You can get it on-line or at my office. Hope this helps.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Grondin

• • • • •

If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to e-mail Dr. Grondin at docgrondin@advnet.net, or call his office at 810-984-3344.

Dr. Timothy Grondin started his career as a medic (corpsman) in the Navy where he examined, diagnosed and treated people for minor illnesses under the direction of an M.D. When Grondin left the military, he became a nurse and worked on the medical/surgical ward at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital for a number of years. Though he began taking pre-med courses at Oakland University, Grondin changed his mind, choosing to become a Chiropractor instead. Grondin graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988, and has been in practice in Port Huron since 1989.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to either directly or indirectly diagnose, give medical advice or prescribe treatment. Please consult with your physician or other licensed health care professional for medical diagnosis and treatment.