Training & Nutrition - Where are my allergies this year?

At this time last year, the year before, and for about eight consecutive years since then, I've had severe allergies. I mean so bad that I could hardly breathe on my bike. This year I've yet to have anything more severe than the sniffles. What's going on?

My theory is I'm fitter and have a better immune system. I also find that my canker sores haven't given me problems since I started training in July '05. If I bite my lip, it's bad for a day, not a week like before. I find I don't have the histamine response when I drink alcohol like I used to. I just feel awesome all around.

I hope I'm right. :) Is there any truth to what I'm saying? I talked to my doctor about the canker sores and he said maybe, there's no real research on canker sores but since I'm feeling good I should just keep doing it.

I think your theory is correct. Since you are presumably living a healthier life style your body is paying you back for the good treatment it is getting. Stress probably has a lot to do with it also. You may be able to overcome stress better because you have a physical outlet to reduce it.

For me exercise is a must. I put it ahead of almost everything else, even my education. If I don't exercise regularly I really start to stress, and everything else goes bad after that.

Congratulations on getting over your allergies as well. I have never had them so I can only imagine what it is like. I have heard that allergy medications can actually make them worse over time, and quitting them can help cure allergies. I had a co-worker who claimed to be cured of his allergies because he stopped taking the OTC medication. Of course he had to put up with a lot for a season or 2.

Lucky You!

My theory is I'm fitter and have a better immune system

Sorry, but no. Allergies are actually a result of a perfectly intact, healthy, normal immune system. It just reacts to allergens that perhaps most others don't. Perhaps your area just has weather this year that has a decreased level of allergens that you are allergic too.

You could however, be experiencing less exacerbations of your symptoms. Things that can exacerbate allergies and asthma include respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, strep pneumoniae and so on. A healthier person would be able to fight off these low grade infections and perhaps minimize the exacerbation symptoms. The innate immunity is implicated in these sorts of exacerbations. I actually do research in infectious exacerbations of asthma and allergic airway diseases.

As far as canker sores...Did you change your toothpaste? Sodium Laureth sulfate has been liked to canker sores and is present in many toothpastes.

Where are my allergies this year?

Evidently we have the same postman and they were sent to me instead. You can have them back. *ACHOO!*

But seriously, I've noticed my hayfever to be a bit less intense this year. Perhaps it's the climate shift.

Spoke too soon... :mad: :D

Exercise is a helluva drug...

I've ALWAYS had severe allergies from around mid-August to sometimes well into October. This year almost nothing. I used to have to sit inside with the air conditioning on cause if I went outside my eyes and nose would flare up to the point I couldn't even see.

This year nothing, I've been cycling 5x a week in the eveining and come back feeling fine. I'm sure the allergens are probably less, but my immune system is a lot better than it used to be, especially this year.

I've read that we regenerate every cell in our bodies every 7 years, and that this may or may not be linked to having allergies begin or cease to effect your body. For example, I used to be highly allergic to poison ivy as a kid, and now it doesn't seem to effect me.

I've also been told by Dr. that allergies are your bodies reaction to toxic overload. Could you have changed your diet in such a way that you have eliminated toxins from your body, and lowered your threshold for reaction? It's working for us, we've dramatically reduced the amount of unhealthy foods we put into our bodies, and have watched as many of the things that once ailed us disappear; seborrheic dermatitis (extreme dandruff), athlete's foot, sinusitis, acne, and even a reduction in the reaction to seasonal allergies.

Well one day of sneezing so far.

I've changed my diet a bit, not much. The main thing is more oats in the morning and red meat once in a blue moon. We'll have to wait until next year and see. So far I like it. :) Last year there were days I couldn't breathe after riding 5 miles!