Build Up Your Immune System Now to Fight Nasal Allergies Naturally Through Spring.

Garlic, Long Used to Fight Colds and Flu May Help You Breathe Easier This Year

GILROY, Calif. -- California garlic growers, supplying 90 percent of the nation's garlic crop, are predicting a strong yield of flavorful, nutrient-and sulfur-rich bulbs this year. That's good news for Americans across the country looking for an extra boost of natural protection against allergies this coming spring and colds and flu well into the year. The spring allergy season now upon us brings approximately two to three months, or more, of upper respiratory irritation and nasal congestion to millions of Americans and a daily dose of raw garlic may be the perfect natural remedy.

The National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases says the average child will get six to 10 colds a year while adults will catch as many as four. Medical professionals advise a well-balanced diet -- along with proper rest, exercise, and hygiene habits -- as the best way to obtain optimum nutrition for health and maintain strong immune systems.

Allergies are an immune system response caused by exposure to an allergen -- something one is allergic to -- such as pollen or pet dander. When exposed to allergens, the body's defense mechanism is to release inflammatory chemicals such as histamines and leukotrienes. Histamines make noses run, eyes water and itch, and cause sneezing. Leukotrienes cause excess mucus and prostiglandins inflame sinuses.

The sulfur compounds found in garlic and onions have antiviral and antibacterial qualities and are well known to boost immunity. Garlic, onions and citrus fruits like lemon and oranges contain a natural antihistamine called quercetin, which counteracts the histamines that cause nasal allergies. Eating spices such as cayenne, ginger, onion, garlic, and horseradish help to thin mucus and relieve sinus congestion.

"I have personally struggled with nasal congestion for many years, and from that experience have focused my medical practice on the link between what we consume in our daily diets and how we feel," said Elson Haas, M.D., an integrated medical physician, founder and director of the Preventive Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael, California. "Any time I am congested or coming down with a cold, I dip two or three raw garlic cloves in honey and chew them well, repeating the process every few hours. Fresh garlic fights bacterial infections, and even may prevent viruses from invading our bodies, and the sweetness of the honey makes the strong, raw garlic palatable." Dr. Haas is the author of seven books on health and nutrition, including The NEW 21st Century Edition of Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine, The NEW Detox Diet, The False Fat Diet, and the classic integrated health tome, Staying Healthy with the Seasons. For more information, visit www.elsonhaas.com.

Nutritional Tips to Strengthen the Body's Immune System to Fight Allergies

* Dip two or three raw garlic cloves in honey and chew them well, repeating the process every few hours.

* Drink green tea or eat apples, grapefruit, garlic and onions, which are all high in quercetin, a key allergy fighter.

* Take Vitamin C supplements and eat more citrus fruit to prevent the formation of histamine. Think of Vitamin C as a "castle guard" protecting the body against attacking "raiders."

* Eat anti-inflammatory foods. Onions and garlic contain compounds that inhibit inflammation and boost immune systems.

* When cooking, include herbs that clear runny noses, such as garlic, onions, parsley, red pepper, and horseradish.

If you are taking prescribed allergy medications, it's always best to consult your doctor before adding nutritional supplements to your diet.

About Christopher Ranch

Established in 1956, Christopher Ranch grows, packs and ships over 60 million pounds of garlic each year for retailers and foodservice while continuously improving farming methods and customer service. The Ranch has grown into a major international agribusiness with 600 employees year-round and a seasonal harvesting crew of 1,200 working its 4,000 plus acres of garlic, bell peppers, shallots, bing cherries, sweet corn, and ginger. Christopher Ranch is co-founder of the world famous Gilroy Garlic Festival that takes place July 27 through July 29, 2007.