Along with the many implications of global warming—rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and changing weather patterns—you can add allergies to the list. It appears that the changing global climate may be making common allergens even more potent than ever.

For nearly a decade, researchers have been looking at the effects that global climate change may have on allergies. In a study that began in 1998, researchers found that global warming could cause more cases of hay fever as pollen counts in ragweed (one of the most common causes of hay fever) continue to rise. The research showed that ragweed produces significantly more pollen as carbon dioxide levels increase, and that levels had risen significantly from 1990 to 1998.

And the effects of these changes in pollen levels are certainly being noticed. “There have been significant increases in allergies and asthma in recent decades, which obviously cannot be explained by any change in genetics,” said Christine Rogers, a research associate in Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University.

Many scientists believe a warming of Earth has been under way for a century and has accelerated over the past 20 to 30 years. The warming has been linked to a “greenhouse effect” caused by manmade pollution and increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. While we all need to take our own steps to reduce our carbon footprint and hopefully reverse the current warming trend, the fact stands the pollen levels have increased, and may take years to recede to the levels of decades ago. But what can we do about allergies in the meantime?

ANCIENT WISDOM FOR A NEW ERA IN ALLERGIES

There are plenty of allergy drugs on the market, but unfortunately the options are often less than appealing. From pills that cause drowsiness to treatments that are just downright unpleasant such as foul smelling nasal sprays, the treatments can be almost as bad as the symptoms.

A quality nasal wash makes sense as a first line of defense against allergies. It works at the source of the problem by flushing out the allergic intruders, unlike prescription and over-the-counter allergy treatments, which alter the body’s natural reaction to allergens.

Daily rinsing of the sinuses is an ancient practice that many believe originated from the Yoga practice of Jala Neti, which translates to “water cleansing,” where the nasal passage and sinuses are irrigated with warm salty water using a “neti pot” or “nose kettle.” But no matter where the prac- tice originated, it is still a common custom today in many parts of the world, and for good reason.

During the course of the day, the nasal cavities are exposed to a variety of pollutants, toxins and allergens that can build up over time. Additionally, the sinuses are prone to drying, especially in arid climates, which can lead to discomfort, or for some, chronic nosebleeds. Rinsing the sinuses with a warm saline solution helps to wash out anything that has accumulated, and also serves to cleanse and moisturize the tissues.

SO MANY CHOICES, ONE GOOD

The most common nasal wash formula is a simple saline solution. Many drugstores sell pre-measured packets that can be mixed with water, and many people simply mix their own using plain salt.

Smart consumers combine saline solution with xylitol, which appears to be a real step forward in allergies and natural health.

One unique, relatively new nasal wash that you may want to try is Xlear, which offers many of the same benefits as a traditional saline nasal wash, in addition to some important properties that can be attributed to its unique ingredient xylitol.

Xylitol is an all-natural sweetener found in fruits, vegetables and other natural sources. A five-carbon sugar alcohol, xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to the linings of the nose and mouth.

Xylitol may sound familiar because it has been receiving much fanfare lately thanks to its ability to prevent dental carries. Over the past several years it has increasingly become a popular choice as a sweetener in chewing gum because it has been proven to support oral health, and because it is an excellent low-calorie alternative to artificial sweeteners.

XYLITOL AND ALLERGIES

The same properties that make xylitol such a good choice for dental health make it great for your sinuses, too. Xylitol was first pursued as a possible nasal wash ingredient by Dr. Alonzo H. Jones, D.O., a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Texas Tech University Medical School.

Dr. Jones studied the research on xylitol for prevention of tooth decay and it occurred to him that xylitol might be useful for upper respiratory problems as well.

Just as cavities are often linked to chronic inadequate oral hygiene, most upper respiratory infections, including middle ear infections, asthma, sinusitis and allergies, are linked to poor nasal hygiene. Dr. Jones was aware that 90 percent of infection-causing bacteria enter the body through the nose, so he set out to find a preventative treatment to address these growing problems. He began to research formulas utilizing xylitol, and in 2000, Xlear was released on the market.

Researchers have followed up with their own studies over the years, and found similar promising results. A 2004 study conducted at the University of Iowa College of Medicine found that xylitol reduces experimental sinusitis in rabbits. Researchers noted that xylitol countered buildup of bacterial film, thus helping to clear the infection. It is believed that xylitol nasal wash helps reduce infection by breaking up the bacteria in the sinuses, and inhibiting attachment in the nasal passages.

The antibacterial properties are key, as chronic sinusitis is a common side effect of allergies. Between swollen nasal passages and excess mucus, the nasal passages cannot drain properly, and this creates a prime environment for bacteria to reproduce. Using a nasal wash helps them to drain, and the xylitol offers the added benefit of antibacterial properties.

Since Xlear was introduced in 2000, it has become a leader in the nasal rinse category, and its parent company, Xlear Inc. has become a leader in xylitol products, including chewing gum, toothpaste and more.

So the next time you have allergies, think of something sweet and healthy like xylitol—and you will be on the road to being allergy-free.

REFERENCES

Brown, C.L., et al. “Xylitol enhances bacterial killing in the rabbit maxillary sinus.” Laryngoscope, 2004 Nov;114(11):2021-4.

“Global Warming Could Worsen Allergies, Study Finds.” New York Times, August 17, 2000.

Goudarzi, Sara. “Allergies Getting Worse Due to Global Warming.” November 22, 2005 10:40 am ET. http://www.livescience.com/health/ 051122_allergy_rise.html

Jones, A.H. “The next step in infectious disease: taming bacteria.” Med Hypotheses, 2003 Feb;60(2):171-4. the doctors’ prescription for healthy living

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Xylitol is a remarkable substance. It is all natural and is non habit forming. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have given xylitol their safest ratings, and the nasal rinse is safe for children.

To use the spray, tilt the head forward, put the tip of the bottle into one side of the nose, aim the upright bottle at the back of the head, inhale briskly and spray at the same time. Do the same with the other side of the nose. Parents should assist children with this until they can do it themselves. To find Xlear near you, call 1-877-599-5327 or visit www.xlear.com

Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.