Janus Baker, Author at Wakunaga of America

Taking and Storing Your Probiotics: The Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on August 25, 2020May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

In this blog post, we will review some best practices for “caring for” your probiotics, so that you will be confident they are stored in the right way, you will know when and how to take them, and more.

Shopping for a Probiotic

As a quick refresher, when shopping for a probiotic, many people believe that more is better, when it comes to colony forming units (CFUs). So they grab whatever product boasts the highest number. There is no standard recommended daily dose for probiotics, but research suggests aiming for one to two billion live CFUs to maintain good health. If you are taking antibiotics, have digestive problems, or suffer from Candida or frequent urinary tract infections though, you may want to boost that amount.¹

One more thing, when choosing a probiotic look for one that lists expiry at time of consumption, not at time of manufacture. What does “expiry” mean? “Expiry,” or expiration date, refers to a previously determined date after which something should no longer be used. The date should be stamped on the side or bottom of the bottle. This is important to look for on your probiotics label, because many times, if you continue taking your probiotic after expiration, it will not be as effective if the live cells have perished. In general, quality probiotics have a shelf life of 2 to 4 years.

How to Take Your Probiotic

When deciding how many capsules to take as part of your daily serving, it is helpful to check the label and read the instructions in the Suggested Use section. This lets you know what the proper serving size is for the probiotic you purchased. Many times, the serving size is not just one pill, but two. And some suggest taking them more than once a day.

Should you take probiotics on an empty stomach, or with food? Here is what we know. In general, probiotics should be taken with food. They should be taken with food because there are very few strains of bacteria the can withstand the harsh acidity of an empty stomach. Food dilutes stomach acid to levels that bacteria can withstand. We also know that fewer bacteria have been shown to survive in “fasted” than in fed subjects.²

The illustration on the left shows pH variations in the stomach after eating. You can see that the stomach’s pH level is higher (less acidic) after eating, which means that the bacterial strains are better able to survive.

How to Store Your Probiotic

Let’s remember, probiotics are made up of living organisms, and as such, they will survive longer when kept in a cool, dry environment. Your kitchen or bathroom cabinet is a good spot. Look for probiotics that are packaged in amber or dark color glass. This helps to protect them from moisture and light damage. And you may want to reconsider keeping your probiotics stored in your day-of-the-week pill organizer. We know there are some cool organizers on Amazon, but they could compromise the effectiveness of your probiotics, if they are exposed to light, temperature changes, and humidity. Best practice is to only keep a few days of servings in a portable pill caddy at a time. Refill from the bottle stored in a dry, cool, environment.³

Some probiotics need to be refrigerated, but if possible, choose a probiotic that is “shelf stable,” meaning they can be safely stored at room temperature, and do not require refrigeration. This makes your life a little easier, and also makes it more convenient for you to take your probiotics when you travel (because airports don’t typically have a mini fridge for you to store your supplements).

Common Side Effects When Starting Probiotics

In general, probiotics do not cause any significant side effects, have been clinically studied for decades and are generally regarded as safe. At the same time, probiotics can affect everyone differently. It’s common to experience some mild stomach upset, gas, or bloating when you first start taking probiotics. Some experts believe these fleeting symptoms are a result of the “bad” bacteria dying off in the new healthier environment. If your symptoms are bothersome, try avoiding inflammatory foods (like sugary or processed options) and load up on anti-inflammatory antioxidants instead.

If symptoms continue, it’s possible that you are taking bacterial strains that may not be compatible with your system. You may want to try a different combination of probiotics that are in line with your health goals. While this process would take a little time and trial and error to find a match, it will be worth it for supporting your microbiome and overall well-being.

Remember, take care of your probiotics and they will take care of you!

The Power of B Vitamins!

Posted on August 20, 2020May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

Did you know that vitamin B refers to not one, but eight different vitamins? And all eight of these vitamins play a role in converting food into energy in the body. Let’s take a look at why vitamin B is so important to your overall health.

What Are B Vitamins

B vitamins are a group of nutrients that play many important roles in your body. Most people get the recommended amount of these vitamins through their diet alone, since they are found in a wide variety of foods like fish, poultry, eggs, meat, leafy greens, and dairy products. However, factors like age, pregnancy, dietary choices, medical conditions, genetics, medication and alcohol use increase the body’s demand for B vitamins.¹ In these circumstances, taking a supplement with vitamin B might be necessary. Health supplements that contain all eight B vitamins are referred to as B-complex vitamins.

Different Types of B Vitamins

A whole host of B vitamins are available at health food stores. Along with thiamin (B1), most people are familiar with three other B vitamins: B9, B6, and B12. But there are eight B vitamins in all, and every one of them plays an important role in the function of the body’s cells and enzymes. In fact, they’re grouped together as “B” vitamins because of their closely related roles in cell and enzyme health.²

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), for example, supports cell health and also helps the body make new DNA. People who don’t get enough B12 may feel tired and weak and can experience loss of appetite, weight loss, or nerve pain. Anywhere between 1.5% and 15% of Americans are deficient in B12. People older than 50 and those on vegan or vegetarian diets are at greatest risk of developing a deficiency.³ This vitamin is found in meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy.

We mentioned vitamin B1 earlier, which is thiamine. Thiamine plays an essential role in the metabolism by helping convert nutrients into energy. The richest food sources include pork, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ. ⁴

Vitamin B6, called pyridoxine, is involved in amino acid metabolism, red blood cell production, and also the creation of neurotransmitters. This vitamin can be found in chickpeas, salmon, and potatoes.⁵

Vitamin B9 (folate) is another B vitamin that most people are familiar with. Folate is needed for cell growth, amino acid metabolism, the formation of red and white blood cells, and proper cell division. It can be found in leafy greens and beans. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. It is used in supplements and added to processed food products, like flour and breakfast cereals. It is also one of the most important B vitamins to take during pregnancy, and for a very good reason. The proper amount of folic acid reduces the risk of your baby developing certain birth defects.⁶

Supplements to Consider

There are many B vitamins on the market, including B-complex vitamins, which include every B vitamin! If you’re not in the market for a full B-complex vitamin, look for one that contains the specific B vitamins that will help you meet your health goals. Also, it doesn’t hurt to try a B vitamin supplement that also contains other herbs and nutrients too. Some other herbs and nutrients that can help to support your health, in addition to B vitamins, include Aged Garlic Extract, GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), and L-Arginine. Research on Aged Garlic Extract has shown that it supports overall heart health, helps maintain normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels, circulation, and immune function, as well as helping to reduce inflammation.⁷ GABA is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system, helping you feel less anxious and stressed.⁸ And the body uses L-arginine to help build muscle and rebuild tissue.⁹

So if you’re looking to increase your energy, enhance mood, stimulate the immune system, and form red blood cells, look no further than vitamin B! If you are unsure how to incorporate vitamin B into your supplement regimen, consult with your health care practitioner.

3 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health

Posted on August 20, 2020May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

Owning a pet is one of life’s greatest pleasures, nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal, furry companion. But the benefits do not end there – your pet could be doing wonders for your health and well-being too.

Here are some health benefits our furry friends can provide (as if we needed another reason to love them):

Lower risk of allergies

Did you know that around 50 million people in the U.S. have nasal allergies, and that pet dander is one of the most common triggers? With this in mind, it may be surprising to learn that pets can actually lower the risk of their owners developing allergies. One study reported by Medical News Today in 2015 associated exposure to dogs and farm animals in early life with a lower risk of asthma development by school age.¹ More recent research published in the journal Microbiome found that children who were exposed to household pets prior to birth and up to three months after, experienced changes in gut bacteria associated with childhood allergies.² Both of these studies support something called the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests that the greater exposure to pathogens and potential allergens at an early age can strengthen the immune system, which may increase tolerance to allergies later in life.

Reduce anxiety and stress

Two studies published in Scientific American, examined the impact pets have on human emotions. In the first study, participants were divided into three groups. One group had a pet close by, the second was asked to think about their pet, and for the third, pets were not involved at all. They were told to list their goals and how confident they were in achieving them. The first two groups came up with a longer list of goals, and were significantly more confident that they could achieve them.³

In the second experiment, researchers divided participants into the same three groups, but this time asked them to perform a stressful task and monitored changes in their blood pressure. Those who had pets nearby or were thinking of pets had markedly lower blood pressure. The takeaway? Having pets close to you, or even just thinking about your pets, has the effect of lowering stress.⁴ Pets help us to live in the moment. A simple game of fetch with your dog can really keep you tethered to the present moment, and reduce stress and anxiety associated with the future.

Better heart health

Owning a pet, especially a dog, is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. This does not mean that there is a crystal clear cause and effect relationship between the two, but it does mean that pet ownership can be thought of as a reasonable part of an overall strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.⁵ Several studies have shown that dog owners have lower blood pressure than non-owners – probably because their pets have a calming effect on them and because dog owners tend to get more exercise (taking dog on walks). The power of touch also appears to be important as well. Several studies show blood pressure goes down when a person pets a dog.⁶

The love and companionship from pets can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Pet owners are oftentimes happier, more confident, and more physically fit. If you are looking to adopt a pet, you won’t just improve the quality of their life, they will help improve the quality of your life too.

This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

Managing Your Stress With Creative Outlets

Posted on June 2, 2020May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

During periods of high stress, certain chemicals in the brain (like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) begin to rise, causing larger amounts of these and other “fight or flight” hormones like adrenaline to be released by the adrenal glands. The release of these chemicals contributes to certain physiological effects like rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. When left unmanaged over time, chronic stress can even lead to the development of things like stomach ulcers, stroke, asthma, and heart disease.¹ So what are some of the ways you can manage excessive stress? Let’s take a look.

Tap Your Creative Self to Manage Stress

Before we go any further, let’s first talk about deep breathing. We’ve all heard that deep breathing is helpful when it comes to stress. And with good reason. Deep breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, encourages full oxygen exchange – that is, the beneficial trade of incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide. It can slow the heartbeat and lower and stabilize blood pressure. So diaphragmatic breathing is a good practice to get into, if you haven’t already. Go ahead – try a few deep breaths now . . . Ok, let’s take a look at some creative outlets that can help you to manage your stress, and keep you relaxed.

Drawing/coloring: Doodling on a pad of paper, painting with watercolors, or even getting a coloring book can be helpful. These activities have the ability to relax the fear center of your brain, the amygdala. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind.² This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest after a long day at work.

Photography: Photography can have a positive effect on your wellbeing, boosting self-esteem, confidence, memory, and helping you to focus and calm the mind from your everyday hustle.³Mindfulness is very effective at fighting stress. Many forms of art promote mindfulness, including drawing, and photography is no different. Photography offers participants a moment to focus on the present, be “in the moment” and relax a bit. Not to mention capturing some beautiful scenes that you can keep or share, to relive whenever you need a moment of Zen.

Gardening: In a study in the Netherlands (as reported by CNN), two groups of students were told either to read indoors, or garden for 30 minutes, after completing a stressful task. The group that gardened reported being in a better mood than the group that read. And they also exhibited lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.⁴ Time to get your hands in the dirt!

Natural Supplements Can Help

Now that you have some different creative outlet options in your arsenal for managing your stress, what else can you do, to help keep your stress level low? Certain herbs, nutrients, and vitamins can help promote reduced stress and anxiety. Look for supplements that combine GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) along with B vitamins, which can support healthy relaxation and increased alertness. Other nutrients to look for in a de-stressing supplements are omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce anxiety, ashwagandha, which is an herb used in ayurvedic medicine to help lessen anxiety, and valerian root, which is a popular sleep aid, due to its calming effects⁵.

Taking advantage of these creative outlets, along with trying these supplements, can help you to manage your stress and focus on the things that matter most to you.

Study Review Confirms Blood Pressure and Gut Benefits of Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™

Posted on May 1, 2020May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

Study Review Breakdown

This groundbreaking review focused on 12 clinical trials involving 553 people with high blood pressure. It confirms earlier findings that AGE lowers systolic blood pressure (the top number) an average of 8.3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) an average of 5.5 mmHg. The author of the study, Karin Ried, PhD, MSc, GDPH, of the National Institute of Integrative Medicine in Melbourne, Australia, noted that these findings were linked to an impressive 16 to 40 percent drop in the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The effectiveness of this plant-based supplement is comparable to the benefits provided by standard drugs used to treat high blood pressure, without the potential drug side effects.

But the most surprising finding during this meta-analysis was that AGE acts like a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This boosts microbial diversity and improves gut microbiota. These changes matter because high blood pressure has been linked to a bacterial imbalance in the gut. This imbalance—technically known as dysbiosis—means that there is less microbial variety and lower levels of key bacteria that contribute to good health. The study review specifically noted a marked increase in two specific types of “good” bacteria—Lactobacillus and Clostridia—in the hypertensive patients taking AGE.

Together, these results provide hope to people with high blood pressure—especially since it doesn’t come from just one study, but a dozen. By comparing the data from numerous studies, researchers conducting a study review (also called a meta-analysis) can identify patterns and trends that provide a more accurate picture and more reliable results.

Key Takeaways

This study review adds to earlier studies showing that a daily dose of AGE can effectively lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. But Dr. Ried cautions that, “Simply increasing the amount of garlic in your diet does not provide the same results that you would get from AGE. This is because cooking destroys S-allyl cysteine, the bioavailable and active compound in garlic that provides these benefits.”

“This study review confirms AGE’s ability to support healthy blood pressure levels and highlights a new way it can benefit both cardiovascular and gut health,” says Jay Levy, Director of Sales for Wakunaga of America. “Because AGE is both safe and effective with few, if any, side effects, it’s an easy addition to a healthy lifestyle for anyone concerned about supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.”

Picky Eater on Your Hands? Here’s What You Can Do

Posted on April 28, 2020May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

It can be frustrating to find foods that are both nutritious and tasty for your little ones. But encouraging good nutrition for your child does not have to be frustrating. Let’s take a look at why kids are sometimes so particular about what they eat and some ideas for ways to overcome picky eating habits.

Some kids are happy to snack on things like hummus, bell peppers, and carrots, while other kids, though, will only follow a carb-based “white diet” consisting of pasta, rice, and bread. Why are some kids so picky about food? There could be many reasons. A 2015 study showed that picky eating habits were linked to everything from personality traits, to parental control at meantime, to social influences, to the mom’s own eating patterns.¹ For most kids, it is just a phase, and it is important to know that it is also very normal. At the same time, though, if a picky eater isn’t getting enough good nutrition because they are being so selective, it could potentially lead to both short-term and long-term nutrient deficiencies. Here are some strategies to consider, for the picky eater in your family.

Picky Eater Strategies

Respect your child’s appetite: If your child isn’t hungry, do not try and force them to eat. Also, do not force your child to finish everything on their plate…they do not need to be a member of the “clean plate club,” if they are already full. If you try to get them to finish everything, they will learn to be less sensitive to their own internal hunger cues.² Additionally, if you force them to eat, this could lead your child to associate mealtime with stress and anxiety, which you do not want.

Have a routine: If possible, serve meals and snacks at about the same time every day. If your child decides not to eat a meal, a regular snack time will give you the opportunity to give them a nutritious little snack, like a piece of fruit. If you let your child fill up on juice and snacks throughout the whole day however, as opposed to at designated times, it may decrease their appetite for their regular meals.

Be patient testing out new foods: For the most part, children are hardwired to like sweeter flavors.³ This may explain why they shun things like brussels sprouts and broccoli. So if you are trying to introduce something like that, try introducing it in a different form, like in a salad, or in a soup or smoothie. A smoothie is actually a great way to get your child some essential nutrients, especially greens, into their diet. One of our quick tips is to look for a quality powdered green drink mix, one that contains some nutritious grasses like barley grass and wheat grass, along with nutrients like chlorella and spirulina. You could add this powdered drink mix to a smoothie with some spinach, apple, cucumber and lemon, for a tasty and nutrient-packed drink, which can also double as its own meal. Check out these simple recipes and tips for getting your child involved in making smoothies⁴.

Recruit your child’s help: Next time you go to the grocery store, ask your child for help in selecting fruits, veggies, and other healthy foods for the upcoming week, really making them feel like they are part of the process, and that you value their opinion. Once you get home, encourage your child to help you prepare and rinse these veggies, set the table…etc. Kids learn by doing.

Minimize distractions: Get into the habit of turning off the TV and other electronic gadgets during meal times. This will help your child to focus on eating. Start ‘mindful eating’ habits earlier.

If you are concerned that picky eating is compromising your child’s growth and development, consult your pediatrician. In addition, consider recording the types and amounts of food your child eats for a week, because a food log can help the doctor determine if there are any problems. And it’s okay to relax, because they will likely grow out of this as fast as they grow out of their shoes.

Stay Healthy! How to Avoid Getting Sick

Posted on April 21, 2020March 14, 2023 by Janus Baker

To be honest, most of these “tips” for good health aren’t tips at all, but common sense. For example, hand washing. We all wash our hands, but do we wash for 20 seconds, and scrub every part of the hand? Apart from hand-washing, there are a whole host of other ideas and solutions to help you avoid that runny nose or sore throat, even in the thick of cold & flu season. Here are our top tips to help you stay healthy and avoid getting sick.

Our Top Stay Healthy Tips

Eat your greens: A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, protein, whole grains, and dairy. It may take some adjustment to move to healthy eating, so start small, and focus on one aspect to introduce yourself to some healthier options. For example, start by adding more greens to your diet. Green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins that help you maintain a balanced diet – and support a healthy immune system. One study showed that eating cruciferous vegetables sends a chemical signal to the body that boosts specific cell-surface proteins necessary for efficient immune-system function¹. An easy way to get some greens into your life is with a powdered green drink mix. We recommend looking for one that contains barley grass, wheatgrass, spirulina, kelp, and chlorella, for the most beneficial phytonutrients per ounce. Be sure to avoid drink mixes that have added sugar.

Skip the alcohol: Research shows that drinking alcohol can damage the body’s dendritic cells, a vital component of the immune system. An increase in alcohol consumption over time can increase a person’s exposure to bacterial and viral infections.² Especially during cold and flu season or stressful times, skip the alcohol and try a fun ‘mocktail’ instead.

Keep moving: Working out regularly enhances immune function, which can help the body fight off any cold or flu germs.³You should aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity.

Get enough sleep: Clocking in about 8 hours of sleep every night is important, but it is even more important when you are feeling under the weather. When you’re tired, your body isn’t fighting as hard. So if you feel like you may be coming down with something, it’s imperative you get at least 8, or even 10 hours of sleep, if possible.

Eat more colorful meals: Cooking with all colors of the rainbow will help you get a wide range of vitamins in your diet. Red fruits and veggies, like tomatoes, red peppers, and raspberries, contain certain phytochemicals like lycopene and anthocyanins, which help protect against certain diseases, and can lower the risk of diabetes. Orange and yellow foods like carrots, mangos and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This essential vitamin supports healthy immunity, eye health, and strong bones. Green fruits and veggies like broccoli, kiwi and zucchini are chock full of chlorophyll, an antioxidant with a host of health benefits, like clearing toxins from the body, supporting digestion and absorption of nutrients, and boosting immunity. And blue and purple foods like blackberries, eggplant, and grapes contain super-charged antioxidants that can promote brain function and cellular strength.⁴

Hang out with friends: People who have strong social relationships are less likely to die prematurely than people who are isolated. Researchers think that friendships and health are linked through the body’s processing of stress. Being socially engaged leads to more positive emotions, which in turn may actually boost your body’s immune system and reduce the physical signs of stress.⁵

Avoid cigarette smoke: Smoking is a known risk factor for several diseases including asthma and respiratory infections, to name a few. But breathing in secondhand smoke can also increase a person’s risk for developing these conditions. People who smoke or regularly inhale cigarette smoke are also more likely to experience more severe symptoms when they get colds or the flu. Cigarette smoke can affect the immune system and reduce a person’s ability to fight off infections.⁶

It can be tough to stay healthy if people around you are or may be sick. Be sure to keep your distance. And protect yourself by giving these simple strategies a try. Stay healthy!

Podcast: All About Aged Garlic Extract with Dr. Ward Bond and Wakunaga’s Jay Levy

Posted on March 30, 2020April 29, 2021 by Janus Baker

This interview aired on March 26, and is now available on Dr. Bond’s website here: http://radiomd.com/show/life-changing-wellness/item/41984-ep-92-the-age-of-garlic

Dr. Ward Bond

Dr. Bond is widely known from his writings, his television and radio appearances, and his lectures, as one of America’s most prominent authorities on what has become a “hot” topic: the use of natural, safe supplements to combat problems of our health and to head off potential problems associated with aging.

Jay Levy

Jay Levy is the National Sales Director at Wakunaga of America. Jay Levy has also been a health educator when it comes to the use and effectiveness of Kyolic, Wakunaga’s Aged Garlic which is at the base of their Kyolic line of supplements.

Don’t Let Spring Allergies Get You Down

Posted on March 24, 2020March 19, 2024 by Janus Baker

Winter is starting to melt away, and now we are gearing up for some sunny spring weather. If you happen to suffer from allergies, you know what spring means. It is a beautiful time of year, but it is also when trees, grasses, weeds and more release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. As wonderful this is for nature, and for keeping our plants flourishing, it is not so great for our immune system. Our immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack the allergens, which leads to the release of histamines into the blood. Not to worry, though, because there is something you probably have in your supplement cabinet right now that can help.

Did you know that probiotics can actually help to prevent allergies? Probiotics work to fight bad bacteria from entering your bloodstream. Your mucosal barrier that lines that intestines is only one cell layer thick. Between these cells, there are protective tight junction proteins that act as gatekeepers, allowing for nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream through proper channels. Probiotics direct the production of these proteins and also signal them to open and close as needed, so the immune system in the submucosal layers can fight bad bacteria. When tight junction protein function goes awry due to lack of beneficial flora, the immune system can become overly active due to proteins, allergens, and chemicals from food passing through the bloodstream. This can result in both IgE (anaphylactic) and IgC delayed sensitivity allergies.¹

When probiotics are taken though, studies show that they start to down-regulate the production of chemicals called cytokines, the inflammatory chemicals produced by the immune cells that cause our annoying allergy symptoms. Taking a probiotic supplement can help ensure your immune system responds optimally to these inflammatory agents and can help prevent you from developing or worsening your allergies.²

There are also a few things that can aggravate spring allergies, that allergy sufferers should be aware of.

Using the wrong air filter: Using an air filter to keep your home pollen-free is a good idea, but be sure it’s the right kind. Studies show inexpensive central furnace/air conditioning filters and ionic electrostatic room cleaners aren’t helpful and in fact the latter releases ions, which can be an irritant.³ Whole-house filtration systems do work, but change the filters regularly or you could be doing more harm than good.

Opening your windows: When your windows are open, the pollen can drift inside, settle into your carpet, furniture and car upholstery and continue to torture you. So keep your house and car windows shut during allergy season.

Self-medicating: Perhaps you’re not sure exactly what’s making you feel awful so you switch from one medication to the next, hoping for relief. Instead of going down that road, your best bet is to see an allergist, who can determine just what is triggering your symptoms and suggest treatment.

By adding a probiotic to your routine, and keeping cognizant of the things listed above that might aggravate your allergies, you can glide through spring allergy season a bit more easily.