Intruder alert! Intruder alert! Unknown attacker has breached the perimeter.
Histamines, the foot soldiers of your body's immune system, rush to the front lines, desperate to keep you safe.
They gather in your throat, tightening its muscles in order to block entry.
They gather in your eyes, trying to wash the intruder away in a flood of tears.
And they gather in your sinuses, prepared to forcibly expel the attacker with a tremendous sneeze.
Your body doesn't understand that this is a false alarm.
Harmless substances such as pet dander, dust, and pollen are viewed as a threat because you have an immune system disorder.
Your body is being maddeningly overprotective.
It's kind of like "little dog syndrome.
" Little dogs can sometimes feel so weak and vulnerable that they begin to perceive everything as a threat to their wellbeing, and they become aggressive.
This is what's happening with your immune system.
This overprotective dynamic is created because your immune system is weak and therefore feels vulnerable.
The best option is to avoid those things that cause you to have an allergic reaction.
But sometimes that's not possible.
How do you avoid the airborne allergens that cause hay fever or cedar fever? You can take steps to minimize your contact, but unless you want to live in a bubble, it's not practical to think that you can avoid them altogether.
You need to strengthen your immune system to, in essence, build its confidence.
Once it's confident, your "little dog" immune system will be better equipped to take those allergens in stride.
The allergens will become more of an annoyance than a full-blown threat.
The histamine foot soldiers will always be at the ready - there's no cure for allergies - but you can take them out of red alert status.
My top five tips for natural ways of strengthening your immune system:

1. Get plenty of vitamin C.
   Our bodies can't produce vitamin C on their own, and yet, we rely on this hardworking vitamin to stimulate the production of the white blood cells that are so vital in our fight against disease.
   That means we have to get our vitamin C from dietary sources such as citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables.
   
2. Exercise regularly, doing something you enjoy.
   You don't have to go out and run a marathon, if the mere idea of it makes you cringe.
   You don't have to lift weights or swim across Lake Austin pulling a party barge in your wake.
   Do something fun, and do it often.
   In addition to the immunological benefits of exercise, you'll get the immune booster shot that laughter provides.
   
3. Sleep 7-9 hours per night.
   In today's rush-rush world, a full night of sleep is a rare and precious commodity for many people.
   Allergy sufferers in particular should prioritize sleep for its rejuvenating properties.
   Think you're on edge if you haven't gotten enough sleep? Imagine how that histamine foot soldier on the front line feels.
   Trigger happy, ready to jump at the slightest shadow.
   
4. Drink lots of water.
   Water is by far the most valuable tool in the natural health toolbox.
   In addition to keeping your body lubricated, water literally flushes impurities out of your system.
   That means there's less work for your immune system to do, and a relaxed immune system is a healthy immune system.
   
5. Visit your chiropractor.
   That's right, I said chiropractor.
   Your immune system is inextricably linked with the health of your central nervous system.
   When your spine is out of alignment - even by a minuscule amount - stress is put on your nerves, which can cause a host of problems, including making your immune system more prone to dangerous overreaction.
   Your chiropractor will make a series of gentle adjustments to bring your body back into proper alignment.
   

With these natural health methods of boosting your immune system, you may find you no longer have to rely on drugs to get you through the day.
No more chemicals in your body, no more drowsiness.
And no more feeling as though your body is at war with itself.