Allergic Reactions May Protect You from Brain Cancer

Could there be anything good about having allergies? Yes! Like Cub Sox fans and people who plan outdoor weddings, we YOU Docs tend to be optimists. But even we couldn't find anything upbeat about allergies (unless you have stock in Kleenex). There's nothing fun about nonstop sneezing-blowing-dripping when fall harvests start or a cat purrs by. Right?

Wrong. We've just seen some fascinating research that reveals allergies protect you from brain cancer. No, this isn't BS (bad science), and it isn't the first evidence of this. (Suffering from indoor allergies? Try this drug-free fix.)

How the heck do allergies keep good brain cells from going rogue? Something in the immune system's overwrought reaction to allergens seems to help it recognize and wipe out bad brain cancer cells. This appears to be especially true in men, who are somewhat more susceptible to the often deadly brain tumors called glioma. A malignant glioma is what killed Ted Kennedy. It’s the most common brain tumor and the type scientists have been worrying cell phones may cause. (There's new evidence against this, but that's another column.)

If you don't have allergies, or even if you do, there are other ways to defend yourself against brain cancer. Do all the smart stuff that protects you from other cancers:

• Eat and exercise as if your life depends on it.
• Don't give up morning coffee or tea.
• Take extra vitamin D3.
• Drink moderately if you drink.
• Don't smoke.
• Don't keep your cell phone glued to your head. (Even if cell phones turn out to be 100% brain safe, life is better when you're 100% present.)

Ah-ah-ah-choo! Get relief from all kinds of allergies with these 12 remedies.