Natural Approach to Spring Allergies
As the flowers bloom, noses begin to run, eyes start to itch, and fatigue may start to set in. Spring allergies can cause even the brightest day to feel miserable. Dietary changes are often the first approach to allergies that can help quell them. Herbs and supplements can also help relieve allergy symptoms, and probiotic foods and supplements can help reset your gut. Lifestyle changes can help reduce exposure to pollen and the symptoms that are triggered by it in the spring.
What are seasonal allergies?
Over 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, usually diagnosed by an allergist after a skin prick test or blood test.
Allergies, also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis, are caused by allergens that can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, hives, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and swelling. This is caused by the immune system’s reaction against an “invader,” and the immune cells fight harmless substances as if they are dangerous viruses or bacteria. These immune cells produce IgE antibodies that bind to allergens and then release histamine, which causes the symptoms.
To be exact, histamines are chemicals made by your body, by your immune system. Histamines help your body get rid of allergens or triggers. First, they start by making you itchy, making mucus, coughing, causing you to sneeze, and tearing up your eyes. Your histamines are focused on pushing out the allergens as part of your defense response.
What triggers allergy symptoms?
Pollen from flowers, trees, grasses, and weeds is usually the number one culprit; the spring months are an onslaught of flowers blooming, the weather is windier, and there is more rain–carrying pollen furthermore likely to enter your environment.
Other allergy triggers
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Dust Mites
- Fecal particles from dust mites
- Food Intolerances
- Air pollution
Seasonal allergy symptoms
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy nose
- Sore throat
- Postnasal drip
- Dark circles under the eyes
How to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms
Eat with your allergies in mind
Eating foods that have nutrients that help reduce allergy symptoms include broccoli, kale, garlic, onions, collard greens, pumpkins, carrots, and celery. Dietary changes are a natural and easy way to start addressing allergies.
- A diet of vitamin C-rich foods such as broccoli, kale, and citrus fruits helps support immune function.
- They are adding foods to your diet that combat allergies, such as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and cabbage, has been shown to clear out blocked sinuses.
- Apple Cider Vinegar is a traditional remedy thought to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system. When allergies start, mix a teaspoon of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar containing “The Mother” into a glass of water and drink three times per day. (“The Mother” is a colony of beneficial bacteria present in some organic and unfiltered types of apple cider vinegar.)
- Fish oil has also been shown to help with the inflammation caused by asthma, and turmeric helps with inflammation associated with allergies.
- Drink lots of water; this will keep your body hydrated and will help to flush out the toxins and other substances that may cause inflammation and further exacerbate allergy symptoms
Reset your gut
We are learning more and more about our microbiome all the time – what we do know is there is a real connection between our gut and our immune function. In addition, these gut microbiota play roles in many other parts of the body, including metabolism, immune regulation, cognitive function, and mood.
- A great way to keep your immune function up is to eat foods that feed your microbiome and keep your gut healthy. Foods like kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, natto, miso, tempeh, and yogurt are a great start.
Herbs that reduce symptoms
Quercetin has been shown to keep the mast cells from releasing histamine and reduce inflammation. This bioflavonoid is a potent antioxidant and is usually taken long-term, and it is best taken in supplement form. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid shown to support sinus and respiratory function, as well as enzyme levels.
Bromelain, found in pineapples and their stems, contains anti-inflammatory properties suitable for nose and sinus swelling caused by allergies.
Bee pollen studies show that the bee pollen found in local raw honey can help you build an immunity to local pollen. Honey also contains enzymes that ward off infections and boost immunity, making it an excellent pre-winter remedy. The recommendation is to take one tablespoon per day, and it can be added to smoothies, tea, or other foods.
Stinging Nettle is another natural antihistamine and can be taken as a supplement or used in an herbal tea. Nettle leaf has been shown to support immune function, upper respiratory response and provides tonic properties to the body for overall wellness.
Elderberry has long been used as a traditional remedy for cold and flu and seasonal allergies. Black elderberry is the fruit from the flowering plant known as elderflower or Sambucus. Elderberries are found mainly in Europe and North America. While elderberries are sweet and make delicious jams and syrups, they have also been used medicinally. They have been traditionally used for centuries to treat various ailments, including colds, flu, fever, and burns.
A blend of quercetin, bromelain, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D has been shown to help alleviate allergy symptoms and is considered a natural “antihistamine” solution.
Lifestyle changes for seasonal allergies
- Check pollen levels and stay indoors when it is high
- Keep windows shut to keep pollen out
- Don’t dry laundry outside
- Wash pollen off your skin and hair after being outside
- Steam from a hot shower can help relieve inflamed sinuses
- Try acupuncture; it can help relieve symptoms
- Use a HEPA filter to remove mold, pollen, and dust
- Use a dehumidifier that can help hydrate the air
- Delegate yard work such as mowing the lawn or pulling weeds
- Rinse out your sinuses with a nettle pot
- Reduce the amount of pet dander in your home by washing and vacuuming pet areas
Jemile earned a degree in Food Studies and Writing and has worked for almost 23 years in the medical and health industries. She has been a digital marketing consultant for Acupuncture Atlanta since 2011 as the social media manager and content manager. Writing has been a childhood dream for Jemile and writing daily for clients in the health, wellness, food, and art industries have been phenomenal. Jemile is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and lives in the Hudson Valley, NY. She lives with her husband, two daughters, her dog, and two fish. You can contact Jemile via Linkedin, her mom blog, or her website, lunaroseconsulting.com
