Every tree, flower and weed releases pollen, but not all individuals have heightened sensitivity or allergic reactions. Seasonal allergies can affect you during many times of the year and even if you have not be affected before. For some, seasonal allergy symptoms can fade over time and then reoccur later in life. The most common allergens are cottonwood trees, ragweed, and grass. In northern Arizona where I live, it’s juniper trees in the spring. For the majority of people, it is the pollen from ragweed that cause allergy symptoms and this often happens in the fall when the ragweed pollen count is high. Left untreated, seasonal allergies cause miserable symptoms, affect day-to-day activities and can trigger asthma attacks. The majority of people with asthma also suffer from seasonal allergies. Here are some natural ways to treat seasonal allergies.
Diet
There are foods that commonly make seasonal allergy symptoms worse. This includes alcohol, caffeine, dairy, chocolate, peanuts, sugar, wheat, and citrus. In addition, many common food preservatives and artificial sweeteners can also make symptoms worse. If you have a ragweed allergy, it’s important to avoid melons, bananas, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, echinacea and chamomile, as they can an trigger an allergic response in your system. And of course if you have any food allergies, avoid those foods especially when you are experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms.
The good news is that there are foods that may help lessen your seasonal allergy symptoms, Eating raw local honey is a great strategy. It works to relieve symptoms because it contains the local pollen that is causing your allergies. Try a couple of tablespoons each day in a glass of water with apple cider vinegar to see if you get relief. Hot spicy foods can be good because they help to thin the mucus and allow it to be more easily expelled. So try adding garlic, onion, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to your recipes. Foods that strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation can also help. This includes things like bone broth and fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha). The enzyme bromelain, found in pineapple, can also help to reduce your reaction to seasonal allergies.
Supplements
In addition to eating a healthy diet of organic greens and unprocessed proteins, allergy sufferers may benefit from the addition of high-quality natural supplements. It’s best to start supplements 30-60 days in advance of allergy symptoms for the best results. Spirulina is one of the most researched supplements, and the results of studies show it may benefit allergy sufferers because it reduces histamine levels. In addition to helping relieve allergy symptoms, spirulina is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Quercitin and stinging nettle have also been shown to reduce histamine levels and many be helpful. Butterbur comes from a shrub that grows in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America, and is often used to treat migraines and allergies. Vitamin A supports the immune system, fights inflammation and has antihistamine properties. So it may be helpful as well. And finally, because probiotics strengthen the immune system, it can help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Lifestyle Changes
It is important to keep your home free of pollen by keeping the doors and windows closed, wiping down pets that have been outside, and leaving your shoes outside. In addition, look for clutter that be collecting pollen and consider taking a shower before bed to wash away any pollen that is on your body. Staying hydrated is always a good idea, but is especially important for those with seasonal allergies so that you can easily move any mucus out of your body. Another practice that can really be helpful is to use a Neti pot to relieve nasal congestion and flush out mucus. Diffusing essential oils can also be helpful for seasonal allergies. Essential oils or blends that include oils like eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, melaleuca, or peppermint can help to open up the nasal passages and lungs.
Alternative Treatments
Acupuncture can help with seasonal allergies and with no side effects. Prior to allergy season, meet with an acupuncturist to determine the best course of action. Some people may also benefit from chiropractic care, especially if the practitioner is specially trained in dealing with allergies. From a naturopathic viewpoint, allergies are often associated with weak adrenal, immune, and digestive functions. Natural treatments are used to support and improve those functions and to alleviate hay fever symptoms. Some natural health centers even use IV drip therapy because it delivers key vitamins and nutrients directly to where you need it and without going through the digestive tract.
Detoxify Your Body
Often, seasonal allergies are worsened by toxins that are stored in the body. The liver is always detoxing the body and managing inflammation. When it is working overtime metabolizing our stress, medications, alcohol, and processed foods, allergies can flare up. Detox your body by eliminating fried foods, sugar, alcohol and other toxins from your diet. Try liver supportive foods and herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, artichoke, citrus fruits and nuts.
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