By Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND
Allergy Season is Here!
If you’re wondering how to prepare for allergy season, understanding the triggers like mould, pollens, and dust is the first step. These allergens stimulate an immune response, causing histamine levels to rise and resulting in symptoms such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Seasonal allergies and hay fever symptoms make the arrival of spring unpleasant for many.
High pollen levels during spring can aggravate allergy symptoms, with exposure to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds often leading to allergic reactions. Recognizing and managing symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes is essential for improving comfort during allergy season.
So, how can you manage seasonal allergy symptoms and reduce pollen exposure effectively? Explore these natural remedies for allergies to stay ahead of spring allergies this season.
So what is the solution?
Prepare for Allergy Season
To effectively manage seasonal allergy symptoms, it’s important to prepare for allergy season 4-6 weeks before your typical symptoms begin. In naturopathic care, this preparation involves cleansing the body and liver, balancing the immune system and increasing your intake of phytonutrients. These nutrients, found in fruits, vegetables and other whole foods, are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and bioflavonoids, which help your body combat allergens like pollen and decrease histamine levels.
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and natural remedies for allergies into your diet, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens and nettle tea, can provide your body with the tools to reduce allergy symptoms. Drinking two cups of nettle tea daily leading up to spring allergies may help manage histamine responses and provide natural allergy relief. This proactive approach to seasonal allergy prevention can significantly ease the onset of spring allergy symptoms.
Address the Histamine
Histamine is a key player in causing hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes, during allergy season. While common over-the-counter medications, like Claritin and Zyrtec, act as antihistamines by blocking histamine receptor sites, they do not reduce histamine levels in the body and may cause side effects, including drowsiness and dryness.
Natural alternatives offer effective allergy relief without these unwanted side effects. Quercetin, found in onions and apples, is a natural antihistamine that helps stabilize mast cells and reduce the release of histamine. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, supports respiratory health and reduces inflammation linked to hay fever treatment. Incorporating these into your diet or taking supplements, as advised by a healthcare professional, can provide significant relief from seasonal allergy symptoms.
By addressing histamine naturally, you can manage symptoms, reduce your dependence on medications and enjoy the spring season with fewer interruptions from allergies.
Alternatives to anti-histamine drugs
- Homeopathic remedies offer both prevention and acute treatment of allergies. Single remedies like Apis, Allium, Euphrasia and Urtica can offer relief of acute symptoms.
- Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids are natural anti-histamines and taken in a moderate dose frequently throughout the day can significantly lower histamine levels.
- Zinc lozenges improve local immune response and can help dry up mucous
- ½ tsp of bee pollen 1-2 times per day may help to decrease sensitivity to pollen allergens
Diet
- Avoid the overconsumption of dairy and bananas, as they are both mucus-forming and can lead to the worsening of congestion.
- Eat a diet rich in a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables. They are rich in phytonutrients that will help support the immune system and naturally lower the histamine levels.
Allergy Relief with Natural Remedies and Naturopathic Care
Seasonal allergies can be managed effectively with the right guidance and support. At Innate Wellness, our Naturopathic Medicine services can help identify the underlying causes of allergy symptoms, such as hay fever and allergies and provide personalized consultations. By focusing on natural remedies for allergies, including dietary adjustments, immune system support and lifestyle modifications, we aim to help you reduce seasonal allergy symptoms and improve your overall health.
If you’re wondering how to prepare for allergy season and need expert advice, our team is ready to guide you. Contact us today to book a consultation and take control of your allergy management this season.
