QUESTION:
Hi Amy, What would you recommend for seasonal allergies? Mine are so bad this year! Thanks!
– Sue -Reading, MA.
ANSWER:
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your question.
Well, here is yet another beautiful, (yet uncomfortable) reminder of how we are directly tied in with our environment and nature! Climate directly influences the allergy season and since we had such a mild winter this year we have a very high pollen level so people are having unusually strong allergic reactions which equals no fun!
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leader in the natural health community, sums it up best:
“Allergies are your body’s reaction to allergens (particles your body considers foreign), a sign that your immune system is working overtime. Pollen is an extremely common mast cell activator, but other agents can trigger these processes as well. Mold spores, dust, airborne contaminants, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, environmental chemicals, cleaning products, personal care products and foods can all cause allergic reactions. Every person is different in what he or she reacts to. And, just because you haven’t reacted to something in the past doesn’t mean you won’t react to it in the future—you can become sensitized at any point in time.”
The uncomfortable symptoms you feel like sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, hacking cough, itchy eyes, etc. are signs of your immune system working overload.
When the immune system is activated there is inflammation. A major component to elevating your allergic symptoms is to do things that will reduce inflammation.
Here are some simple things you can do:
- Avoid artificial, man made, processed and prepared foods
- Reduce all Omega 6 oils -which includes all corn products, nuts, seeds, nut butters and there oils (canola, sunflower, safflower and salad dressings, sauces, mayo etc.)
- Include adequate Omega 3 Fats like fish/cod liver oil and free range, grass fed meats
- Control stress
- Identify foods that you are allergic to and eliminate (these increase INFLAMMATION!)
- Stay adequately hydrated (your histamine reaction WILL dehydrate you and you’ll feel even worse!)
- Include natural probiotics: Researchers have discovered that people who take probiotics throughout allergy season have lower levels of an antibody that triggered allergy symptoms. They also have higher levels of a different antibody (IgG), thought to play a protective role against allergic reactions. Go for real foods first like apple cider vinegar, kefir, Kimchi, miso and sauerkraut and supplement with one of my favorites. More on probiotics here
- Go for the hot stuff: Eat hot chili peppers, horseradish, and hot mustard. They work as natural decongestants.
- Take extra Vitamin C. It’s anti-inflammatory and a major anti-oxidant
- Get some sunshine! Vitamin D is the immune-building vitamin!
- Add Bromelain – a powerful anti-oxidant and aids digestion
- Include Quercetin (an anti-oxidant) Good source include apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea) They prevent histamine release—so they are “natural antihistamines.”
- Use Nettle– a wonderful herb, either via a nettle pot or in as tea
- Use Nature’s Medicine: Diffuse a few drops of the doTERRA medicinal-grade essential oil eucalyptus. It is very healing to mucus membranes.
I hope this helps Sue. Please let me know how you do!
Amy 🙂
