The Seasonal Allergy Song

Practically all of us sing it.  Maybe it’s just a verse or two for you, or you just sing along with the chorus.  Or maybe it is lyric-for-lyric, humming every note, with a really long interlude.  But the season upon us has us singing the allergy song.  You know – the one where in between sinus headaches and sneezes the words, “My allergies are KILLING me!!” come out of your mouth.

So in turn, we look to over-the-counter meds, desperate to stop the coughing, congestion, and drainage; frantic to find a way to get that low-grade fever down, or make our eyes stop watering and itching.  But often, these meds can either not work, perpetuate the problem, or cause the body to react in adverse ways.

Did you know there are some natural approaches you can take to not only treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies, but also to help avoid them?

Your immune system is important in the fight against viruses, diseases, bacteria, fungi, and even allergies.  The most common form of allergies today are seasonal allergies, which can be caused by pollen, grasses and weeds.  A way to build your immune system to fight these allergens and help prevent allergies from setting in is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  This is the most important medicine-free way of building your immune system: clean eating, exercising, and taking (chemical-and-synthetic-free) supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Probiotics and Ecchinacea.

Although most allergies are generally non-harmful, some can cause a severe reaction that can be harmful or fatal. Some potential causes for this over-reaction include nutritional deficiencies and poor digestion.There are some things you can do if the allergies have already set in, or you just can’t seem to get away from them.  The natural allergy cures below may help relieve or speed recovery:

Top Foods For Allergy ReliefFresh fruits and vegetables – It may seem obvious, but not many people realize that these provide important nutrients that can help decrease seasonal allergic reactions. A juice fast of raw fruits and vegetables can even help with detoxification.

Clean, lean protein – This boosts the immune system. Aim for 3-4 ounces at minimum, per meal.

Flax and chia seeds – These can reduce systemic inflammation leading to a reduction in symptoms. Adding chia seeds or ground flax seeds to salads or a smoothie is a great way to consume these important nutrients.

Ginger – This herb (yes, it’s an herb!) is anti-inflammatory in a mighty way.  Add a small amount to green juices or make ginger tea.

Cold-pressed oils – Coconut oil, palm oil, and olive oil are easy to digest and carry anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities helpful for allergy relief.

Natural Allergy SupplementsStinging Nettles (300-500mg 2x daily) -Shown to be effective in reducing hay fever by reducing overall histamine production.

Quercetin (1000 mg daily) – An anti-inflammatory flavonoid found in red wine, green tea, citrus, and onions. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and hay fever.

Vitamin C (2,000mg daily) – A powerful antioxidant that has antihistamine properties. It can also boost the immune system.

Bromelain (250 mg daily) – An enzyme found in pineapple which reduces swelling especially in the nose and sinuses.

Raw Honey (2 tbsp daily) – Look for local, raw honey. It’s vital for the honey to be local because the bees are making honey out of the common plants in your particular area and contain local pollen. Dosing yourself daily with honey made from these plants can help your body learn to deal with the common allergens from these plants.  (Caution: Those on a low-carb diet or diabetics: watch your blood sugar, and check with your wellness physician before taking daily)

Essential Oils For Allergies

Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil can open up the lungs, sinuses and improve circulation reducing allergies.  Creating your own homemade vapor rub is an effective treatment or breathing it in with a diffuser.  Also, diffusing tea tree oil can destroy airborne pathogens that cause allergies.

Allergy Natural TreatmentsUsing a Neti pot is also an effective natural treatment for reducing allergy symptoms.

So start singing a new tune this season by trying a more natural proactive, as well as reactive way of treating those allergies, and continue to build your health-and-wellness legacy along the way!

Some resources for this article:
Natural Sciences Degree Program
sparkpeople.com
draxe.com
everydayhealth.com