Spring has arrived almost unnoticed – the sun is suddenly shining all the time, the weather is getting warmer and no need to wear endless amounts of layers and layers of clothing all the time. But this also means that all the gorgeous plants are blooming, pollen is in the air and our eyes start to water unstoppably.
Here are our top tips on how to naturally relieve seasonal allergy symptoms.
Allergy Types & Symptoms
There are different types of allergies that a lot of us might struggle with. More than 50 million Americans experience allergies every year. The main types of allergies are seasonal allergies, food allergies, skin allergies, dust and mold allergies, pet, animal and bug allergies and drug allergies.
Please note that in this blog post we’re not discussing anaphylaxis. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that needs urgent medical attention.
Most commonly in spring, summer and fall we deal with seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies occur because of the increased pollen in the air that’s caused by blooming plants, grass, trees and flowers. Furthermore, warmer and more humid weather helps mold grow quicker, which is another trigger for allergies.
Moreover, with the warmer weather we are bound to encounter more insects as well. As we briefly mentioned above, getting bitten or stung by a bug can also cause an allergic reaction.
The most common symptoms of allergy are runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, itching (also in throat, nose and eyes), skin rash or dryness, hives, swelling, increased mucus production, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, fatigue, headache and in some cases asthma.
How To Combat Seasonal Allergy
There are lots of over the counter and prescription medications to relieve allergy symptoms. Not to mention the creams, lotions, nose sprays and eye drops that can all help combat the symptoms of allergies. However, we do believe that you shouldn’t only rely on dealing with the symptoms, but rather get to the bottom of the issue.
Commonly the issue lies within your immune system. Your body reacts to an allergen because your immune system is already weakened and isn’t functioning the way it ideally should be. Long story short – your body reacts to normal substances found in the environment around you with a strong reaction, as if it was a serious threat to your body and your immune system.
One of the best ways to support your immune system is to reduce excess inflammation in your body. When your body is experiencing chronic inflammation, you’re likely to suffer from allergies more often and with more severe symptoms.
One of the easiest ways (but also the hardest – we know the struggle!) to keep inflammation at bay is to eat a healthy diet and limit the amount of foods that may trigger inflammation in your body. For a lot of us it may be dairy and wheat products, excess meat or nut consumption, eating too many processed foods and sugar.
Balance is key – if you eat a balanced diet consisting of various food groups that your body needs, and won’t go overboard with meat, wheat, nuts and dairy, you can naturally reduce inflammation. If you’re already exposing yourself to too many allergens, you’re most likely to experience more severe allergy symptoms during the pollen season.
Likewise, if you’re struggling with seasonal allergies, make sure to limit the exposure to allergens like pollen. Wash your hands and face after spending time outside, use a salt spray or make your own to clean out your nostrils, drink lots of liquids like water and tea to help clean out your system and use HEPA filters to reduce allergens in your home.
So what about natural food supplements? Bromelain is our top choice to help reduce inflammation, swelling, but also combat the symptoms of allergies like sneezing, excess mucus production and a runny nose. The added bonus is that as it helps reduce swelling, it also helps to improve breathing to combat shortness of breath.
Another great supplement is Lung Support. It’s designed to help cleanse your lungs from waste and toxins, including common irritants like blooming, dust, air pollution or household chemicals. Furthermore, it helps support your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Black Currant Oil is another great natural supplement to combat allergy symptoms and support your immune system. It contains a ton of vitamin C that’s not only great for reducing inflammation, but it’s also a powerful antioxidant and helps strengthen your immune system.
The same goes for our Borage Oil supplement – it supports your immune system and reduces inflammation naturally. Plus, it helps support your respiratory system. As a powerful antioxidant, it plays a key role in managing oxidative stress, which is linked to allergies.
In addition, Lycopene and Olive Leaf Extract are amazing sources of antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and strengthen your immune system. And now the one that you’d least expect on this list – Psyllium Husk. Because it forms a protective layer on your stomach’s lining, it helps support your immune system.
In conclusion, seasonal allergies are a common problem that a lot of us unfortunately have to face every year. But there are so many things that you can do to relieve the symptoms and enjoy a carefree pollen season. Eat a balanced diet, strengthen your immune system, try to limit the exposure to allergens and use natural food supplements to get to the bottom of the issue.
0 Comments