Natural Allergy Relief

Spring has sprung and with it there normally comes a pollen pandemic! My porches are covered at the moment and just about the time that I get it all blown off, here comes another wave. It will probably be this way until mid April. With this said, the ears, noses, and throats of many people agree with me whole heartedly, that yellow is NOT their favorite color. It’s during this seasonal time that many seek medical attention for spring colds, allergies, and asthma. The good news is that there are many natural allergy relief protocols you can implement at home which will keep the Dr. looking for business elsewhere! These include: certain nutrients and supplements, lifestyle management techniques, and exercise.

Over the Counter and Prescription Drugs for Allergies

The most common form of allergy relief is over the counter antihistamines. Sometimes, these have side effects such as: drowsiness and dehydration. As well, some of my clients have also experienced annoying things such as nosebleeds from dried out sinuses. So, let’s say that these don’t do the trick for you and you have to get something stronger from your doctor. What are your options? Prescription decongestants, nasal steroids, and antihistamines are normally what is prescribed. With these stronger options come what? Chronic inflammatory conditions when the medications are stopped and… you guessed it, more side effects! According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology , these side effects include the things above, plus more serious things such as nervousness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, trouble urinating or insomnia! Who wants or needs that?

Good Nutrition for Natural Allergy Relief

So, what are our options? Well, the first thing to consider is your. immune system and making sure that it is strong and not overreacting to the outside world. You can temper that greatly through good nutrition. Some great foods and vitamin/mineral supplements that encourage a good allergy immune response and natural allergy relief are:

• Ginger – A 2016 animal study showed that using ginger caused the suppression of pro-inflammatory proteins which led to allergy symptom reduction.
  
• Red Onions – Add some red onion to your salad this Spring because they contain a lot of Quercitin, which is considered a natural antihistamine. If you don’t care for onions, you can get it in supplement form as well. The National Library of Medicine medical abstract entitled, Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin quotes, “Quercetin exerts anti-allergy effects by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells and other allergic substance thus acting as a natural antihistamine. Quercetin’s ability to prevent allergic effects has tremendous implications for the treatment and prevention of asthma and bronchitis. The cell membranes of mast cells which have been known to be an immune gateway to the brain as well as the environment and emotional stress.”
  
• Citrus Fruits – Adding these tasty treats into your diet should not be an issue, as they are readily available. These amazing fruits contain Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant nutrient, that decreases allergic rhinitis. This is a condition that irritates the upper respiratory system and it normally happens when the yellow stuff makes it’s way into your home!
  
• Magnesium – a mineral that is found in dark, green leafy vegetables; whole grains, yoghurt, and milk. As well, it’s very prevalent in different types of nuts, especially cashews and brazil nuts. If you don’t get your magnesium through diet, you can find it in supplement form at the health food store. For allergies, magnesium is used by the body as as a bronchodilator and as an antihistamine, Magnesium is an amazing muscle relaxer. It can stop asthma in it’s tracks by relieving airway constriction in the lungs. It is not, however, to be used along with other bronchodilators, or other prescribed medications for asthma. (Consult with your healthcare provider before using any supplement or before adding in or going off any medications or supplements) It also works extremely well for allergic rhinitis. Consequently, people who are deficient in Magnesium have been shown to have overactive immune responses.

Lifestyle Management for Allergy Prevention

It’s important when we are considering symptom relief that we look at our environment. As well, we need to look at lifestyle habit triggers. Here are some great tips to utilize during this season and throughout the year to prevent allergy triggers:

• Vacuum carpet frequently
• Air out the house when the weather is nice and it isn’t pollen season by opening up windows and doors to let in fresh air.
• Change out A/C air filters two times per year.
• Make sure that you bathe your pets and brush them a lot, to prevent dust and pollen build up in their fur, causing you to trigger. Also, clean their bedding, collars, and leashes after you give them a bath.
• Sweep dry porches and then spray them off with a high powered water hose. Do the same for outdoor tables and chairs and vacuum outdoor upholstery really good.

Exercise For Natural Allergy Relief

Finally, exercise will assist with allergy prevention because it supports the immune system by getting the blood to flow. Several studies have shown that moderate exercise training decreases cytokine response (an overloaded immune response). This is because it reduces allergic airway inflammation and decreases symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Even if you have exercise induced asthma, it’s still recommended that you exercise. Professionals say that moderate vs. strenuous exercise is the best and learning to breath and avoiding dry air is helpful as well. Here’s a great video about an athlete named Andrew Folds and how he overcame his exercise induced asthma.

If You Have Allergies and Need Relief, Please Contact Me!

If you are struggling with any type of allergy whether that be seasonal allergies, pet allergies, or food intolerances/allergies, please contact me! I am happy to assist you. My protocol is to do a thorough assessment, and make a detailed list of your symptoms. Then, I’ll do some research, and go over evidence- based information with you. After this, I’ll provide you with a personalized wellness plan that will cover nutritional and lifestyle prevention and relief. Click here for an initial FREE 30 minute consultation so that we can get to know each other better and begin your journey to better health!

(Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any supplements. Do NOT stop taking prescription medications without a recommendation from your physician.)