Surviving Seasonal Allergies
Written by: Ren, Wellness Coordinator
What a beautiful spring we are in for! The sun is out, the trees are beginning to bud, and – oh no – the dreaded allergens are creeping their way into our precious airways! If you’re anything like me, you may be beginning to feel the symptoms of seasonal allergies. What to do?! Here’s some information that can help you manage your allergies and live a less-inflamed life.
Allergic reactions occur in the body when small matter in the air like pollen, plant matter, mold, etc. are inhaled. Our immune system registers these pathogens as a threat and kicks into high gear, releasing Histamine which causes inflammation and leads to symptoms like swelling, runny nose, itchiness, and watery eyes. Some peoples’ allergies are more severe than others and this can be caused by a number of factors. Genetics play a role in our likelihood of experiencing allergies and the severity of them can be influenced by our stress levels, gut health, and even our liver function.
Here are some potential solutions that could prove helpful in your quest to vanquish allergies:
Clean House
-Pollen can collect on book shelves and other surfaces in your home, especially if your windows are open. A little spring cleaning might stir up some sneezes at the start but it can help relieve issues in the long-run.
Stay Hydrated & Steamy
– Keeping liquid in you can thin the mucus in your nasal passages to offer some relief. Choosing a hot beverage like tea or apple cider vinegar in hot water with honey can add steam that can help you breathe easier. Another great way to incorporate hot water into your routine that’ll help clear out allergens is to use a Neti Pot.
Stress Less
– Stress affects every area of our lives including our immune responses to allergens. Breathing exercises like meditation, physical activity, taking time for self-care, choosing a balanced diet, and keeping a healthy gut biome can all lead to reduced stress.
Mind your gut health
– We’ve all heard about probiotics, but have you heard that some people even refer to the gut as the second brain? It’s amazing the ways that our microflora contribute to our overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that having a thriving microbiome can help prevent and relieve allergic reactions including some food allergies. Probiotics can help up your flora and mushroom supplements can keep your flora flourishing.
Supplements to the Rescue!
– We have natural supplements here at Open Harvest that can help curb the severity of symptoms and reduce inflammation. My favorites are Urban Moonshine’s Aller-Blast and Wishgarden’s Kick Ass Allergy. Urban Moonshine uses the tenants of Traditional Eastern Medicine to create a blend that supports healthy eyes, nose, and sinuses using reishi mushroom, bitter artichoke, and stinging nettles in raw organic honey. Wishgarden offers a blend of organic and wild harvested ingredients including yerba santa leaf, nettles, echinacea, and orange peel suspended in gluten free alcohol. I’ve found success using both products on particularly stuffy watery eyed days.
I hope these suggestions can bring you some relief this allergy season! If you need me I’ll be soaking in a steamy tub sipping apple cider vinegar, meditating, and keeping up on my probiotics! 😉
Sources:
https://sedera.com/blog/story/seasonal-allergies
https://bodyecology.com/articles/how_probiotics_help_prevent_allergies-php/#.UV3ap6uUPVQ
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-natural-relief
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website or in any linked materials.