Are Seasonal Allergies Wrecking Your Life? Natural (and Affordable!) Strategies for Lasting Relief
Seasonal allergies have a way of making a busy life even more chaotic. You know that feeling of constantly battling a runny nose and itchy eyes while trying to balance it all? It's exhausting. But there's hope!
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the deeper reasons behind seasonal allergies and explore natural (and affordable!) strategies for reclaiming energy and feeling your best!
Understanding Allergies:
Common Allergy Symptoms: Allergic symptoms may include itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, sore throat, and cough. These symptoms may also impact your energy levels and productivity and leave you feeling “blah.”
Your Immune System on High Alert: Picture your immune system as your body's vigilant security guard. Its primary job is to protect you from invaders like viruses and bacteria. However, in the case of allergies, it mistakenly identifies harmless substances like pollen or dust as threats and goes into overdrive. This overreaction is what triggers those uncomfortable and unwanted symptoms
The Stress Connection: When you’re extra stressed or overwhelmed by work, the kids, or that never-ending to-do list, your body releases stress hormones. Prolonged periods of high stress can weaken your immune system, making it more likely that you’ll get sick or making allergy symptoms even worse!
Natural Solutions to Tame Your Allergies:
Dietary Changes
Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Eating a colorful diet rich in fruits and vegetables and omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseed can help calm inflammation and may reduce symptoms.
Swap the Dairy: Dairy can worsen symptoms for those with seasonal allergies or asthma. Consider ditching dairy during peak season! If this idea feels overwhelming, start by swapping just one dairy item a day (like your morning latte) for a plant-based alternative.
Lifestyle
Stress Reduction: Constant unmitigated stress can weaken your immune system, making allergy symptoms worse. Stress reduction doesn’t have to be a big to-do. Keep it simple: Three deep breaths before meals, a 5-minute meditation, or a walk around the block at lunchtime daily will cumulatively make a big difference. Need some structure? Check out the Insight Timer or Gabby Bernstein Apps.
Keep Windows Closed During Peak Bloom: If pollen is your main trigger, it may be best to avoid letting more of it in. Keep those windows closed during peak bloom. You can check pollen levels in your area at Weather.com.
Shower Rinse Before Bed: If you’ve spent time outside during the day, rinse off before going to bed to minimize the allergens you are exposed to while you sleep.
Air Filter: A HEPA air filter can help reduce your exposure to pollen. According to the EPA, HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, or other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. I recommend the Air Doctor 2000 to my patients. While the initial cost is on the higher side, filters only need to be changed every 6-12 months, and they are significantly quieter than others currently on the market.
Neti Pot: A Neti Pot can be a game-changer during allergy season! It can clear congestion and dry your nose. Gone are the days of the traditional Neti Pot, where you felt like you were drowning. They now make a squeeze bottle Neti Pot that allows you to keep your head upright. Always remember to use distilled water ONLY and keep your mouth open. Replace your Neti Pot after each cold or every three months.
Supplements
While managing allergy symptoms through diet and lifestyle can help reduce symptoms, these targeted supplements can offer extra support during the most challenging allergy seasons.
Quercetin: Quercetin is nature’s antihistamine. When histamine is released from the cell, it can cause allergy symptoms that make you miserable. Additionally, Quercetin has powerful antioxidant effects which benefit the whole body. I recommend Vital Nutrients Quercetin to my patients.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is known as a classic immune booster. But did you know it has potent effects in reducing nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and runny nose? I recommend the Little Davinci Vitamin C chewables to my patients for their powerful effect on supporting the body. (Also, bonus points for great taste!)
Homeopathy: Homeopathy uses highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s healing response. For the best results, remedies are tailored to your specific symptoms. However, there are great homeopathic combination products on the market these days. One of my most recommended combination remedies is AllergyCalm by Boiron Homeopathic.
As with all changes related to your health, including supplementation, please talk to your healthcare provider before initiating any changes.
I exclusively recommend products from Fullscript to ensure the highest level of safety and efficacy. For additional information regarding supplement safety, check out my FREE Guide to Safe and Effective Supplementation HERE.
When to Seek Additional Help:
Sometimes, pesky seasonal allergies need a little extra support. Consider scheduling a consultation with a naturopathic doctor if:
Your allergies significantly impact your quality of life: Are your allergies interfering with your work, sleep, or your ability to enjoy activities? This is a sign it's time to explore further solutions.
You want to address the root cause: Feel like you're constantly putting out fires with your allergies instead of finding lasting relief? A naturopathic approach digs deeper to uncover the underlying imbalances contributing to your symptoms.
You suspect other health concerns at play: Allergies can be connected to gut health, stress levels, and other chronic conditions. A naturopathic doctor takes a holistic view of your health to create a personalized plan for long-term well-being.
You recognize that no two allergy sufferers are exactly alike: A naturopathic doctor can provide a personalized approach, helping you determine which foods, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments will make the biggest difference for YOU.
Remember, addressing your allergies is an investment in your health and happiness. You don’t have to suffer through 3 months of the year every year. Working with a naturopathic doctor can help you break free from the cycle of allergy misery and regain your energy and well-being, giving you the confidence to enjoy life to the fullest.
Feeling ready to take control of your allergies? I'm here to help! As a naturopathic doctor, I’m accepting new virtual patients.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs and how we can work together to manage your allergies naturally.
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Feeling Stuck in Your Health Journey? 3 Ways Naturopathic Medicine Offers a Fresh Perspective
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This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your physician before implementing any changes related to your health.
