Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies

It’s that time again…Summertime!   Where I live, this also means that many are cutting their first round of hay.  The sun is shining, breeze is blowing, animals are getting a stock supply of food for the winter, and pollen seems to be everywhere!

If you are someone who deals with itchy, watery eyes, headaches, and the sniffles while every else is out enjoying the warm weather, keep reading to learn more about triggers and some all-natural, cost effective ways to keep your symptoms away!

WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR BODY TO CAUSE ALLERGIC RHINITIS-COMMONLY KNOWN AS “ALLERGIES” OR “HAY FEVER”?

Short answer…Inflammation.  Early on during a reaction, mast cells respond to offending allergens by secreting chemical mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. Later during a reaction, several inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, and T cells travel to the nasal mucosa in an effort to repair normal nasal tissue.  Thus, the nasal passage and surrounding mucous membranes can become obstructed and inflamed. (3)

OUTDOOR SEASONAL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, this is not a pleasant time.  Often, instead of being able to be outside enjoying the warm weather, they find themselves inside hiding from the triggers that cause their symptoms.  The following are symptoms that are often associated with outdoor allergies.

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Swelling around the eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal crease (line that is noticed horizontally across your nose)
• Post-nasal drainage
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Sneezing

DID YOU KNOW?

Allergies are often not treated sufficiently which still leaves people feeling like, “well, this is just something I am going to have to live with.”  Allergy symptoms in adolescents have been associated with decreased sleep, worsening academic performance, irritability and inattention, mood disorders, and emotional disruption. (1)  “Allergies have been linked to trouble sleeping, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, lower productivity at work, and poor athletic and academic performance. (2)

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON OUTDOOR ALLERGY TRIGGERS?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, grasses are the number one cause of allergies.  Weed allergies are most often associated with ragweed.  Other sources of common weed allergies may include sagebrush, pigweed, lamb’s quarters and tumbleweed.  Tress may also trigger allergy symptoms.  Birch, Cedar, and Oaks all produce pollen that is highly allergenic.  Other irritants include molds and exposure to indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, smoke, and perfumes.

It is a common misconception that flowering plants, such as roses and flowering trees like cherry and pear trees, are highly allergenic but they actually aren’t.  Plants pollinated by insects usually do not cause allergic rhinitis.

SO, HOW CAN WE MANAGE ALLERGIES NATURALLY? EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGGIES!

Allison Vickery shares a wonderful blog on 21 anti-histamine foods that fight inflammation and stabilize mast-cells.  I am going to highlight a few, but check out her blog here for more details!

1) Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale)

This is a cruciferous vegetable that has a tangy, peppery taste.  A study showed that constituents in watercress inhibit up to 60% of all histamines mast cells release. (4)

2) Onions (Allium Cepa)

Not only do onions inhibit release of histamine and stabilize mast cells, they are also an important prebiotic.  Two benefits in one!

3) Herbs

The following herbs have been shown to have a potent effect on histamine responses and mast cells.  Many can be served in a tea or used to flavor meals.

• Moringa (Moringa Oleifera)
• Holy Basil (Ocimum Tenuiflorum)
• Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
• Tarragon (Artemesia Dracunculus)
• Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)
• Nettle (Uritca Dioica)
• Peppermint (Mentha xPiperita)
• Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa)

4) Pomegranate (Punica Granatum)

A study showed that pomegranate act as mast cell stabilizers.  They are also high in antioxidants and polyphenols.  (5)

5) Apples (Malus Domestica)

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!  Not really, but they do have wonderful benefits in their skin including flavonoids, polyphenols, and inhibit the release of histamines from mast cells.

6) Peaches (Prunus Persica)

This sweet, juicy, summer fruit has also been found in studies to inhibit those mast cells. (6)  Yum!

7) Capers (Capparis Spinosa)

These are one of the richest sources of quercetin, which is important because quercetin is very anti-inflammatory.  They are also antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antiviral.

You can also remove foods that are high in histamine from your diet.  Examples of these foods include tuna, mackerel, pork, chicken, and spinach as well as fermented foods such as cabbage, yogurt, cheese, wine, and beer. (7)

SUPPLEMENTS

If over the counter antihistamines haven’t worked, cause you to feel tired and sleepy, or you prefer a more natural remedy, The Institute for Functional Medicine recommends the following supplements:

• Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
• Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis)
• Boswellia (Boswellia Serrata)
• Bromelain (Ananas Cosmus)
• Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens)
• Quercetin (Multiple Sources)
• Cayenne (Capsicum spp.)
• Essential Fatty Acids

MONITOR POLLEN AND MOLD COUNTS

Weather reports and apps such as The Weather Channel often report when pollen levels peak and surge.  Staying inside during the peak hours and avoiding outdoor activities during these times is helpful.

ALLERGY PROOF YOUR HOUSE

A summer breeze feels nice but allergy proofing your living space is crucial.  Close those windows and take your shoes off at the door!  When you do go outside, try wearing a hat and and large sunglasses to help protect your hair and eyes from pollen and mold spores.

WHAT ABOUT FURRY FRIENDS?

Your pets can carry pollen and mold inside on their fur, so giving them a bath and grooming them often is essential if you have allergies.  Also, do not let them on the bed and if possible, keep them out of the bedroom.  This will allow better rest for you 🙂

IN CONCLUSION

Taking more medication prescriptions to get your allergies under control is not always necessary.  Work to control what goes into your body and what you are exposed to.  Doing these thing year round will certainly help keep your allergy symptoms to a minimum.