Stay Healthy This Spring—Natural Solutions for Seasonal Allergies

Many of us suffer from itchy, water eyes, runny noses, sniffles and sneezing due to seasonal allergies. Instead of resorting to chemicals with harmful side effects to ease allergy symptoms, there are some easy, natural ways to tackle the sniffles. 

Our immune systems can be sensitive and react to various things due to interactions and imbalances in inflammation. Fortunately, there are some natural solutions that can help balance our systems and minimize seasonal allergies.

Some foods can cross-react with environmental allergens and exacerbate our symptoms:

• Wheat and Gluten: these proteins can stress our digestive systems and result in inflammation in sensitive individuals. In addition, gluten can increase sensitivity to other allergens like pollen.

• Dairy: conventional dairy can create inflammation and an acidic state in the body. It also increases mucus production and congestion which is common with seasonal allergies.

• Processed Sugars: processed sugars are inflammatory in the body and also increase acidity. This can result in increased susceptibility to infections as well as a weakened or dysregulated immune system.

Natural Solutions for Seasonal Allergies

• Neti Pot: Ayurveda medicine has long promoted this simple technique for clearing the nasal passages of allergens and irritants. A Neti Pot can be used to irrigate the sinuses using warm sterile distilled water with sea salt.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and antioxidant which helps to balance the immune system. Get natural sources of this important vitamin from lemons, limes, oranges, red peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, papaya, strawberries, cauliflower, pineapple and kiwi.

• Yoga: This gentle exercise and stretching helps to stimulate the immune system and promote lymphatic flow. Inversions can help drain the nasal passages, while deep breathing helps to cleanse the lungs. 

• Steam: Inhalation of steam can help to clear and drain the sinuses and relax the lungs and airways. Boil distilled water on the stove and carefully place your head over the pot to breathe in the steam. You can also add food-grade essential oils of peppermint, myrtle and/or eucalyptus for added therapeutic benefit.

• Clear the Air: Use a high-quality air filtration system with a HEPA filter to help remove pollen and spores from your indoor air. 

• Balance the Gut: A large amount of our immune function is concentrated in and around the digestive system. Not surprisingly, research suggests that our digestive health is intricately linked to allergies of all kinds. Taking soil-based probiotics and/or consuming fermented foods like raw sauerkraut or kombucha can help strengthen digestive health and reduce allergies.

When seasonal allergies strike, try some of these natural remedies that can help balance your body and ease your suffering!

Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE is a preventive and lifestyle medicine physician and the Founder of the Simple|Pure|WholeTM Wellness Method. She offers innovative online wellness and education programs for individuals looking for sustainable optimal health and non-toxic living as well as health care providers seeking to embrace a transformative approach to health care and corporations wanting to integrate a holistic approach to corporate wellness. She also provides a comprehensive All-Natural virtual Recharge Experience for those ready to rejuvenate and build a strong foundation for sustainable life-long wellness! For more information vist her webpage JenniferWeinbergMD.com and connect with her on her Facebook page.