It’s that time of year again where the pollen is blowing around like snowflakes — causing many to endure annoying springtime allergy symptoms, such as:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy & watery eyes
You can take histamine-blocking medications, but the side-effects will dry out your nose, may cause drowsiness, liver stress and lose their effectiveness over time. As a naturopathic doctor, I have a different approach.
Know Your Body
An important first step, be it from allergies or anything else, is to be empowered by taking the time to understand what is causing your body to react in the first place.
The role of your immune system is to be on constant alert for foreign invaders, like bacteria and viruses. In case of an exposure, the antibodies of your immune system start replicating themselves into a full-fledged army. This fighting-off process results in excess mucus, coughing and sneezing.
In the case of allergies, the body thinks pollen is a deadly invader that needs to be attacked. But pollen is clearly not a bacteria or virus. So we must ask, ‘Why is the immune system overreacting to a benign substance?’ A holistic approach to allergies includes addressing this question.
STEP 1 = Calm down the overactive immune system by avoiding the following list, all which weaken the immune system:
- Sugary foods
- Lack of immune boosting nutrients, gained from eating enough fruits & vegetables
- Processed foods
- Lack of sleep
- Lack of or too much exercise
- Poor emotional health
- Alcohol
- Dehydration
Furthermore, dairy can increase phlegm production, making symptoms worse so milk, cheese, cream, ice cream, etc are best to be reduced or avoided when symptoms are present.
STEP 2 = Replenish your body with foods that boost the immune system and are anti-inflammatory, such as:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Green/red peppers
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Apples
- Oranges
- Cranberries
- Almonds
- Seeds
- Ginger
- Wild salmon
Supplement Program
Start a supplement program which includes key vitamins, minerals, oils, probiotics and herbs designed to optimize your immune system and thus eliminate your symptoms. Look for herbal, anti-allergy blends. Other spring allergy-fighting remedies are vitamins C and D, probiotics and omega-3 oils.
These simple steps act as natural remedies to help lessen the exposure to pollens:
- Wash clothing & hair after spending time outdoors
- Avoid the outdoors when pollen count is highest (morning)
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Vacuum twice a week (wear a mask)
- Avoid exposure to smoke
- Avoid cleaning products with harsh chemical scents
- Use a salt water nasal rinse daily
Some might relate springtime allergies to pollen alone, but chemicals in our environment weaken the immune system’s ability to function. We are inundated by synthetic chemicals — from pesticides on our food, to plastic by-products, flame-retardants in our mattresses and more. These toxins weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to springtime allergies.
Tips to help reduce exposure to immune-weakening chemicals:
- Buy organic
- Avoid common household chemical-based cleaners (making your own is simple; vinegar + water works for most needs!)
- Avoid scented products; look for “fragrance-free or unscented’’
- Avoid scented candles and air fresheners
- Check the ingredients on your personal care products (you can do that here: www.cosmeticsdatabase.com)
- Use chemical-free laundry detergent
- Have a shoes-off policy inside the home
- Avoid hand-sanitizer that contains Triclosan
- Do not use plastic water bottles or tupperware
- Never touch hot food to plastic (i.e. never microwave in plastic)
- Avoid high-heat in non-stick cookware; use stainless steel
- Replace air filters in your home and vehicle regularly
For allergy sufferers, spring can be downright miserable. Employing these simple and natural remedies will greatly help reduce your allergy symptoms making your springtime more enjoyable!
Want support on how to get an A1c below 6.5%? Dr. Jody offers private calls, online courses, and a monthly education program called The T1D CREW. Learn more here: www.DrJodyND.com.
