by Thérèse Bolat

Spring is Arriving! Are Your Allergies Acting Up?

I love the spring, but for some, spring brings thoughts of itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion – seasonal allergies. Below I have listed a few gentle, natural interventions for allergy season. Hopefully this will help you get through the season with fewer symptoms. These recommendations are meant to be early-intervention strategies – and should continue throughout the season (or longer).

  1. The food you eat (or don’t eat) will affect your seasonal allergies. Increase your intake of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits, and plenty of water, while eliminating refined foods. Start with the worst offenders: things made with white flour and/or sugar. Avoid foods with ingredients that are not real foods (high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and colors) and you’ll start to see improvements in your overall health.
  2. Freeze-dried nettles: Take freeze-dried stinging nettles daily during your allergy season. Nettles are nutritious and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (among many other things!). It is a safe, nourishing herb.
  3. Raw Local Honey and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: Either or both are often used to alleviate allergy symptoms. Use the juice of 1/4 fresh-squeezed lemon, 1-2 tbs raw apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of raw honey. Dissolve the honey in a small amount of hot water first, then fill the glass with cold water, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. If you like ginger, add a slice of raw ginger and let it sit in hot water for ten minutes. Strain out the ginger, then add the other ingredients. Drink daily.
  4. Probiotics – Or better yet, incorporate naturally fermented foods into your diet. Poor GI health is associated with numerous health issues, including allergies. Restoring the “good” bacteria is essential for good health!
  5. Balance your Fats: This is a topic in itself. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil supplements) reduce inflammation, while the processed foods so many consume are high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Eliminate chips, crackers– anything made with vegetable oil– and instead get some good fats in your diet like fish oil, raw coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, avocados, etc.

There are certainly many other considerations when addressing seasonal allergies: Is your home/work environment exposing you to toxins? Do you smoke? Have digestive troubles? Are you getting adequate exercise? How is your stress level?

Care for your whole self! You are worth it!