Integrative Remedies for Spring-Time Allergies

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While spring is a beloved time of year for new seasonal awakening in preparation for summer, we can’t ignore the difficulties it brings to some who suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies dampen the enjoyment of spring for about 25 million Americans. Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies, but there are many treatments on the market, and many are over the counter. For those looking for an integrative perspective on allergy treatment, keep reading on!

During spring, the blooming flowers, trees, and grasses release pollen, which is how they propagate. Some individual’s immune systems treat pollen as a foreign invader when it makes contact with the body. This causes an inflammatory immune reaction in which the chemical histamine is released. The symptoms of this present as what we think of as allergies (also known as hay fever): stuffy/runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, cough, and more.

There are a variety of over-the-counter treatments available for seasonal allergies:

  • Anti-histamines

  • Decongestants

  • Steroids

  • Eye drops

Integrative medicine first tends to take a preventive approach to allergy treatment. To prevent symptoms of allergies we recommend:

  • Obtaining a HEPA filter for indoor areas in which you spend a significant amount of time.

  • Regular cleaning and vacuuming by someone who does not suffer from allergies

  • Avoid going outside during times of peak pollen count.

    • This is during the morning as well as on dry and windy days.

  • Shower before going to bed in the evening to avoid bringing allergens into the bedroom.

  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Check out our suggestions for ant-inflammatory foods here!

Integrative treatment options include:

  • Quercetin: this is a polyphenol found in many foods. Along with its antioxidant properties, it helps modulate the immune system to lessen the histamine immune response.

  • Stinging Nettles: an herb that has been studied and shown to reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies via reduction of inflammation pathways.

  • Nasal irrigation with distilled water: this helps to flush allergens out of the nasal cavity. We recommend rinsing twice daily.

    • If distilled water alone is not enough to relieve your symptoms, a prescription pharmaceutical called cromolyn is an option — an agent that prevents the release of histamine.

These suggestions often work best in conjunction with over-the-counter products. It is important to discuss treatment options with your provider to ensure you are picking the best treatments for your individual case. Occasionally over-the-counter and integrative treatment options are not enough to relieve allergy symptoms. If you suffer from severe seasonal allergies and have tried and failed several forms of treatment, we recommend visiting an allergist who can recommend more intensive treatment options to offer relief, such as immunotherapy.

If you are looking for help with allergy relief, our PIM providers can help! They are well versed at helping people find relief from allergy symptoms as well as a host of other health issues. Consider scheduling a free 20-minute consult to see if we could help you.

Join us for our next free webinar, Fun with Food, on May 18th at 7:30pm. Register here.

Sources:

https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/#:~:text=How%20Common%20Are%20Allergies%3F,types%20of%20allergies%20each%20year.&text=Allergies%20are%20the%206th%20leading%20cause%20of%20chronic%20illness%20in%20the%20U.S.

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/spring-allergies#:~:text=The%20biggest%20spring%20allergy%20trigger,send%20the%20body's%20defenses%20haywire.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273625/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5963652/

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