It’s awesome to see trees, flowers, plants and grass flourishing again after all it’s the beginning of the spring season. But it’s certainly not so good for people who have allergies caused by pollen. With the beginning of the spring season, people experience a gamut of colors and soul-pleasing smell. However, it also brings a severe plight for people who have allergies as it causes itchiness in eyes, sore throats and other symptoms of allergies.
In many areas of the United States, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollinate early. A rainy spring can also promote rapid plant growth and lead to an increase in mold, causing symptoms to last well into the fall.
Allergy experts offer tips for spring season to fight allergy naturally:
1. Supplement with ‘friendly bacteria’
According to naturopathic doctor Tracey Beaulne of Naturopathic Family Medicine in Toronto, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, reaching for probiotics, such as acidophilus, should one of your first preventative steps. Beyond the fact that all stomachs can benefit from the boost probiotics lend to digestion and immunity, they can also influence the immune system and potentially correct the root cause of allergic reactions, she says. Aim to take a daily dose of the BB536 strain year-round from food, and follow any course of antibiotics with acidophilus for double the length of time you were taking medication.
2. Take more vitamin C
“Allergens can cause certain cells in the body to produce histamine, which is responsible for common seasonal complaints like tearing, excess mucus and a runny nose,” says Natasha Turner, Toronto naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of The Carb Sensitivity Program. Adding vitamin C to your day prevents the formation of histamine when compared to the typical OTC options, which work by interfering with the histamine after it’s produced. For best results, take it with bioflavonoids throughout the day, and aim for 2,000 mg daily for immune support.
3. Eat your onions
Ramping up your intake of quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived from onions, can not only benefit your diet, it can help minimize the occurrence of watery or itchy eyes, asthma and hay fever. “Quercetin has been proven effective for allergies, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, cold and flu, and has some promising research as an effective mast cell inhibitor for allergic conditions,” says Beaulne. Take it in conjunction with vitamin C in doses of about 2 grams per day for optimal results.
3. Pay attention to your diet
Diet plays a role in our overall health, and allergies are no exception. A recent study done in Crete, Greece found that simply following the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables, had a protective effect for children with asthma and allergies in that region of the country. To give your body the nutrients it needs, aim to follow a hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory diet during allergy season, and keep a food diary to help pinpoint any flare-ups, which can worsen with environmental allergies, says Beaulne.
Allergy Experts offer Tips for Spring Season. Find Out About Methods to Fight Allergies Naturally With Vitamin C And Paying Attention to your Diet