Scratch, Sniff, Sneeze, Repeat: Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies sapping your energy, stuffing your nose, and causing you to consider buying stock in a tissue company?

You’re not alone! Luckily, there are many approaches you can take that don’t involve prescription medicines and may enable you to get through this season with flying colors!

Allergies often occur when one’s system just can’t handle another input. It’s quite common to experience allergies after an increase in stressors, health challenges, or dietary setbacks. This is happening because your health functions like a “Rain Barrel.” You might not have symptoms at a low level of stress/irritating health issues, or dietary excursions, but if you don’t have adequate opportunities to rest, recharge and get back on track, your symptoms can get worse. When you begin to have symptoms after a stressful time, it’s your body’s way of telling you to slow down!

Prevention of Seasonal Allergies

• Keep Windows Closed: Resist the urge to open windows during peak pollen season.
• Invest in HEPA Filters: Use high-quality filters in your bedroom and other key living areas.
• Protect Your Bedroom: Use mattress and pillow covers to minimize dust mite exposure.
• Consider Alternative Bedding: Swap down pillows and comforters for hypoallergenic materials like latex or silk.
• Wipe Down Pets: Remove pollen from furry friends with a damp cloth after they’ve been outside.
• Shower Before Bed: Rinse pollen from your hair and skin before sleeping.

Seasonal Allergy Relief

• Local Honey & Bee Pollen: Build tolerance to pollen and reduce reactions. Take year-round.
• Supplements: Bromelain, stinging nettles leaf, quercetin, and NAC can help decrease allergy symptoms. Take twice daily during peak season or year-round.

The Hard Stuff

It’s much easier for your body to quiet the allergy reactions when your body isn’t busy on other fronts trying to stay well. During peak allergy times, it’s important to make sure you sleep enough, manage your stress (exercise and meditation anyone?), and avoid inflammatory foods (processed carbohydrates, non-fruit sugars, alcohol) so that your system has to deal with as few irritants as possible.

Over time, these small adjustments can make a huge difference in your allergy symptoms.

Tried everything and still struggling? It may be time for a more aggressive approach. See a functional medicine provider who can work with you on additional allergy remedies.