Spring is my favorite time of year. Unfortunately, some of the glorious budding beauties don’t like us in the form of pollen. While we feel like we are held hostage, there are some natural helpers we can employ!
Here is what Dr Axe has to say:
Allergies are a type of “bodily reactivity (hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure,” or an “exaggerated or pathological immunological reactions (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states.”
In other words, allergies are due to hypersensitivity of the immune system that causes damaging responses that can affect the whole body. Things like pollen found outdoors, animal fur, dust or particular foods. Allergy symptoms occur when your body responds to allergens by producing a chemical called histamine, which works by helping to counteract the allergen. The immune system causes allergic reactions by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that cause widespread symptoms.
What can we do. Dr Axe recommends this;
- Eat an Anti-Inflammatory
First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment. Here are some of the best foods and ingredients to incorporate into your diet:
- Garlic- Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps ward off infections, viruses and even allergies. Eating or juicing two raw cloves of this powerful antioxidant may literally keep the doctor away! Some people choose to take garlic supplements because they don’t want to smell like garlic, but the supplements do not work as well as the real herb does, so don’t be deceived by this. Raw garlic eaten every day will fight off all types of allergies because it boosts your immune system immensely.
- Lemons – Lemons and limes are excellent immune boosting little fruits and are used for various afflictions, including allergies. Both of these little fruits are loaded with vitamin C and immune-boosting antioxidants. Drinking lemon water throughout the day detoxifies the body and rids it of impurities.
- Green leafy vegetables -Leafy greens (including spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine, arugula and watercress) are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that aid detoxification and help reduce inflammation.
- Probiotic-rich foods — Probiotic foods support immune health and can help to repair a damaged intestinal lining. Examples include kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, yogurt, raw cheese, miso and kombucha.
- Local Raw Honey
Taking a tablespoon of local, raw honey every day will help your body build a tolerance to the local pollen that is running amuck on your sinuses. Honey also contains many enzymes that support overall immune function. - Quercetin
Quercetin is naturally found in plant foods such as cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cauliflower), onions/shallots, green tea and citrus fruits. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the release of histamines and helps to naturally control allergy symptoms. Various sources suggest that it is best to use quercetin as a long-term remedy, since it can take several months of use to start working. People prone to seasonal allergies should start to take them a few weeks before spring arrives when trees and plants start to bloom. - Neti Pot
Neti pots are a natural remedy for allergies and many respiratory conditions because they help to clear the sinuses and remove congestion. When you use a neti pot, make sure that the water is distilled and as sterile as possible. Tap water is full of chlorine and fluoride and can actually aggravate your sinuses, so it shouldn’t be used. - Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle has a rich history of medicinal use dating back to medieval Europe, where it was used as a diuretic to relieve people of joint pain and fluid retention (edema). Research has specifically shown that stinging nettle leaf naturally controls histamines, which is why a growing number of doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation before hay fever season begins. It can also be used as a tea or in tincture form.
Happy Healthy Spring!
https://draxe.com/8-natural-allergy-relief-remedies/
