Spring Has Sprung and Allergies are in Full Bloom!
Navigating Your Options Around Allergy Relief, Allergy Origin And What Natural Choices Are Available To You!
Where Do Allergies Come From?
Allergies are our bodies over-reaction to different substances such as pollen, dander, or other airborne products. All of these substances are typically harmless so our immune system is experiencing confusion. Our immune system is conditioned to believe that these products are dangerous so we mount an immune response which results in itching, watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, etc. Allergy symptoms stem from the release of chemicals such as histamine after our antibodies are triggered when we come into contact with the allergen.
But why? One thought is the hygiene hypothesis. Most of us now live in pretty clean environments and we have less challenges to our immune system in our early life. This means we have less exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other germs as children by comparison to our ancestors. All of that sounds pretty optimal, or has it gone too far? The thought is that our immune system becomes over-reactive to non-harmful substances and ends up being overly protective due to a lack of experience.
Allergies come about in a two step format- sensitization and then secondary exposure. Sensitization is the first exposure to a substance where our body overreacts and tags the allergen as “dangerous” and creates IgE antibodies. The secondary exposure is when we have symptoms to the allergen since it has been tagged as “dangerous” and it is flagged by IgE antibodies.
Now that we know where allergies come from, let’s talk about what we can do about them. Whether you’re someone who braves the season with tissues and antihistamines, or you’re looking for gentler, more natural alternatives, there are tons of paths to relief.
Traditional Allergy Relief Options
When allergy season hits most people tend to head straight to the pharmacy. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications that contain antihistamines, like benadryl and other drowsy products, nasal sprays, and decongestants are popular for a reason. They work fast and provide relief. Antihistamines block the histamine response, which is the body’s reaction to the release of histamine, which is a chemical messenger, essentially quieting that immune system’s alarm bell. Nasal corticosteroids like Flonase help reduce inflammation which can soothe that constant congestion.
These options are effective, but some people experience side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth, or they simply prefer to avoid daily medication. And that’s where natural alternatives can be worth considering.
The Natural Options Readily Available To You!
If you’re looking to support your body in a more holistic way, there are several natural approaches that might help reduce symptoms or even prevent them from showing up in the first place.
This one’s a classic. The idea is that consuming small amounts of local pollen through honey might help desensitize your immune system. It’s like a tiny, sweet version of allergy shots. While opinions are still mixed, many people swear by a spoonful of local honey a day during allergy season.
Quercetin:
Found in many fruits and some grains and veggies such as onions, quercetin is a natural plant compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s believed to stabilize mast cells, which are the cells that release histamine. Some take quercetinsupplements during allergy season for extra support.
Saline:
Saline spray may sound simple, but many people swear by it. Using saline spray can help flush out pollen and irritants from your nasal passages, giving you instant relief and helps to reduce the histamine-trigger in your system. This is helpful in washing the nasal passages to prevent the production of new allergens as well.
Herbs:
Herbs like butterbur, stinging nettle, and many others have been researched for their antihistamine properties. These can often be found in capsules or teas, and they’re worth exploring if you’re looking for natural support. My personal favorite is nettle leaf!
Probiotics And Gut Health:
Since much of our immune system lives in the gut, supporting your microbiome might help balance your immune responses. Making probiotic-rich foods part of your daily diet is a huge help. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or even a daily supplement could strengthen your body’s ability to tolerate allergens more peacefully.
Can We Retrain The Immune Response?
Another often overlooked option is something called Low Dose Immunotherapy or LDI. It was discovered in Great Britain in the 1970s and is based on the idea of desensitizing the overactive immune system. The aim is to retrain the immune system to function more normally as opposed to producing an exaggerated response and therefore symptoms.
This is a treatment option that is widely practiced and is predominantly based on clinical research opposed to placebo controlled research. However, there are many individuals who experience significant relief with this “out of the box” approach.
Lifestyle Tweaks: Small Shifts, Big Results
On top of some of our natural remedies, a few small changes in daily routine can help reduce your allergies as well. Here are some things to consider:
Simple hygiene choices!
Shower and change clothes after coming inside to wash off pollen.
Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
This sounds tricky to determine but you can use your weather app to navigate what a “high pollen day” is! Or there are specific Apps like the Pollen Tracker App
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your home or bedroom.
Not all filters are created equally so we want to make sure we are seeking out our best quality choices!
More laundry days!
Wash bedding regularly in hot water to remove allergen buildup.
Whether you go the traditional route, use natural solutions, or blend the best of both worlds, managing allergies is 100% possible. Understanding their origin and how your body reacts to them is the first step towards feeling better. So take a breath, hopefully through a clear nose, enjoy the sunshine, and know that you’ve got options for navigating the sneezy season ahead.
If you feel like you need additional support, reach out today to see if we would be a good addition to your team! Get out there and live your best life, don’t allow allergies to hold you back!
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