Hello, all you vibrant and health-conscious folks out there. It is that time of year again, the birds are chirping, the sun is out, the flowers are blooming and… what’s that? Runny nose, itchy eyes… agh! Allergies you sneaky little devil. But wait, is there a way we can be ahead of the game and beat seasonal allergies before they get to us? Yes, yes there is. Let’s learn how to arm ourselves against those pesky pollen particles and breathe easier.
Two things to consider when preventing seasonal allergies before and during allergy season are to first, support our liver detoxification pathway and secondly, build a healthy immune system. When we come in contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, or dander from the air, our body releases histamine in overdrive. This causes our body to be exposed to higher amounts of histamine than it can properly handle, causing those pesky allergy symptoms. Supporting our liver detoxification pathway in the springtime is a sure way to lower your chance of having seasonal allergies.
Building your immune system surrounding springtime is a second measure to consider when preventing allergies. A strong immune system helps protect our bodies from outside invaders (allergies, viruses, bacteria) and stay strong and healthy all season long. Read onward to learn how to support your body this spring.
Unleash the power of traditional remedies and herbs
Traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and naturopathy have helped people combat allergies for centuries. Supplements, and herbs like quercetin, butterbur, magnesium, ginger, vitamin C, nettle leaf, and bromelain have anti-inflammatory properties as well as help support our liver’s detoxification pathway in excreting histamine out of the body.
Feast on allergy-fighting foods
“Let food be thy medicine” as said by the wise Hippocrates, and I couldn’t agree more. Mindfully opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds, which help reduce inflammation. Including loads of colorful, hyper-pigmented fruits and vegetables in your diet, can also help reduce allergy symptoms as they are packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals. One plant pigment deserving of special attention is quercetin. Quercetin not only lowers inflammation but also encourages our respiration pathways to open, helping us breathe more easily. Quercetin is found in onions, garlic, cayenne pepper, and apples. Additionally, adding local honey or bee pollen as a natural form of immunotherapy can help desensitize your body to local allergens. And last but not least, apple cider vinegar and bone broth are two great medicinal food items to keep stocked in your house before and during spring and fall, as they support our immune health.
Choose your botanical buddies carefully
While flowers and plants may look pretty, some of them can be allergy triggers. Reevaluate your home and garden, opting for plants that produce little to no pollen, such as bamboo, cactus, or some ferns. Additionally, invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to keep that indoor air quality top-notch.
Dive deep into home-cleaning routines
For the lady or gent of the house who prefers an immaculate palace, this one’s for you. Regularly cleaning your home can eliminate dust, pet dander, and mold – all common allergy triggers. Declutter your space and invest in good-quality vacuum cleaners. Remember to change your bed linens regularly, especially in the springtime, and opt for allergy-friendly materials like hypoallergenic pillows and mattress covers.
Embrace the practice of self-care
Managing stress is crucial for your immune system and overall health. Stress is tied to so many different chronic diseases and illnesses. Keep your allergies in check by practicing self-care and relaxation techniques. These may include anything from deep breathing, yoga, meditation, exercise, drawing, singing, dancing, or any other activities that work as stress busters for you. Implementing these practices daily will not only help reduce allergy flare-ups but also improve overall mental and emotional health.
Final Thoughts on How to Prevent Allergies
Well folks, we’ve equipped ourselves with the holistic arsenal to prevent allergies and minimize their effects. By choosing the right plants for our environment, fueling our bodies with allergy-fighting foods, cleaning our homes diligently, embracing traditional and herbal remedies, and practicing self-care, we’ll be well on our way to saying goodbye to our allergy woes. Here’s to breathing easy and embracing life without the sneezing and wheezing!
