April Showers Bring May Allergies
As the cold, gray tendrils of winter make way for blue skies and sunshine, you can find most Oregonians outside absorbing some much-needed Vitamin D. However, if you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, the sight of budding trees and picturesque grasslands serve as a warning turn on the air purifiers and hide until allergy season passes. This condition, referred to as Seasonal Allergies, Hay Fever, or Allergic Rhinitis, affects upwards of 60 million people in the United States. Sufferers may experience any of the following symptoms.
- Itchy, runny, and blocked nose
- Coughing and sneezing
- Red, itchy, and watery eyes
- Itching on the roof of the mouth
- Eczema flare-ups
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and headaches
- Brain fog (characterized as confusion, and inability to focus)
- Ear infections
- And more!
During an allergic response, the body releases histamines, a chemical found in the cells, to remove irritants or allergens. Histamines can trigger any of the symptoms above. The most common local irritants are grass pollen, mold, and tree pollen. Allergy seasons begin as early as February, peaks in May, and usually subside by July. With a symptoms list that long, it’s no wonder allergy sufferers want to hide! We’ve outlined a few key tricks to help you avoid some discomfort this season.
Outerwear
Leave the outdoors at the door. When you get home, immediately remove your shoes, take a shower, and change your clothes. This will reduce the allergens you track into your home. Hair and fibers found in shoes and clothing hold onto whatever they touch. If you’ve ever gone camping, you know that the smell of campfire smoke sticks to everything. Well, allergens are much like smoke but odorless. Be safe and ditch your outfit at the door.
Employ an air purifier. Purchase a HEPA air purifying filtration system and do not “air out the house.” Keep your doors and windows shut until allergy season passes.
Holistic
Consume local bee pollen and honey. It is no secret that bees hold the keys to our future, but did you know that these sweet creatures can also help with your allergies? Consuming local honey and bee pollen granules introduces small amounts of allergens into your system. This triggers a histamine response in the body which helps develop tolerance and immunity to local allergens. Note: Consuming honey and bee pollen from other parts of the world does not have the same effect. Keep it local!
Supplements: Research suggests that supplements like Vitamin C, Stinging Nettle, and Quercetin may help reduce symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Stinging nettle is believed to reduce histamine response to allergens, and quercetin prevents the cells from releasing histamines. If you’re trying to keep it natural, these supplements may be the solution you’ve been looking for!
Low-histamine diet: Histamine levels can vary significantly in foods depending on a few different factors, such as fermentation or whether the food has any additives. Try removing foods that contain higher levels of histamine, such as cheese, fermented vegetables, cured meats, alcohol, and nightshades. Avoiding these foods temporarily during allergy season could help keep those histamine levels low.
Over-The-Counter
Allergy medications: Allergy medication containing the active ingredients Loratadine or Cetirizine HCI can be found at any grocery store or pharmacy. They are tried and true combatants to seasonal allergies and can be taken safely with little likelihood of adverse side effects. Some name brands include Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
Medical Intervention
Immunotherapy: In the event that the solutions listed above do not provide relief, an allergist may suggest immunotherapy. The doctor will run a series of tests to determine which allergen(s) are triggering a histamine response and then develop a treatment plan. This may include injecting the body with gradually increasing doses of the allergen to trigger an immune response. Exposure to allergens in this way will help the body to develop a tolerance and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Super Immune Nutrient IV: Reinforce your immune system with a blast of nutrients designed to increase your white blood cell count: your body’s natural shield. The Super Immune IV is a complete package of fluids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that:
- Supercharges your immune system
- Enhances your body’s natural defenses (including cancer prevention)
- Supports asthma, allergies, and upper respiratory infections
- Aids in wound healing
- Lowers hypertension
- Detoxes anesthesia after surgical procedures
- Promotes physical endurance
*Includes Glutathione Push
Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy all that springtime in Oregon has to offer without fear of allergies. As always, speak with a qualified healthcare provider before adding any new supplements or medications to your regimen. Be well and get outside!