Sneezing, Coughing, Watery Eyes? Allergy season's here! Discover natural remedies to feel your best.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Please speak to your doctor before trying any new remedies or products suggested in this post.
As the days grow longer and the world bursts into color, I'm met with a less-than-ideal reality: the onslaught of seasonal allergies. For as long as I can remember, I've battled heat intolerance and allergic reactions, from random hives to full-blown food sensitivities.
My struggles with Intestinal Candidiasis exacerbated these issues, making even "safe" foods trigger uncomfortable symptoms like hives, headaches, fatigue, and anxiety. While I've made significant progress in healing my gut, the seasonal flare-ups in May and September still pose a challenge.
Determined to find relief, I turned to a low-histamine diet and a few natural remedies. Let's explore how these strategies have helped me manage my seasonal allergies and improve my overall well-being.
AD
What is Histamine?
Histamine is a chemical compound that plays a vital role in your body’s immune response. When allergens, pathogens, or irritants enter your system, histamine is released to help your body fight off these intruders. This inflammatory response can lead to a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
To counteract these effects, many people turn to antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra. These medications work by blocking histamine receptors, reducing inflammation, and alleviating allergy symptoms.
It’s important to remember that while histamine can be a nuisance during allergy season, it’s a crucial part of your body’s defense system. As your body recovers from the allergic reaction, enzymes break down the excess histamine, restoring balance.
AD
Histamine intolerance occurs when your body struggles to metabolize histamine effectively. This can lead to a range of symptoms affecting various systems, including the digestive tract, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
Don't Let Allergies Derail You! Seasonal allergies can significantly impact your quality of life. Here are some natural tips and remedies to help you manage your symptoms and enjoy the spring season.
Finding Relief From Your Seasonal Allergies with Natural Tips
The first step is to remove high-histamine and inflammatory foods from your everyday diet
I've discovered that making dietary adjustments during allergy season can significantly alleviate my symptoms. By eliminating common triggers, like high-histamine foods, and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids, I've been able to manage my discomfort.
For more in-depth guidance, consider exploring low-histamine cookbooks. I personally follow Dr. Becky Campbell's "4 Phase Histamine Reset Plan," which provides a comprehensive approach to managing histamine intolerance. This plan outlines a list of foods to eat and avoid, along with delicious recipes and a sample meal plan.
A spoonful of honey keeps the allergies away.
While not a definitive cure, local honey has been touted as a natural remedy for seasonal allergies. The theory is that consuming honey produced by local bees exposes your body to the specific pollen in your area. Over time, this exposure may help your body build tolerance to these allergens.
To reap the potential benefits of local honey, consider these tips:
Eat it straight: A spoonful of honey can be a simple and effective way to consume it.
Add it to your food: Incorporate honey into smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Avoid excessive heat: High temperatures can degrade the beneficial enzymes in honey, so avoid adding it to piping hot beverages.
Remember: While local honey may offer some relief for mild allergy symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for severe or persistent allergies.
AD
Do a sinus rinse.
To help alleviate your allergy symptoms, incorporate these simple practices into your daily routine:
Nasal Rinsing: Use a saline solution or neti pot to flush out allergens and mucus from your nasal passages.
Hygiene Habits: When coming indoors, wash your face and hands to remove pollen and dust. Changing your clothes can also help reduce exposure.
Enjoy a cup of Aller-TEA.
I discovered this blend by Autoimmuni-Tea Store and was excited to share it with you! Their soothing Aller-Tea Seasonal blend was designed to help support the body during the springtime months. This blend is packed with health-promoting herbs such as nettle, ginger, and peppermint, with a touch of licorice root, all ingredients known to ease seasonal allergy symptoms. This blend combines a variety of tasty herbs for a seasonally inspired wellness tea.
I hope these tips help you be able to go out and enjoy the weather, take in the season, and have fun with a side of relief!
Additional reading and tips: