Treat allergy symptoms naturally

Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

What makes Spring so beautiful for many people leads to suffering for those with seasonal allergy symptoms. Natural allergy treatments can be as effective and, in many cases, more effective than allergy medications.

Antihistamines are substances that block histamine activity in the body. Histamine is a protein that triggers allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, tingling eyes and itchy throat.

Antihistamines are effective in relieving symptoms, but they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and nausea.

There are a number of natural antihistamines that can help relieve allergy symptoms. Here are some natural options that you probably have in your kitchen:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system. It also acts as a natural antihistamine. Oxidative stress plays a key role in allergic diseases. As vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it can act as a treatment for allergies.

Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, including:

• peppers

• broccoli

• cantaloupe melon

• cauliflower

• citrus fruits

• kiwi

• strawberries

• tomatoes

• winter squash

Bromelain

Pineapple contains the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain, which is found in the center and juice of pineapples and is also available as a supplement. Bromelain is a popular natural remedy for swelling or inflammation, especially of the sinuses. It can reduce allergic sensitization and allergic diseases of the respiratory tract due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

Probiotics

Probiotic-rich foods strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, increase energy levels and much more. Probiotic foods to eat during allergy season include:

• kefir

• sauerkraut or kimchi

• kombucha

• natto

• yoghurt

• raw cheese

If you have excessive mucus production, consume raw organic dairy products because the pasteurization process destroys the enzymes our bodies need.

Quercetin

Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in many plants and foods. The addition of quercetin to the diet can help relieve allergy symptoms because it has anti-allergic and antihistamine properties.

Quercetin is naturally present in many foods and herbs, including:

• apples

• berries

• black tea

• broccoli

• buckwheat tea

• grapes

• Ginkgo biloba

• green tea

• peppers

• red onions

• red wine

There are some foods you should avoid during allergy season

Any food to which you are allergic or sensitive should be avoided.

Alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, peanuts, sugar, wheat and chocolate are foods that often increase hay fever symptoms. In addition, many common preservatives - including sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium sulfite and artificial sweeteners - can contribute to your allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Avoid dried fruits, shrimps and highly processed foods. In addition, many people find relief by avoiding foods that cause mucus production - and it's not just dairy products that contribute to mucus. Conventional dairy products, gluten, sugar, caffeinated beverages and any food to which you are sensitive can aggravate your allergic symptoms.

Lifestyle changes during allergy season

• Stay hydrated. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day. If you become dehydrated, the mucus you have becomes much more difficult to eliminate.

• Limit exposure. On days with high pollen levels, or on particularly dusty or windy days, limit your exposure. Wear a mask if you can't limit your time outdoors.

• Take a shower before going to bed. Pollen and dust left on your skin and hair at night can make your symptoms worse.

• Wash clothes and bedding. Freshly washed bedding and clothing help reduce accidental exposure to allergens.

• Wipe off pets. Pets that spend time outdoors enter the house covered with pollen. Wipe them with a damp towel to limit your exposure to pollen and dust.

• Replace carpeted areas with hard flooring. Carpet attracts and retains dust and pollen that is difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner. If you have significant seasonal allergy symptoms, you may want to replace your carpet with a surface that is easy to clean.

• De-clutter. Clutter can increase house dust and allergens, making your seasonal allergy symptoms worse. Eliminate clutter, especially in your bedroom, for best results.

• Keep doors and windows closed. When pollen levels are high or when the weather is windy, keep your doors and windows closed to limit exposure.