5 Holistic Interventions for Allergy Season!

35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. In our office we have already started seeing patients with allergies, so it is an appropriate time to share a few expert strategies for managing allergies. Always talk to your health care provider before implementing any health care suggestions.

1) Watch the stress!

 A recent study found that stress is as bad as or even more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes per day, no exercise, overindulging in alcohol and obesity. For seasonal allergies some studies recommend: Sauna Therapy, Massage Therapy and Essential Oils. A perfect recipe for relaxation: A bath or shower with essential oils such as clary sage, sweet orange, lavender or lemon.

2) Get started with spring cleaning!

 Address the indoor allergens. Wet dusting, air filters and vacuums with HEPA filters all help. Clean curtains and bedding on the highest temperature settings. Reduce house plants and stuffed toys. Reduce humidity in the home.

 3) Keep outdoor allergies out!

 Wash the nose daily with a nasal saline rinse or consider using a Neti Pot, especially after being outside. Wear sunglasses outside to help keep pollen out of the eyes. Consider nasal barrier methods such as Nasal Screens to keep the allergens out.

4) Fix the GUT

70-80% of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract. Treating allergies with nutritional interventions appears appropriate. Reducing fructose in the diet has been found to be helpful for allergy sufferers. An anti-allergy diet tailored to the patient's needs has also been found to be effective. Adding a probiotic and omega 3 fatty acids is usually advantageous for allergy sufferers.

5) Some foods and herbal supplements may help

For allergy season, these foods help keep the respiratory tract healthy.

1) Mucolytics: E.g. onions and radishes.

They soften mucous and help us get rid of it.

2) Emollients or Demulcents: e.g. okra, dates and figs.

These reduce respiratory mucosal inflammation.

3) Antiseptics: E.g. thyme, garlic and propolis.

These reduce harmful bacteria and viruses.

There are many supplements that have been shown to be very effective for treating seasonal allergies. Consider including more foods containing vitamin C and fruits and vegetables containing quercetin. Green Tea may also help with the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Good results have also been seen with condiments such as oregano and olive leaf.

 Allergies affect 1 in 5 Americans.  Living with allergies can be difficult even debilitating, however nutritional interventions exist and have been proven effective. If you or someone you know suffers from allergies, please do speak to your health care provider or call us at 860-589-1491. 

Regards in health,

Dr. Shepherd