Spring Sniffles...; (
Do you dread spring time because of seasonal allergies or ‘hay fever’? Not everyone welcomes the sunny spring time. For some, it can be a complete nightmare, feeling like they have a permanent cold throughout spring and summer. I’ve had a lot of people asking for preventatives for allergies lately before they take hold. There are a lot of different things you can try that may lessen the symptoms or give you some relief.
What do spring allergies feel like?
Common symptoms include:
- Itchy nose, throat, ears and eyes
- Puffy eyes
- Sinus pressure
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
What causes ‘hay fever’?
An allergy to grass, flower or hay pollen causes these symptoms.
From March to May, pollen in trees is the most common trigger. From May to July, it’s mostly the grass and flower pollen.
What happens in the body?
An immune response occurs to the pollen, causing your body to release chemical called histamine from the cell linings of the nose, mouth and throat, in an attempt to protect your body.
What is an immune response?
Your immune system is there to protect you from invaders, so it seems contradictory that something that is meant to protect you is causing you so much misery. In an allergy suffers body, what is seen as a harmless substance is actually seen as an invader, hence the immune response.
What is immunoglobulin (IgE)?
A substance called immunoglobulin (IgE) is released when the allergy sufferers’ body mistakenly believes the pollen is attacking the body. Antibodies are released in defence. A non-allergy sufferer will produce a small amount of IgE, but someone with an allergy will produce a lot more.
You may well have heard of histamine, this is the chemical that causes all the symptoms, hence why many people take anti-histamines to calm the symptoms.
So my body is attacking me! What can I do?
Many people try to avoid the allergens and stay in-doors as much as possible. Others get some relief from medications. There are lots of alternative treatments to try alongside this.
Natural Remedies
Quercetin
Apparently anti-histamine drugs were initially developed from quercetin, so try going straight to the source.
Nettles
Drinking nettle tea throughout the day can alleviate the symptoms too. Leave the tea-bag in your mug once finished and add another one for a stronger brew.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that participants who took 2600 mg of MSM found their upper and total respiratory symptoms significantly reduced within seven days and continued to improve for all thirty days of the study.
Reduce Inflammation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 from fish and other sources may help with symptoms by reducing inflammation in the body.
Use a Neti Pot
This is a nasal irrigation pot, it looks a bit scary but it can really help! Put some salt and warm water in it and rinse each nostril with the solution. Lots of videos on YouTube to get you started.
Vitamin C
This potent antioxidant is said to have similar properties to anti-histamines.
Limit Potential Allergens
- Wheat
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Sugar
Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is said to stimulate the nervous system to reduce IgE levels and thus, reducing inflammation.
Local honey
Local honey is said to desensitise the sufferer from the specific pollen closest to their environment. Two tablespoons a day may do the trick.
A Hot Pepper Nose Spray!
Yes really! Dr Mercola cites a study where the treatment significantly reduced nasal symptoms. The active ingredient is capsaicin in peppers. This helps fight inflammation and clear mucous.
Dry Clothes Indoors
Pollen can stick to clothes.
Sharan Nutritional Therapist at Tom Oliver Nutrition – BSc (Hons) Dip NT CNM MBANT