Tips for Avoiding Seasonal Allergies, Naturally

As the seasons shift, we enjoy the changes that accompany them: clothing appropriate for the weather, holidays to look forward to, and a landscape that adapts to more sunlight or less and fluctuating temperatures.

Spring and fall are favorite seasons for many people, except for one thing. Seasonal allergies.

I suffered from severe allergies all my adult life. In the fall and spring, I stocked up on over the counter decongestants, allergy relief meds and ibuprofen. Often my eyes became so irritated I could not wear contact lenses. And cough drops? I carried bags of those at all times to help stifle sudden coughing fits.

Thankfully, allergies are in my past. I’ve “weathered” the changing of the seasons the last three years without trepidation, because I’ve implemented the following tips for avoiding seasonal allergies, naturally.

 

What causes allergies?

Allergies occur when the body reacts or shows sensitivity to an antigen. During spring and fall, one in five people show a heightened sensitivity to pollen, mold and fungus spores and in the fall, ragweed. The body’s response can range from mild sniffles, itchy eyes and a dry cough, to skin rashes and hives, sinus congestion, runny nose, headaches and respiratory distress.

Allergy symptoms occur when the body responds to allergens by producing a chemical called histamine, which works to counteract the allergen. The immune system causes the allergic reactions by producing immunoglobulin antibodies that result in widespread symptoms.

Eliminate Foods that Create Inflammation

Lessening and ultimately avoiding seasonal allergies is a two step process: eliminate foods that weaken the immune system and then support the immune system so it can work properly.

A healthy immune system can handle allergens without creating symptoms in the body. An immune system that is already overwhelmed by a body fighting inflammation and viruses can’t handle anything more.

These foods cause inflammation in the body and should be avoided, especially during allergy season:

• eggs
• gluten
• canola oil
• soy
• corn
• dairy products
• MSG

Dairy products create mucus in the body. Continuing to consume dairy products while fighting allergies is akin to throwing gasoline on a fire. Eggs, all eggs, feed viruses in the body such as Epstein Barr and strep, which weaken the immune system and create inflammation by way of their toxic wastes.

Strengthen the Immune System

Eliminating inflammation-causing foods allows the immune system to quiet down. Eating nutrient rich, alkalizing foods strengthens the immune system, allowing it to handle allergens when they invade the body, without creating symptoms.

Include as many of these foods as possible, daily:

• wild blueberries
• lemon/limes
• celery
• garlic
• sweet potatoes
• leafy greens
• cruciferous veggies such as cauliflower and broccoli
• onions
• oranges
• cranberries
• raw local honey

Buy wild blueberries frozen and add to fruit smoothies. Sip on lemon or lime water first thing in the morning. For an additional boost, have a second glass of lemon/lime water in the evening. Before breakfast sip on the miracle drink, celery juice. (Read more about why celery juice is so good for the body.) Add extra garlic to recipes.

Raw honey is crucial in the fight against seasonal allergies. It needs to be purchased locally. Bees carry local pollen. Consuming it in the honey helps the body to build up a resistance to pollens. Replace cow’s milk with coconut or almond milk in recipes and drinks.

Supplements to Support the Immune System

Finally, support the immune system with these health boosting supplements:

• turmeric
• nettle
• Ester C
• elderberry syrup

Turmeric is one of the most powerful inflammation fighters available. Take it in capsule form or create Turmeric Milk, made with coconut milk, to sip on at night.

Stinging nettle naturally controls histamine. Take it in capsule form or, even better, purchase dried leaves to brew tea. The hot drink soothes the throat while delivering healing to the body.

Ester C is a powerful form of vitamin C, taken in capsule form. Elderberry syrup boosts the immune system, relieves cold and allergy symptoms, and calms a cough.

 

Daily Regimen to Avoid Allergy Symptoms

Prepare for allergy season a month before spring or fall officially begins by doing the following daily:

• Avoid inflammation causing foods
• Eat immune boosting, alkalizing and anti-inflammatory foods, as many as possible
• Take turmeric and Ester C capsules (follow dosage instructions on the bottle) or drink a cup of turmeric milk
• Take a spoonful of raw organic honey, locally produced, and a spoonful of elderberry syrup (I buy unsweetened syrup)
• Drink at least one cup of nettle tea, or take a nettle capsule

After many years of losing allergy battles, it feels so incredibly good to know that I can enjoy spring and fall without misery, and without the use of drugs. I am avoiding seasonal allergies naturally. Food is my medicine. And I am the victor.

 

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