Do you suffer from sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, cough, headache or sinus problems with the change of seasons? If the answer is yes, you most probably have seasonal allergies or Hay fever.
Seasonal allergies or Hay fever is a common condition that affects about 20 percent of Canadians. It’s usually triggered by exposure to substances such as pollen, grass, or tress during the change of seasons mostly in spring and fall. However it many cases it might be a year-long condition that’s caused by an overreaction to house dust, mold, animal dander and air pollution.
What is the underlying cause of seasonal allergies?
Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to harmless substances such as grass and pollen in a similar way it would react to real invaders such as viruses and bacteria. The resulting immune reaction leads to the production of antibodies against these allergens which trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals including histamine. These chemicals are responsible for symptoms of itchy nose, runny eyes and excess mucus.
As an Oakville-based holistic nutritionist, many of my clients come to me looking for a natural solution for seasonal allergies. In some cases the condition is so severe that they have to stay indoors during the change of season. Suppressing these symptoms with over the counter medications such as anti-histamines is the usual solution most people will resort do. However overtime these medications lose their effect and higher does are needed.
It’s important to note that overtime seasonal allergies can stress and weaken your immune system predisposing to other inflammatory diseases such as asthma, eczema and chronic sinus infection. Most people with seasonal allergies have food allergies and intolerances so in order to minimize seasonal allergies, you need to identify any associated food allergies and intolerances that might be underlying your condition. An elimination diet and/or a food allergy test is recommended.
5 Holistic Nutrition Tips for Seasonal Allergies
There is so many natural solutions for seasonal allergies that you can try. Here are 5 tips to start with:
- Avoid all processed and packaged foods and any foods that contain additives, artificial colors and preservatives
- Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables especially garlic, onions, peppers, apples, cranberries, nuts and seeds.
- Supplement with Vitamin C which has anti-histamine properties.
- Use an air purifier at home.
- Try nasal irrigation such as using a Neti pot or nasal wash.
If you find this article helpful, feel free to share it with a friend or family member who can benefit from it.
We are currently offering tele-health coaching via Zoom, so we can help you if you are out of area. If you need help with your health and nutrition, sign up for a 15 Min Discovery Call where we discuss your current goals and concerns and how we can help you.
