SPRING FEVER: TREATING ALLERGIES

Spring is here!

That's the good news. However, with it come seasonal allergies. That's the bad news. Nasal allergies (aka Hay Fever) bring sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, runny nose, and sinus headaches. The associated redness, swelling, and pain indicate inflammation. Allergies come primarily from pollens. In the Spring, it's trees. In the Summer, it's grasses. In the Fall, it's weeds. And molds and fungi are prevalent all year round but are highest in Summer.

Prevention and Treatment

Conventional treatments include avoidance, medications, and/or immunotherapy. Let's look at each of these options more in depth:

Avoidance
Avoidance can be effective. Using masks, staying indoors, relying on air filters, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers can reduce exposure to allergens and minimize mold overgrowth.

Medication
Antihistamines block the histamine receptors, preventing the immune reaction. Steroids, bronchodilators, and decongestants can be used singly or in various combinations. The newer antihistamines have some contraindications so use with caution and only with your doctor's close supervision.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, start with injections of the offending allergens in very small doses. Then, a series of shots with increasing dosages is administered over a long period of time

At The Gleason Center, we recommend alternative treatments or a combination of conventional and alternative therapies. We've found the following natural therapies to be highly effective at combating seasonal allergies:

Diet
Diet can have a profound effect on allergies. Foods that are pro-inflammatory will increase your reaction to airborne allergens. Swap pro-inflammatory foods for anti-inflammtory foods and see the difference. Learn which foods to enjoy and which ones to skip with our Anti-Inflammatory Trade Off Table. 

Supplements

• Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties which help protect the body from allergies and other inflammantory conditions such as bronchitis.
• Quercetin (a bioflavanoid) inhibits the production of histamine.
• Nettles have a natural antihistamine and antinflammatory effect on the body.

Probiotics
Probiotics improve gut function and overall gut health boosting the immune system. Probiotics, especially lactobacillus, show promise in the prevention and treatment of allergies.

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If you like this post, you might also enjoy: Anti-Inflammatory Trade Off Table