Alleviate Hay Fever Symptoms Naturally

health and wellness

Alleviate hay fever symptoms naturally

Wednesday, March 4, 2015    Healthfeed staff

As spring-like temperatures rise, so does the pollen count. For 30 million people, it’s an annual event that finds them stocking up on allergy medications and tissues. But if you’ve tried over-the-counter (OTC) medications and are curious about other ways to alleviate allergy symptoms, you might try a more “natural” approach. For guidance on alternative ways of dealing with spring allergies and ensuring your immune system is working optimally, we talked with Dr. Jane Guiltinan of Bastyr University.

Allergy causes

According to Guiltinan, common seasonal allergy culprits are airborne pollens coming from trees, weeds and grasses. Typically, springtime brings tree and grass allergies, while late summer or fall usually brings out weed allergies.

What actually happens in our bodies during an allergic reaction? “When you’re sensitive to a seasonal allergen and exposed to it, your immune system goes on high alert,” Guiltinan says. “It fights back by making antibodies that attach to these ‘antigens.’ This antigen-antibody complex attaches to mast cells, which then pumps out histamines. Histamines can generate itchy or watery eyes, a scratchy throat and runny nose.”

You may have heard of OTC medications referred to as antihistamines (cetirizine is one example), and they — like the word indicates — relieve symptoms of hay fever by trying to stop production of histamines. Guiltinan notes that antihistamines often have side effects, such as drowsiness and a drying out of your nasal passages. And many decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine can have stimulant effects like excitability, restlessness, tremors and anxiety. Before taking antihistamines or other allergy medications on a regular basis, ask your doctor what might be best for you.

Optimize your immune system naturally

To diminish the effects of allergies, you actually don’t want to boost your immune system, Guiltinan says. You want to moderate it, so it stops overreacting. She says there are several naturally existing vitamins and ingredients that can help your body block the release of histamines, and these can be found in certain foods as well as supplements:

  • Vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid, which is in foods such as bell peppers, chili peppers, broccoli, and kale.
  • Quercitin – prevents the release of histamines and is found in berries, red grapes, red onions, red wine and black tea.
  • Turmeric (curcumin) and Bromelain – These can reduce inflammation and/or swelling of sinus tissues and nasal passages. Turmeric is a spice that is found in mustard and many curries, and bromelain can be found in pineapple.

If you’re going to take these in supplement form, it's ideal to start your doses four to six weeks before allergy season starts. Talk to your doctor, pharmacists or naturopath about dosage recommendations and how these supplements may interact with other medications. Drugs.com also has a lot of information on side effects and how OTC medications interact with natural and homeopathic medicines.

Tips for Allergy Relief

If you’re interested in trying something besides OTC medications for allergy relief, Guiltinan recommends following a natural regimen including steps like these:

  • Reduce your exposure – Peak allergen times are approximately 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you suffer from hay fever, check pollen counts, and try to stay indoors when counts are high.
  • Invest in air filters – Stand-alone air filters and furnace filters both work to trap allergens such as pollen and other pollutants in your home.
  • Use a Neti pot – This is a method of irrigating your sinuses and flushing out pollen and other irritants. It helps you breathe easier and relieves sinus pain/pressure.
  • Eat healthy foods – Organic (to avoid pesticides) fruits and vegetables are better for your general nutrition than processed foods, and overall health helps your body deal with allergies.
  • Get regular exercise – This is something else that’s good for your overall health, but try to choose cool days and days with little wind, to minimize your pollen exposure.
  • Drink water – Most people suffer from mild dehydration. A standard daily dose should be eight glasses of water, depending on your weight and activity level (if you sweat excessively when you exercise, then it should be more). And guess what — fruit juices and caffeinated beverages don’t count toward your optimum water intake.

If you want to learn more about what aggravates your hay fever, go online at the National Allergy Bureau, which provides information on a variety of allergens as well as regional pollen levels.

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