With the warmer weather comes blooming flowers, more time spent outdoors, and for some, thin watery nasal discharge, sneezing, and itchy mouth, throat, and eyes. During allergy season, many feel they have only two choices: suffer, or take over-the-counter medications that often cause side-effects. Fortunately, there are natural options to decrease the symptoms of allergies while reducing occurrence of future episodes.

An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system that causes the release of histamine from mast cells. Allergies create inflammation in the system and aggravate existing chronic conditions. Here are some things you can do to decrease the allergic response and reduce/prevent allergy symptoms in the future, while balancing the immune system and decreasing inflammation:

• Stinging nettle. Anti-inflammatory; reduces hay fever symptoms.
• Vitamin C and Quercetin. Natural antihistamines derived from sources such as citrus fruits and onions.
• Bromelain (between meals.) Natural anti-inflammatory.
• Enhance your barriers with the outside world (i.e. skin, mucus membranes, digestive organs)
  • Keep hydrated (drink 1 L of water daily.) Moist mucus membranes are the first line of defense.
  • Maintain proper digestion. 70% of your immune tissue is located in the gut. Supplementing with probiotics supports digestion, balances gut flora and increases immune function.
  • Essential fatty acids (especially omega 3.) These are termed essential because they must be obtained from food, such as fish and walnuts. Keeps skin hydrated and decreases the risk of hay fever.

• Decrease exposure to food sensitivities (wheat, dairy, etc.) A combination of allergens overloads the system and worsens symptoms. Eat a whole foods diet.
• Keep a clean environment, free of dust and mold. If you are suffering from seasonal allergies, keep the windows closed and use an air filtration system.
• Decrease stress levels, which weakens the immune system and intensifies symptoms. If you are feeling stressed, supplement with a B complex , physical exercise, and breathing exercises.
• Acupuncture. Relieves acute symptoms while building long-term defenses to allergens (prevention of future allergy symptoms.)

As with any medical advice, please consult your health care provider before starting new treatment.