The sneezing. The stuffy nose. The watery eyes.
The drowsiness from medications.
As much as we love spring, it can bring on unwanted allergies and make our health less than optimal. So while we want to open the windows and go for a hike, we can sometimes dread the reactions we’ll face when enjoying the outdoors this time of year.
However, get those hiking shoes ready because we’re here to share some natural therapies that will get you enjoying those trails sooner rather than later!
Here are 3 Ways to Beat Spring Allergies!
- Watch What You Eat.
You may think that your sinuses are effected only from the budding trees or blooming flowers, but what we eat may affect how our bodies manage our allergies during this growing season as well.
We have found that eliminating certain foods during allergy season can be extremely helpful in controlling allergies. Foods that create inflammation can make it difficult for our bodies to keep a healthy immune system to fight off environmental allergies.
To reduce your body’s inflammation and prepare it to handle the outdoors, try eliminating:
– dairy
– wheat
– sugar
– eggs (only eat in limited amounts)
And while you reduce your intake of the above foods, focus on adding foods with Vitamin C, querectin and omega-3s to bust inflammation such as:
– dark leafy greens
– broccoli
-organic berries
– organic peppers
– peas
– citrus
– papaya
– green tea
– apples
– capers
– flax seeds
– cold-water fish (such as salmon)
– nuts
– avocado
And what better time of year to increase fresh fruits and vegetables!
- Try Supplements.
Our guess is that if you’re reading this you have tried over-the-counter allergy medicines and may have experienced unwanted side-effects. Pharmaceutical anti-histamines can work to help diminish symptoms, but they can also leave you feeling drowsy with brain fog, dry mouth, blurred vision, and even confusion. You may just not feel like yourself and able to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
For a holistic approach, try the following natural supplements:
Take together at first sign of symptoms:
Buffered Vitamin C: 1000mg every 4-6 hours
Quercetin: 500mg 2-3 times a day
Take throughout the season:
Nettle Leaf Tea: 500mg 2-3 times per day
Xlear: steroid-free nasal spray to reduce nasal inflammation, use as directed
Bromelain: an enzyme from pineapple core, 1000mg between meals on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal or one hour before the next meal
Butterbur: an anti-inflammatory that is even used for asthma, 150mg 3 times a day
Boswellia: an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient, 300mg 3 times a day
In addition to these supplements, make sure to use a daily nasal rinse and eye rinse (if needed) to cleanse out any lingering allergens in these areas. Nasopure makes a gentle nasal rinse if a traditional neti pot is uncomfortable.
Also, try essential oils such as peppermint (a dab under the nose) or ecalyptus (5-10 drops in the shower) or put 20 drops in 4 cups of water and boil over the stove. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam.
- Get Allergy Drops.
For those who suffer from serious seasonal allergies, custom allergy drops – called sublingual immunotherapy – may be an essential option to cure your allergies altogether.
Traditionally, this therapy has been offered with weekly shots in a medical office, however, we now have access to sublingual drops tailored to our exact needs that can be taken daily at home!
After allergy testing, drops are made based specifically on your results. These drops are designed to introduce the elements you are allergic to, to your body in micro-amounts over a long period of time.
When doing this, the body can become acclimated to the allergy and learn to manage it on its own. It can sometimes take a while – anywhere between 3 months to a few years, but the results can be astounding.
Although this time of year can be inspiring and beautiful, we can also find ourselves dreading how we may feel. If you suffer from allergies that affect your daily life, please know that there are options that we can help with!
If you live in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, or the Greater Denver Metro area, give us a call. We can discuss your symptoms and the holistic options we recommend. You can contact our office at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves.
You can enjoy the beauty of the season with less suffering. So be sure to take a lot pictures on that next hike!
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