Yep, it’s that time again. For many, with the warm weather and the blooming flowers come the runny noses, itchy eyes and that groggy feeling associated with spring allergies.
Today’s blog post is dedicated to nixing spring allergies before they get the best of you. Here’s my “go to’s” for a sneeze free season:
- Up your Omegas – A number of studies have found that people who ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to suffer allergy symptoms than those who didn’t regularly eat these foods. The good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, cod and mackerel are natural anti-inflammatories. Also up your intake of walnuts, flaxseed oil as well as in grass-fed meat and eggs.
- Get Spicy – add small amounts of chili peppers, horseradish or hot mustard to your food, all of which function as natural decongestants.
- Try Turmeric: Found in curry, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory that helps calm the immune system as it works to ease systemic inflammation.
- Drink Nettles tea –Nettle teas are very high in minerals and a known allergy reliever.
- Supplement with Quercetin: My Spring savor! Quercetin helps prevent the release of histamine, the compound that causes red, itchy eyes, welts and nasal congestion. Onions, citrus fruits, tea, apples, parsley, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce and wine are naturally high in Quercetin; however, most people will need to supplement to prevent allergy attacks. (quercetin should not be taken if you are on certain medications, please consult your physician before taking)
- Use a Neti Pots: Based on the idea that you can rinse away allergens and sinus congestion with saltwater, Neti Pots work as a natural nasal spray. The neti pots have been shown in numerous studies to be an effective way to treat seasonal allergies, while also reducing the need for antihistamines. Using a neti pot may take some getting used to, but once you’ve mastered it you’ll know why it’s on this list.
- Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar-Both contain properties that’ll keep eyes from tearing up, stop the sniffles and help you breathe easier. You can either drink a cup of water followed by a tbs. or two of A.C.V and then chase it down with a tsp. of honey or you can add the A.C.V and honey to a cup of warm water. Do this once in the morning and again at night. And make sure the honey and A.C.V. are top-quality.
In addition, I STRONGLY recommend doing a Spring Cleanse. There are many cleanses on the market and I am happy to help you decide which is best for you. Most springs, I do a 9 day cleanse which you can learn more about by clicking here.
If a cleanse is not for you try cutting the junk out of your diet. Nix the sugar, coffee, booze, wheat and dairy. Gluten (the protein in wheat) causes inflammation and dairy promotes dampness in the body, making stuffiness, runny nose, etc worse.
Replace with a whole foods anti-inflammatory diet. This is something I can easily help you with just email me and ask me about my Spring Special.
Happy Spring!.
