Seasonal Allergy

Most people suffer from various allergies especially when the Spring season rolls around, ranging from pollen to dust to weeds and grasses. Runny and red eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy and congested noses and fatigue are all common symptoms of allergies.

 

Naturopathic tips for seasonal allergy relief:

1. Hydration – Drinking water thin out mucus and helps with the congestion. Try to have at least 6 – 8 glasses of pure distilled water through the day. If you are constantly feeling dry and itchy, proper hydration is a must. Try half a lime or lemon in a glass of warm water in the morning on rising.
2. Even though exercise such as running, walking, or biking helps clear congestion, avoid jogging or running outdoors on a smoggy and humid days especially, as the air is filled with all kinds of pollution ranging from exhaust fumes to various plant allergens making nasal congestion worse and making it difficult to take breathe. Instead try to walk in the evening or after rain when the pollen count is the lowest.
3. Close the windows on windy days or in the mornings as the pollen count in the air will be high especially if you are allergic to pollen and certain grasses and weeds.
4. Find out if you are allergic to certain food and environmental allergens. Food intolerances and allergies will cause the body to release higher levels of histamines, which in turn will increase the amount of congestion you experience as well, worsening your seasonal allergy symptoms. We offer simple, relatively inexpensive blood tests to test you for up to 200 + allergens.
5. If you suddenly develop allergy symptoms that you did not experience before, they could be stress related, in addition to improper diet and sleep deprivation. If you are constantly feeling “tired and burnt out”, you might want to get your adrenal function tested, as adrenal fatigue could be the root cause of your allergy symptoms. A simple saliva adrenal test at the clinic would reveal the state of your adrenal function.
6. Natural homeopathic remedies and supplements – such as pollens 30 CH or Quercitin – a natural anti histamine supplement may be helpful to alleviate your allergy symptoms. However, before starting on any health products, please come see us at the clinic for a quick assessment to determine what would be most helpful for your optimal wellbeing.
7. For itchy eyes irritated by allergies, try a compress made with calendula flowers in hot water. Once the water cools down, you can dip a cotton pad in the solution and hold it over the irritated eye for 10 – 15 minutes to soothe the itchy eyes.

By: Dr. Sushma Shah – Toronto Naturopath