I love this time of year. The flowers are starting to bloom; it’s a beautiful day to take a long needed walk. You venture outside and find the not too hot, not too cold weather refreshing…until you take a deep breath in, and feel the scratchiness begin down your throat. Walking toward your driveway, you see the glorious luster of green…caked all over your car. You run back inside to take your Claritin and hope it helps some with the itchy, watery eyes and fatigue that will begin by late morning. So much for the long walk. Welcome to allergy season!
Raleigh is one of those unfortunate cities that seems to be plagued by almost year–round allergens. While we don’t notice all allergens floating in the air (tree pollen is the most visible), we can inhale more than 2 TABLESPOONS A DAY of airborne particles!
When we inhale pollen, the particles act as irritants, causing cells in your nasal passages to release chemicals called histamine, which can produce inflammation, congestion, and sneezing and nasal discharge. Pollen allergy can also cause an itchy, scratchy throat, hoarseness or voice loss and when airways are affected, asthma and bronchitis, Moreover, allergic reactions to pollen can affect driving ability (slowing reaction time), interfere with sleep, impair concentration, and make people tired and irritable. Oh, and let’s not forget the attractive “allergic shiner”, which are dark circles under your eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses. Simply put, it can make life pretty miserable, and is virtually impossible to completely escape from. So what do we do to get through the season(s)?
Natural Supplements
The best way to avoid discomfort from allergies is to neutralize or prevent them before they become a problem. Natural supplements can help by reducing histamines or inflammatory properties.
1. Quercetin: found in red wine, onions, green tea, apples & berries, this flavonoid may prevent histamine release from cells, rather than block the effect of histamine after it is already released in response to an allergy. Quercetin also provides anti–inflammatory benefits to reduce swelling during allergic reactions, and works in the body as an antioxidant and an immune system booster.
2. Bromelain: the enzyme of a pineapple used to reduce swelling (inflammation), especially of the nose and sinuses. It may be especially useful added to drug treatment for sinus infections.
3. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids have been used in alternative medicine for hundreds of years to enhance the action of vitamin C, to support blood circulation and to treat allergies, viruses and inflammatory conditions.
4. Probiotics: micro flora or “good bacteria” that help boost your inner ecosystem & immunity.
5. Local Honey: some research supports the theory that local honey– obtained in close proximity to where you live –may help build an immunity to some seasonal allergies.
I can speak from experience. I have gone from 2 sinus infections per year (requiring antibiotics) to 2 doses of Claritin D per year. I take NOW’s Quercetin with Bromelain every morning with 1g of Vitamin C (or eat half an orange or handful of berries) and it has made all the difference in the world.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies can be helpful if you are already feeling the effects of allergies. In many cases they reduce inflammation and fight bacteria and infection. Butterbur has been called “The Singulair of the herbal world.” It appears to work to block chemicals that trigger swelling in the nasal passages. Other helpful herbs are Stinging Nettle, Capsicum, and Goldenseal Root as well as Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint and Lavender, essential oils used to provide relief from hay fever and sinus pressure.
Nasal Irrigation
Yes, the neti pot was around long before “Oprah’s favorite things”. Looking a bit like an Aladdin’s lamp, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to cleanse allergens from nasal passages and sinuses. To use a neti pot, your head is tipped forward and slightly to the side so that salt water can be poured into one nostril and allowed to run out the other. My husband and I both use it; not terribly romantic, but effective!
Controlling Hay Fever Symptoms
*Limit outdoor exposure when pollen counts are highest; typically between 5am–10am.
*Keep you windows closed as much as possible during pollen season.
*Stay in an air-conditioned home and workplace. This greatly reduces pollen exposure.
*Use HEPA air filtration in your home, especially in your bedroom.
*Wash pets often, since they carry pollen into the house.
*Rinse your nose with saline spray or use a neti pot after being outdoors.
*Mow grass (better yet, get your teenager to mow!) before it grows tall, so it doesn’t produce seed-heads and pollen.
*Remove weeds from your yard before they have a chance to pollinate. (Another good child task.)
*Exercise indoors during allergy season. (Yes, you still have to exercise!)
The next few months are prime season for a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies, so load up on them. Cherries, strawberries, blueberries, acai, onions and garlic all work on inflammation. (Note: if you suffer from ragweed allergy, avoid cantaloupe.) And don’t forget your essential fatty acids (Flaxseed, fish oil). They are good (and necessary) for just about every part of your body! As always, check with your doctor before using supplements to ensure there are no contradictions to anything else you take.
Laura Dalton is the owner of GNC Holly Springs in Holly Springs Towne Center.
