These five allergy tips will naturally support the immune system this spring, using remedies like vitamin C, local honey, and acupuncture.
April 2022. This article is independently written by Shelby Golding. All opinions given are hers. Shelby has been certified as a personal trainer and nutritional specialist since 2007. In 2008, she found her passion for writing about these topics and hasn't looked back.
As the cold weather disappears and the long days and bright sunlight of April arrive, you may find that your celebration of spring is somewhat spoiled by the start of seasonal allergies.
For allergy sufferers, the first warm days are soon followed by itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and postnasal drip. Allergies are the immune system's reaction to a perceived threat. Often, its response is necessary to save you from the viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances that find their way into the body. But sometimes, the immune system is mistaken. It sees the pollen from trees, grass, mold, and weeds as a potential threat and reacts automatically.
The rise of seasonal allergies is partially due to the gradual warming of the planet's atmosphere from climate change. As a result, pollen season is lasting longer, and the sheer volume increases as the planet warms. Until the world finally bands together to resolve the world's climate crisis, dealing with seasonal allergies is a necessary evil of spring.
If the beginning of the spring heralds a terrible immune response, you are probably suffering from seasonal allergies. Keep reading for five natural allergy tips to get you through spring.
Seasonal Allergy Tips
Seasonal allergies are the body's natural response to outside irritants like pollen. But that doesn't mean you have to spend the warm months hiding inside to soothe your allergies. Instead, try a few of these natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies so you can get outside and enjoy the sunshine without worry.
1. Local Honey
Honey is often discussed as a remedy for seasonal allergies. The idea is that local honey acts the same way as an allergy shot. It supposedly contains trace amounts of the pollen that causes an allergic reaction. By exposing your body to small amounts of pollen over time, you can build up immunity to the pollen and prevent an extreme reaction once allergy season arrives.
In theory, local honey is good for allergies but has yet to be proven. One 2013 study showed a marked improvement in allergy sufferers who ingested large amounts of local honey compared to their placebo-consuming counterparts. But some experts argue that allergy shots are more effective since they contain a controlled amount of the exact pollen components that cause the reaction.
Despite the controversy of whether this allergy tip is effective, honey does give some relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies like a sore throat and cough.
In theory, local honey is good for allergies but has yet to be proven. One 2013 study showed a marked improvement in allergy sufferers who ingested large amounts of local honey compared to their placebo-consuming counterparts. But some experts argue that allergy shots are more effective since they contain a controlled amount of the exact pollen components that cause the reaction.
Despite the controversy of whether this allergy tip is effective, honey does give some relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies like a sore throat and cough.
2. Experiment With Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a well-known complementary medicine technique with many applications. Based on Traditional Chinese medicine theory, this natural remedy is a well-known treatment for seasonal allergies. The acupuncturist uses hair-thin needles to release blocked energy and stimulate defensive qi.
Defensive qi, or Wei qi, is the energy of the body’s immune system. Modern scientists are still exploring what happens in the body when an acupuncturist uses needles to boost immunity. One study showed that acupuncture for seasonal allergies regulated the cells that instigate an immune response and, at the same time, increased the levels of immunosuppressants.
Even people afraid of needles can take advantage of this natural allergy treatment. The needles are tiny and do not go very deep, so most people do not even notice them.
3. Get a Massage
Massage is another complementary medicine treatment used to treat seasonal allergies. A 60-minute massage can improve circulation, boost immunity, and relieve stress. While it will not get rid of your allergies, a massage will reduce your allergy symptoms.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a particularly effective treatment for seasonal allergies. This treatment supports the lymphatic system by removing bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances from the body. In addition, the soothing strokes move lymph fluid into the lymph nodes to speed up healing. When it comes to allergies, lymphatic massage relieves congestion and reduces the severity of your reaction.
Stress reduction is essential for a healthy immune response. When you are stressed, your body's ability to fight off foreign bodies is compromised. Stress also increases the number of histamines in the bloodstream, worsening your allergic reaction.
4. Try a Detox
The increasing amount of toxins in your environment, food, water, and even beauty products strain the body's natural detoxification processes. Imagine your body is a river. In the past, the amount of trash that fell in was relatively minimal and mostly biodegradable. But as time went on, substances like plastic and metal often found their way into the flowing stream and blocked the smooth movement of the water.
The same is true of the body. In the past, your food was cleaner and simpler. These days, processing introduces new toxins to your diet that never existed before.
5. Eat Plenty of Citrus
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that will lessen your body's reaction to pollen. When you have an allergic reaction, the immune system releases histamines which cause symptoms like a runny nose or sneezing. Vitamin C reduces the number of histamines your body produces instead of blocking the histamine receptors like most common allergy medications.
This essential vitamin also protects your cells from damage because it contains plenty of antioxidants. These combat inflammation and prevent cell damage from free radicals.
Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system no matter the time of the year. Most doctors recommend 2000 mg a day when using it as a supplement to prevent seasonal allergies.
This essential vitamin also protects your cells from damage because it contains plenty of antioxidants. These combat inflammation and prevent cell damage from free radicals.
Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system no matter the time of the year. Most doctors recommend 2000 mg a day when using it as a supplement to prevent seasonal allergies.
Strong Immune System
These allergy tips are natural solutions to your seasonal allergy woes. It may seem easier to pop an allergy pill every day to enjoy the warm months without constantly sneezing, rubbing your eyes, and coughing. But by focusing on natural immune system builders, you can strengthen your body against pollen naturally and mitigate the symptoms in the meantime.
Don’t let pain drag your spring down, either – the Kailo patch can make it easier to enjoy the warmer weather and get back to the things you love. Just apply the Kailo pain patch near the site of pain and enjoy a deep breath of relief. A recent clinical study showed a significant increase in quality of life when switching to Kailo from oral medication.
Don’t let pain drag your spring down, either – the Kailo patch can make it easier to enjoy the warmer weather and get back to the things you love. Just apply the Kailo pain patch near the site of pain and enjoy a deep breath of relief. A recent clinical study showed a significant increase in quality of life when switching to Kailo from oral medication.
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.
