What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Airborne agents (known as pathogens or allergens), such as pollen, grass, mold, cedar, ragweed, or even some chemicals, are breathed in. Once they enter our bodies, these allergens start to wreak havoc. The immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack the allergens and release a chemical called histamine into the nose, eyes, and lungs. Histamine is intended to attack harmful agents and remove them from the body.One of the main things that histamine does is cause inflammation.
The good news is there are many natural remedies you can try to control your allergy symptoms:
1. Cleanse your nose
Pollens adhere to our mucus membranes. Try cleansing your nasal passages with a neti pot, sinus irrigator or nasal oils. Here aresome tipson how to safely use nasal irrigation treatments.
2. Manage stress
Stress hormones wreak havoc in the body and especially in the immune system, making seasonal allergies even worse. Consider methods of stress management such as meditation, taking time out for self-care and avoid overcommitting your schedule.
3. Try acupuncture
When allergies are treated with acupuncture, underlying imbalances within the body are addressed. A treatment plan is developed to relieve the acute symptoms of allergies while also treating the root problems that are contributing to the body’s reaction to allergens.
4. Explore herbal remedies
Butterbur is an herb, which comes from a European shrub and has shown potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, acting similar to antihistamines. Quercetin is anutrient found in onions, apples, and black tea that research has shown to block the release of histamines.
5. Consider apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegaris purported to boost the immunesystem, help break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve allergy symptoms.These tipson how best to use apple cider vinegar will provide additional guidance.
6. Visit a chiropractor
By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropracticcare permits the immune system to function more effectively— something all allergy sufferers need. A nervous system without stress functions more efficiently.
7. Detox the body
Often, allergies are worsened by toxins within the body. The liver is a great mediator of inflammation in the body, and when it is working overtime metabolizing our stress, medications, alcohol, and processed foods, allergies can flare up. Detox your body by eliminating fried foods, sugar, alcohol and other toxins from your diet. Try liver supportive foods and herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, artichoke, citrus fruits and nuts.
8. Take probiotics
Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to stimuli. Many studies link the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies. Probiotics can help stimulate production of immune enhancing substances, hinder growth of pathogenic and boost the immune system.
9. Add essential oils
Addingessential oilsto a bath, cup of tea, massage oil, or an oil diffuser can help reduce allergy symptoms. Peppermint, basil,eucalyptus, and tea tree oils have been linked tofight inflammationandboost the immune system. Essential oils for allergies will help to detoxify the body and fight infections, bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and harmful toxins.
10. Clean the house
Regular house cleaning can get rid of many allergy triggers and help relieve your symptoms. Clean or change out the air filters in your home often. Also, clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can collect. Vacuum carpets and change pillowcases a couple times each week. Cleaningair purifiersis an important step not to overlook. Change your pillowcase regularly – allergens can transfer from your hair to your pillow on a nightly basis.
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Do you have any homeopathic and natural allergy relief ideas you want to share with the Sedera Health Community? We want to hear from you!
Sources
How Probiotics Can Help You Prevent and Fight Allergies According to New Research,BodyEcology
Apple Cider Vinegar and Your Health,WebMD
20 Unique Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar,Dr. Axe, Food is Medicine
13 Easy Ways To Reduce Home Allergens,Natural Living Ideas
Disclaimer:The content on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the factors contributing to seasonal allergies, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge backed by comprehensive research and practical experience in the field. My expertise in immunology, allergy management, and holistic health allows me to shed light on the intricacies of the processes underlying allergic reactions and offer valuable insights into natural remedies.
Airborne Allergens and the Immune System: Seasonal allergies, triggered by airborne agents or allergens such as pollen, grass, mold, cedar, ragweed, and chemicals, initiate a complex immune response. The immune system misidentifies these substances as threats, leading to the release of antibodies and histamine. Histamine, in turn, causes inflammation in the nose, eyes, and lungs, contributing to allergy symptoms.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies:
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Nasal Cleansing: Pollens adhere to mucus membranes, and nasal cleansing with a neti pot, sinus irrigator, or nasal oils can help alleviate symptoms.
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Stress Management: Stress exacerbates allergies by affecting the immune system. Techniques such as meditation and self-care can mitigate stress and improve allergy symptoms.
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Acupuncture: Acupuncture addresses underlying imbalances in the body, providing relief from acute allergy symptoms and addressing root causes.
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Herbal Remedies: Butterbur and quercetin, found in onions, apples, and black tea, show potential for relieving allergy symptoms by acting similarly to antihistamines.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: Purported to boost the immune system, break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage, apple cider vinegar can be consumed by mixing with water and lemon juice.
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Chiropractic Care: By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic care enhances immune system function, benefiting allergy sufferers.
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Detoxification: Eliminating toxins from the body through dietary changes and liver-supportive foods/herbs like milk thistle and turmeric can alleviate allergies.
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Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria in the gut are linked to reduced allergies. Probiotics stimulate immune-enhancing substances and help balance the immune system.
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Essential Oils: Peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils can be used to reduce allergy symptoms, fight inflammation, and boost the immune system.
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House Cleaning: Regular cleaning, including changing air filters, vacuuming, and cleaning surfaces where pollen accumulates, can reduce allergy triggers at home.
Expert-Backed Sources:
- The importance of probiotics in preventing and fighting allergies is supported by research, as mentioned in sources like BodyEcology.
- WebMD and Dr. Axe provide insights into the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
- Natural Living Ideas offers tips on reducing home allergens.
It's crucial to note that the information provided here is for general knowledge, and individuals should always consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice and treatment.
