Happy Spring!

So glad the winter's finally over and spring is here! However, it's not all sunshine and warm weather for some of us. For many people, spring brings unwanted seasonal allergies -- me included! This week we'll be talking about natural remedies that may help you manage those less than pleasant allergy symptoms and breathe a little bit easier.

Also, I published my first book last week -- Goodbye RA: My Roadmap To Get Rid Of RA And Find Remission. This book is the story of my journey with rheumatoid arthritis and the path I took to find remission. It's free to download on Amazon for the next couple of days so grab your copy before the price goes up! (Full disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

​

​

​

​

Supplements For Seasonal Allergies

​

Quercetin

If you’re one of the millions who dread allergy season, quercetin may be a natural supplement worth trying. This powerful antioxidant has been shown in research to provide seasonal allergy relief by blocking histamine reactions.

It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. Histamine is the main culprit behind allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, and itchy, watery eyes.

Quercetin works by preventing cells called mast cells from releasing too much histamine. When pollen or other allergens cause mast cells to burst and release histamine, quercetin can stabilize these cells so they don’t overreact. Less histamine means less congestion, sniffles, and other seasonal allergy miseries.

Multiple scientific studies have proven quercetin’s effectiveness for seasonal allergy relief. In one major research study, people who took quercetin had significantly better control over nasal symptoms like sneezing fits and runny noses compared to those taking a placebo pill.

Omega-3s

​Inflammation causes many allergy issues like stuffy noses, sneezing, and itchy eyes. It happens when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen. Omega-3s work by calming down this overly aggressive inflammatory response. Studies found kids and adults with seasonal allergies had way fewer nasal and respiratory symptoms after taking omega-3 supplements.

The best omega-3s for allergy relief are EPA and DHA. You can get these from foods like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines. While eating these fish is great, not everyone is a fish fan. No worries — fish oil capsules are an alternative means to get a concentrated anti-inflammatory dose of EPA and DHA.

Probiotics

Multiple studies found people with seasonal allergies had reduced nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other symptoms after taking probiotic supplements.

How do these good-for-you bacteria provide such effective seasonal allergy relief through dietary supplements? Probiotics help nurture a balanced immune system so it doesn’t overreact to harmless allergens like pollen. They also increase anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients that counter allergy miseries.

You can get probiotics from supplements, but probiotic-rich foods are another great option. Good sources are yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. Just be sure to choose varieties with active cultures to get the full allergy-fighting benefits of these probiotic powerhouses.

Butterbur

Butterbur contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can prevent the airways from becoming swollen and congested in response to allergens like pollen. It has a similar ability to antihistamine drugs for stopping excess mucus, runny noses, and nasal congestion without drying you out as much.

In one major study, scientists compared butterbur’s effects to the popular antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) in people with seasonal allergies. They found that butterbur worked as well as the drug to relieve sneezing, runny noses, nasal congestion, and other hay fever symptoms. A bonus – butterbur didn’t cause the same drowsiness as many antihistamine medications.

While fresh butterbur itself isn’t safe to consume due to toxic compounds, purified butterbur extracts are available as allergy relief supplements, some combined with other herbs like feverfew. Look for products labeled “PA-free”, meaning they’ve had the problematic pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed through processing.

​

​

Other Natural Remedies

Nasal rinses: When pollen has your nose running and sinuses feeling stuffed up, a simple nasal rinse may offer much-needed relief. These saviors work by flushing out mucus, allergens, and irritants from your nasal passages using a saltwater solution.

Nasal rinses are easy to do at home with a neti pot or nasal squeeze bottle. You just mix up a saline solution, lean over a sink, and gently flush out one nostril while keeping your mouth open. The saltwater washes away pollen grains, pet dander, dust, and other allergens lodged in your nasal membranes.

Air Purifiers: If you’re an allergy sufferer, investing in a quality air purifier for your home could help you. These handy appliances work by trapping pollen, dust, pet dander, and other airborne allergens so you can breathe easier indoors.

Most effective air purifiers use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters to capture the tiny allergen particles that make it through standard furnace filters. HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air that passes through the purifier.

By continuously cycling and filtering the air in your living spaces, purifiers prevent pollen, mold spores, and other allergy triggers from accumulating and circulating. This helps reduce exposure that causes flare-ups of sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.

Local Honey: If you get bombarded with allergy symptoms every spring, a spoonful of local honey might be just what the beekeeper ordered. While it might sound strange, some people swear that locally produced honey can help build up immunity to local pollen allergens.

The theory is that the honey contains tiny amounts of the same pollen spores that give you sneezing fits and itchy eyes. Regularly consuming these small doses of local pollen, is thought to desensitize your body’s defenses so you don’t react as severely when allergy season arrives.

To get the benefits, you’ll want to use honey produced as close to your area as possible so it contains the specific pollen causing your allergies. Just a spoonful or two per day is typically recommended. Start taking it a few months before peak allergy season.
​
​

​
​
That's a wrap for now. Have a great week. Take care.

Susan

​

P.S. When you're ready, here are some ways I can help you:

• Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn​, and Facebook​
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
• Need a hand with that health journey? My upcoming monthly membership, Thrive Beyond Inflammation is like the secret sauce you've been craving! Hop on the waitlist to be the VIP in-the-know when it opens up. Find out more here and get ready to level up your wellness game

​

​
​

​

​