Seasonal Allergies: Nothing to Sneeze At!

by Theolinda Barry, ND, MA
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

So, here’s a little quiz: if “April showers bring May flowers…” what do May flowers bring? No, the answer is not Pilgrims, it’s allergies! Remember, it’s springtime in New England. The trees are budding, the flowers are blooming…the mold is growing and the allergies are starting. It’s time once again for the relentless sneezing, nose-running, and eye-itching which often lasts through summer. Time once again to get a handle on those irritating symptoms...before the fall allergies start.

Anatomy of an Allergy: Irritation = Inflammation

In order to deal with seasonal allergies more effectively, it helps to know what an allergic reaction is. It helps to know that, essentially, it is an overreaction of the immune system to a foreign invader or protein (for instance, pollen). The body is simply doing its job to expel this invader, or irritating substance, when it causes a release of histamines which, in turn, causes us to sneeze or cough, or makes our eyes water and nose run. Moreover, part of the immune system’s defense against this irritation is to create inflammation in the body. (Think of how an oyster creates a pearl with the irritation of a grain of sand). While we may not be creating a pearl for our troubles, inflammation is a natural and needed response to restore balance. But it can run amok; especially in a body that is run down and not properly nourished.

The Natural Solution

So now that we know the body’s allergic response is, in some way, an attempt to restore balance and harmony, we can better deal with actually relieving or even preventing symptoms altogether, and oftentimes do it naturally So, what do we need to do? In a nutshell: improve immune function and provide essential nutrients to help the body respond and recover quickly; that is, help to tame the hyper-reactivity and decrease the inflammation.

For instance, Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, like quercitin, rutin and hesperidin which are the substances that gives fruits & vegetables their color, are natural anti-histamines that we can get through diet and supplementation. Eating brightly colored fruits and vegetables - ones that you’re not allergic to! - can help improve overall health and stave off allergies. If you can’t eat enough fruits & veggies (or just don’t like ‘em!) consider getting supplements in capsules or even powdered form and drink your greens (and reds, and yellows…)!

Another nutrient we normally think of for bone health but which is also important for the immune system is vitamin D. We get this nutrient mainly through exposure to sunlight or through supplementation. (I typically don’t urge drinking milk as the main source of vitamin D for allergy sufferers because it can be very mucus-producing. Plus, many people are allergic to it!) So, because we typically don’t get much sunny weather in this part of the country, more deficiency tends to exist. You may want to ask your doctor about having your blood level checked at your next physical exam, especially if you have osteoporosis or a history of it in your family.

To help boost immune function and decrease inflammation in the body Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), especially omega-3, are just that - essential! These are the good fats found in foods such as fish (especially cold water varieties like salmon, trout, and cod), nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans, and seeds such as flax, sunflower, and pumpkin. EFAs like flax seed oil, fish oil and cod liver oil can also be taken as a supplement in capsule or liquid form. So, even if you don’t like to eat fish or nuts & seeds, there’s no excuse not to get your good fats!

Some people have found that taking a little bit of local honey each day prior to allergy season has helped to lessen or prevent allergies to regional pollens. Note: never give honey to an infant under one year old! It can contain a potentially lethal toxin that their systems are unable to handle.

A couple of other tidbits to consider are homeopathic remedies and nasal irrigation. Consider checking out your local health food store for homeopathic remedies such as Urtica (Nettles), Euphrasia (Eyebright), and Allium (Onion) in either single or combination allergy formulas, and depending on your symptoms (the package usually guides you to the best remedy for your needs). They’re great for adults and kids alike! And then there’s nasal irrigation. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s a great technique using a Netti Pot, or other type of specially designed bottle, which allows you to rinse out your sinuses with a saline-based water solution. It can be very helpful to rinse out all that pollen you’ve been inhaling during the day. One suggestion: avoid use if you feel there is fluid build-up in the ears, as this technique may exacerbate it.

For many people, there is just no getting around allergy season. And if you’re one who suffers miserably but you’re looking for a more natural approach instead of the usual medications, consider the alternatives. Keep yourself as healthy as possible throughout the year and try to fortify yourself prior to the season. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, drink plenty of water - and pour it up your nose (a little “Netti” humor!). Treating allergies can be a challenge. Preventing them is key!