Over the Counter: Natural solutions for those who suffer from spring allergies
We all know that “April showers bring May flowers.” Unfortunately for many of us, that seasonal shift also heralds spring allergies and seemingly unending discomfort from runny noses, red, puffy eyes and dry coughs.
The two ways most people address allergies are either to simply deal with it or medicate using antihistamines. For mild symptoms, dealing with it may suffice, but severe symptoms can be unbearable. Antihistamines aren’t always the right answer, either, because they block our body’s natural response (histamine) to the allergen. This in turn can cause the body to work harder to break through the blockage. Antihistamines also have side effects like drowsiness, headaches and low blood pressure.
The best course of action is to limit exposure to allergens. Since it’s hard to resist a springtime walk – which is very good for your health – or to avoid yard cleanup, planting and other lawn and garden chores, be sure to wear a face mask while outside. Thankfully, we have plenty of masks on hand! The same masks used to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will help keep pollen out of your airways. Be sure to keep windows and doors closed when sleeping, and consider getting an air purifier for the bedroom. Nasal irrigation, especially before bedtime, can be a great tool to help flush out pollen and clear your nostrils. Neti pots are an inexpensive and easy-to-use option for rising out your nose.
MetroWest real estate:: Check out this week's transfers and see who moved in next door
Who bought the house next door?: Greater Milford real estate sales for May 12, 2022
There are also a number of natural solutions and supplements that can help your body adjust its reactions to allergens. Look for homeopathic allergy blends with ingredients like histaminum, euphrasia officinalis, sabadilla, solidago, quercetin, stinging nettle, bromelain, among others. They are often available as a nasal spray or oral drop.
These natural options can be used in conjunction with an antihistamine. Since they have a positive, long-term effect, that means you can slowly reduce the use of antihistamine over time. With continued use, one will notice improvement from season to season as the body makes natural adjustments over time.
The gut, central to our overall health, also plays a role in our allergy response. A healthy gut – which means a healthy microbiome full of “good” bacteria – helps our body manage histamines and allergy responses. Our best advice is to eat vegetables, cut out processed foods and get probiotics from fermented foods like yogurt or kimchi.
It’s important not to confuse allergy symptoms with COVID-19, as both may include a dry cough, tiredness and a runny or stuffy nose. If you are experiencing a fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea or a sudden loss of taste or smell, you may be positive for COVID-19. Take a test and isolate until you get results back. If you are positive, speak with your care provider.
As the climate continues to warm and our New England weather patterns evolve, scientists expect allergy season to become longer and worse for those who suffer from symptoms. It is time to begin a natural regimen that will help your body feel better now and prepare for future seasons.
Gary Kracoff has a degree in naturopathic medicine and is a registered pharmacist and John Walczyk is a compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham, Mass. For more information, visit www.naturalcompounder.com.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: natural solutions to help with symptoms of spring allergies
