Pollen and other airborne allergens cause cells of the immune system to release histamines. These histamines are the cause of everything from itchy eyes and throat to runny nose. If you want to avoid the main causes of your seasonal allergies, testing can help you identify the culprits.
Besides skin scratch tests, there are blood tests for allergies and sensitivities. But it is not always possible to avoid 100% allergens. On the other hand, there are safe and natural solutions to reduce your exposure to allergens and prevent bothersome symptoms from disrupting your life. The trick is to detect them quickly.
By the time most people seek help, they’ve already had a real allergy attack, and vasoconstrictor eye drops and antihistamines (with their many side effects) may be their only options. Conventional eye drops, on the other hand, can cause excessive dryness in the eyes, which is like replacing one uncomfortable symptom with another.
How to be more comfortable with allergy symptoms:
1. Reduce your exposure to inflammatory agents
Allergic reactions can contribute to inflammation, which can lead to a host of other issues, including speeding up the aging process. That’s not to say that inhaling tree pollen will cause premature aging, but it makes sense to avoid bombarding your immune system with other inflammatory agents like sugar and white flour, which promote cytokines. inflammatory. Also avoid excessive alcohol and smoke.
2. Choose homeopathic solutions
Homeopathic products activate the body’s defense mechanisms to attack the underlying problem.
3. Start eating more brightly colored fruits and vegetables
Mast cells (part of the immune system) respond to allergies by releasing histamines, which cause itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and more. There is a lot of research showing that quercetin in certain foods helps stabilize mast cells before they start releasing histamines. Apples and onions are common quercetin-rich foods.
4. Avoid Foods That May Cause Allergy Cross-Reactivity
This phenomenon occurs when the pollen proteins are similar to those of a particular food. Tree nuts are also cross-reactive. This reaction causes unpleasant tingling and itching in the mouth, throat and lips, as well as irritation of the digestive tract. Although not life-threatening, tree nut allergy is more common than peanut, milk, egg, and fish allergies, affecting approximately 10% of the population .
If you are allergic to tree pollen (especially birch), you are likely to cross-react with apples, plums, kiwi fruit, carrots, celery, potatoes, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and even spices such as oregano, basil and dill. It may be necessary to avoid them. If your allergy is due to grass pollen, you may need to avoid melons, oranges, kiwis, tomatoes, and peanuts, among others.
Other Tips for Reducing Seasonal Allergies
Be aware that some health products may be harmful for people with allergies. For people with ragweed reactions, consuming chamomile, honey and echinacea can cause serious cross-reactions. However, it is not an oral allergy syndrome. In this case, it is because they belong to the same botanical family.
Eliminate outdoor allergens once you get home.
Change clothes. Wash your hair. Put your pillow and pillowcase in the dryer to get rid of dust and pollen. Use a saline solution to safely remove allergens from your nasal passages.
Understand that allergens are everywhere!
It is often mistakenly believed that allergens are seasonal and only found outdoors. Indoor air (home, car and office) is often more polluted. Plus, even if you don’t see the yellow dust, microscopic allergens from outside can cling to your hair and clothes. You may be carrying them around with you throughout the day.
Wear sunglasses and a hat.
They will prevent allergens from getting into your eyes and clinging to your hair.
Replace your household filters and your vehicle’s cabin air filter.
If you can afford it, install a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA). This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and all airborne particles 0.3 microns in size.
When it comes to your car, most people don’t know it has these filters, which trap pollen, dust, and other airborne particles. They must be replaced regularly. If you drive on dirt roads, you may need to replace them more often.
Conclusion
Allergies don’t have to be a losing battle. The key is to change your behavior before symptoms get worse. This way, you can help your body react more effectively when exposed to allergens and finally enjoy all the good things the season has to offer.
