Spring is nearing closer, and along with longer days, nicer weather, and blooming flowers, a lot of us have itchy eyes and runny noses to look forward to! Though spring allergies are common and nothing to be worried about, they can cause unnecessary fatigue and discomfort. Allergies are an immune response to the changes in pollen levels in the air, and the symptoms you feel are just your body’s way of trying to fight off potential harm!
It’s easy to reach for over-the-counter medicine on the first sight of symptoms, but taking the right steps in preparation for spring can help you avoid symptoms in the first place! If they do come on, there are so many ways to help treat seasonal allergies and boost your immune system so you can feel healthy and energetic this spring. We recommend the following four methods to beat allergies this year.
Cut out High Inflammatory Foods – Right Now!
Dietary changes can be one of the most effective treatments for ailments, especially allergies! Spring naturally calls us to get our diet back in shape and knowing it could help with your seasonal might give you the extra push to commit! Some foods are high in inflammation, and since allergies are an inflammatory response, eating anti-inflammatory foods will keep levels down. Food like dairy and wheat, even if you aren’t allergic, can cause gut inflammation which will make the allergy symptoms worse. Sugar is another big no for allergy season! Cut out the candy and sweets this spring, your gut and immune system will thank you. If you trend toward milk and cream, try switching to coconut milk or almond milk in your coffee. Plant-based alternatives to milk are less inflammatory, and they taste great!
Curious about what you can add to your diet? Try increasing your leafy greens – this can instantly make your body less reactive to spring allergens. Foods high in Vitamin C and Omega 3 fatty acids are an excellent addition as well! With the right adjustment to your diet, you can experience relief from your symptoms.
Take Your Probiotics
While we are on the topic of gut inflammation – start taking your favorite probiotic again. Probiotics will reinforce the improvements you’re already doing with your diet, and give you extra support to fight off allergy symptoms. Your gut is the foundation of your heath-so make sure you’re giving it the care it needs. If you don’t have a probiotic of choice, look for Lactobacillus GG and L. Gasseri as they tend to be two of the best probiotics for allergies. If you always forget to take supplements at night, switch to a morning routine to make sure you’re regularly taking them. If you have a probiotic that needs refrigeration, try putting it next to your refrigerated almond milk for a morning reminder while you make your coffee! These small changes can motivate you to regularly take your probiotic and build up your immunity for this Spring.
Try a Sinus Rinse
If you’re short on time, a sinus rinse can be a quick and effective way to keep your allergies at bay. Buy a saline nasal spray at your local health store and spray your sinuses every night before bed. This ensures the allergens from the day don’t settle in your sinuses overnight and cause congestion and headaches. You can even carry them in your bag to use during the day when your symptoms are acting up. If you want a more immersive experience, buy a neti pot from your local pharmacy and gently rinse your sinuses with it. It may seem intimidating if you’ve never used one, but with a little practice, it can be very helpful in reducing allergies, especially if you really suffer.
Treat Your Allergies with Acupuncture
We highly recommend acupuncture for spring allergies, and not just because it’s our specialty! It’s been shown to help prevent and treat allergies so you can enjoy your spring without having to reach for medicine each time you feel symptoms. Our experienced acupuncturists at Dedham Acupuncture will be able to suggest the right treatment for your specific symptoms. If it’s been a while since we have seen you, now is the time to get treated to make allergy season more manageable! Call us or book online today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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