A Holistic Approach to Seasonal Allergies

Spring is a month away. It’s time to get your body ready as best you can before the pollen starts flying. Facial masks have been helpful in the past. But as restrictions lessen, here’s some holistic solutions to pollen allergies.

TEN COMMON-SENSE TIPS

1. Remain indoors when pollen levels peak, when the grass is being cut, and when it is windy.
2. Apply a little Vaseline to the lower nostrils to trap pollen grains from entering the upper nose.
3. Keep the bedroom windows closed during the day to keep pollen out of bedding.
4. Do not hang washing outdoors during the day (it acts as a pollen trap).
5. ​Shower and wash your hair in the evening as soon as you return home from work to remove all pollen.
6. ​Change into fresh clothes as soon as you return home from work. (Pollen will have become trapped in your clothes).
7. ​Wear protective 'wrap around' sunglasses to prevent allergic eyes.
8. ​When driving, make sure the car windows as closed. And switch on the air conditioner which will filter out pollen grains.
9. Wash or douche the nasal passages with a dilute salt water solution. Or use commercial saline sprays available from all drug stores. ​​​​​​
10. Increase foods containing anti-histamine properties.  (See list below.)

FOODS TO CUT OUT

Cut out dairy during allergy season. It is one of the most common food allergens and just makes your symptoms more pronounced.

Start reading food labels and cut out foods containing the following additives:

• Sodium Benzoate - causes inflammation. It is found in salad dressings, carbonated beverages, jam, and fruit juice. Also in pickles, wine, margarine, infant and children's vitamins.

 

• Sulphites - cause allergic reactions for people who do not produce the enzyme to break them down. These reactions are rashes and swelling. They are found in: wine, dehydrated and dried fruit, beer, shrimp, fruit jelly, and foods containing dried fruit (trail mix, cereal, baked goods, etc.). They are also in syrup, maraschino cherries, soup, and baked goods. Also, in canned fruits and vegetables, condiments, relish, and fruit juice. Also in seafood, packaged lemon juice, soft drinks, tomato products, and parmesan cheese.

 

• Tartrazine (colorings) - is a neurotoxin and a possible carcinogen. It is found in: candy, soft drinks, cereal, gelatin desserts, baked goods, ice cream, and pudding. It is also in snack foods, energy drinks, flavoured chips, and jam. Also in yogurt, pickles, dessert powders and custard.

 

• Nitrites – are linked to cancer, Alzheimer's, and impaired oxygen transport. They are found in: cured meats, sausage, bacon, hot dogs, smoked meat and smoked fish.​

 
What does all this have to do with allergies? ​According to Dr. Adrein Morris's article, ​'Food additives have been implicated as triggers for chronic non-allergic rhinitis and avoidance may benefit up to 8% of rhinitis sufferers.' 

FOODS TO ADD

​Now you are saying.... what’s left to eat? That's my whole diet! ​

Well, here is yet another amazing coincidence. The best diet to help you get through pollen season is a whole food plant-based diet. So, if you suffer with allergies, what better time to get going on a clean eating plan. Check out my book BREAK THE CYCLE or my 6-week HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS Challenge to get started.

Here’s a list of foods with anti-histamine properties that you can start using more of today:

1. Onion
2. Garlic
3. Watercress
4. Fresh ginger
5. Fresh turmeric
6. Fresh peppermint
7. Pomegranate
8. Apple
9. Mangosteen​

​LOCAL HONEY FOR NON-VEGANS
​Locally produced honey. This means the bees are collecting pollen from our local trees. The same trees that give you all those allergic symptoms. Take a tablespoon of local honey every day starting a month before pollen season. This is like inoculating yourself against the same pollen that causes you so much misery.
 
However, I want to point out that honey is basically sugar so if you have a sugar addiction, skip this suggestion. You don’t want honey to get in the way of your weight loss. But if you are at your goal weight and pollen season is unbearable, give honey a try.

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SUPPLEMENTATION

Everyone knows I am a huge proponent for spirulina. You would think that I would be selling it myself.  Maybe I should because I believe in it so much. As I mentioned in my book, spirulina is great for stabilizing blood sugar. As an added bonus, it also helps with seasonal allergies.

Spirulina alleviates sinus issues. It benefits the body by reducing the inflammation that causes people to experience sinus problems, according to numerous studies.  Compared to placebo trials, spirulina is effective at reducing itching, nasal discharge, nasal congestion and sneezing.  Take as directed on the bottle.
 
Start today to put in place these common-sense tips. Eat a whole food plant-based diet. Focus on foods with anti-histamine properties. And use spirulina so you can get through this season feeling much better. Here’s to getting through Spring with clear nasal passages!
 
References:

• www.befoodsmart.com

• ​Dr. Adrien Morris, Hay Fever and Allergic Rhinitis, www.allergy-clinic.co.uk/allergies/airway-allergy/hayfever, London
• Dr. Axe, 10 Spirulina Benefits & Side Effects, draxe.com/spirulina-benefits

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