Allergic reactions have increased dramatically over recent decades. Common symptoms of hay fever can include nasal congestion, sinus pain, headaches, fatigue, itchy throat, watery eyes, and more. Many people suffer from hay fever, also called pollen allergy. You may be particularly sensitive to allergies if you have a weakened immune system, digestive problems, underlying health conditions, experience significant emotional and physical stress, lack of sleep, or are pregnant. In this article, we will guide you on how to prevent and alleviate pollen allergies naturally. Remember, treating allergies requires patience and a combination of tactics.
5 steps to naturally relieve pollen allergies
Review your diet
Avoid gluten and dairy products for a while before, during, and after the pollen season. Dairy products create mucus and make it difficult for the body to handle allergies.
Remove as many allergens and burdensome substances as possible, such as alcohol, white sugar, eggs, soy products, peanuts, etc., to support your body's focus during pollen season.
Foods that may relieve allergies
Plenty of clean water, preferably with squeezed lemon.
1 teaspoon of organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar in water 2-3 times per day.
Cold-extracted honey.
Lots of colorful vegetables, nettles and berries - antioxidants!
Spirulina is said to help stop the release of histamine that causes symptoms. Read more about spirulina here.
Fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut or kimchi.
Pineapple - the enzyme bromelain found in pineapple can help reduce reactions to allergens. You should eat the core of a ripe pineapple. If that's not possible, bromelain is available as a supplement.
Onions and garlic.
Spicy food.
Bone broth or miso soup if you prefer vegetarian. It's very beneficial for the gut.
2. Get help from supplements
Sometimes the body needs a little extra help, and that's when supplements are an excellent complement.
Pollenzym from Holistic with ingredients including bromelain, ginger, and quercetin.
Pollenoptimal from Helhetshälsa with ingredients including black cumin, vitamin C, sea buckthorn, ginger, quercetin, and bromelain.
Quercetin*.
Bromelain**.
Extra vitamin C.
Healthy gut bacteria.
Zinc.
Nettle**.
Interesting: There are certain phytonutrients that have been shown to block the release of histamine.
*Quercetin is an example of a vegetable flavonoid and antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, blueberries, broccoli, and tomatoes.
**Bromelain has been shown in some studies to reduce nasal swelling, allowing for better breathing. The product Proteazym contains a lot of bromelain among other ingredients.
**You can read more about the amazing nettle here.
3. Avoid pollen as much as possible
An important way to reduce allergy symptoms is of course to start eliminating them from your indoor environment as much as possible.
Keep windows at home and at work closed during the day.
Always wash your hands and face after being outdoors.
Shower and rinse your hair before going to bed.
Don't surround yourself with too much fabric at home; items like cushions and heavy curtains should be removed when allergies are at their worst.
The best time to go for a walk is in the evening or after a nice rainfall when pollen has settled.
It's good to know which substances can cause and worsen pollen allergies:
Pollen from trees such as Birch, Oak, Beech and Elm, Mugwort and Ragweed.
Grass.
Elements from trees and flowers.
Mold.
Dust.
4. Stay updated with pollen forecasts
Using pollen forecasts, you can plan your daily activities. There are several websites online that show forecasts so you know when it's safe to go outside. You can also apply some rich cream under your nose before going outdoors to create a "pollen trap." For example, shea butter works well for this purpose.
5. Rinse your airways with a nasal irrigation pot
Rinse your nose daily with a nasal irrigation pot. Mix lukewarm water with natural salt and add it to the nasal irrigation pot.
