May 3, 2023
In the Spring time, many begin to suffer from seasonal allergies, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, sneezing, itchy & watery eyes, cough, and runny nose to name a few. Below are some simple and effective tips to help bring your body back into balance. Remember (my favorite saying to customers, friends and family) that everyone’s body was uniquely created and what works for one may not work for another. Sometimes experimentation, consistency, listening to your body, and combining several methods will need to happen before you reach the best effects for you!
- Local Bee Pollen or Honey ~ Bee Pollen taken daily and consistently for 1-2 months (best to start before the season starts, but anytime is the best time) can help your body adjust to the local allergens in your area, and hopefully stop reacting to them! In addition, bee pollen taken daily as a superfood provides many B vitamins which provide the body with the building blocks for energy production, quercetin, antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory nutrients! Start small with 1-2 granules and work up to ¼ – ½ tsp daily. Alternatively, local unfiltered honey can be used, since honey contains local pollen.
- Quercetin ~ Quercetin is a flavonoid, which is a pigment that helps give fruits and vegetables their color. Flavonoids are antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body and have also been found to prevent immune cells from releasing histamines (chemicals that cause allergic reactions). Quercetin also has several other health benefits including neuroprotection, support for respiratory health, cardiovascular health and fighting metabolic syndrome. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to increase your dietary intake, and you can utilize daily quercetin supplements as needed, in capsule or liquid form.
- Bromelain ~ Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and is very effective at breaking down mucus and inflammation. It can be very effectively used in conjunction with quercetin for allergies or even cold symptoms. Most quercetin supplements also contain bromelain; however, bromelain can be purchased as a separate supplement also.
- Nettle (or Stinging Nettle) ~ Stinging nettle is an herbaceous plant found pretty much worldwide. It has been used for hundreds of years for several purposes and has been shown to reduce histamine production in the body, so can be very effective for seasonal hay fever. Nettle can be taken in a capsule, liquid or tea form.
- Homeopathic Remedies ~ There are several homeopathic remedies that are effective at alleviating seasonal allergy symptoms, and can be taken at anytime of the day. There are several combination remedies for allergies, including Natural Care bioAllers Outdoor Allergies and Boiron RhinAllergy. Most homeopathic remedies are quick dissolving tabs or pellets, or liquid. bioAllers also makes the following specific combo remedies so you can target your allergy needs: Animal Hair & Dander, Mold Yeast & Dust (formerly Indoor Allergies), Grass Pollen, Pollen Hayfever, Sinus & Allergy Nasal Spray, and Grain & Wheat.
- Dietary Updates/ Gut Support ~ Eliminating dairy for a short time can help cut down on the body’s mucus production. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially greens, can provide the body with many healthy nutrients to support itself! And finally, supporting your gut microbiome with probiotics can be extremely helpful for allergies of any kind!
We carry all of these items in store at M&J Gourmet, and are always happy to guide you in your selection and discuss your specific needs!
-Kirstin Nice, Owner of M&J Gourmet
**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice
References:
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_bee_pollen_good_for/article.htm
https://www.britannica.com/plant/stinging-nettle
https://www.wellrx.com/news/bromelain-and-stinging-nettle-for-seasonal-allergies/