Winter usually means time off from allergies. But because this winter has been so mild, spring has come early in many parts of the country. Allergies are already picking up.
Fortunately, you can get ahead of the game and prevent much of the suffering that comes from allergies with a few smart pre-emptive steps:
1. Get a chiropractic adjustment. Align your spine to balance and nourish your nervous system. This boosts your immune system and your overall wellness.
2. Avoid mucus producing foods. Certain foods can make you feel really congested! Avoid sugar, flour and dairy. Citrus, peanuts and bananas can also be culprits for some individuals.
3. Limit histamine-forming foods during allergy season. Our bodies produce chemicals called histamines as part of our reaction to allergies. Histamines tell our immune system to respond to the allergen, which causes many of the unpleasant symptoms we experience. Certain foods also lead us to produce histamines, and are best avoided if we’re experiencing allergy symptoms. These include:
- Cheese
- Egg whites
- Processed meats
- Alcoholic beverages
- Fermented veggies
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Plums
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkin
4. Cleanse yourself after coming inside. We tend to pick up a lot of pollen on ourselves when we go outside. Take a shower, or wash your hands and face, then change your clothes, after you come home from work or a walk outdoors.
You can also buy a Neti pot at Whole Foods or CVS and rinse the pollen out of your nostrils with warm salt water. This is an especially effective technique.
5. Try a histamine enzyme supplement. Adding a histamine enzyme supplement may provide relief from symptoms during allergy season. I carry a product in my office by Allergy Research Group called DAO Histaminase and have been delighted by how many patients report receiving relief — in less than 24 hours!
Enjoy the coming spring—allergy free!