Seasonal allergies are no joke! They can cause sinus infections, ear infections, sore throats and chronic coughs. They also make your body vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Chances are there is at least one season that causes concern. Below are 5 things you can do to naturally boost your immune system and help your body deal with whatever blows in.
1. Adjust your diet
This is the most important thing you can do as soon as you start to get that scratchy throat, watery eyes, or chronic congestion. Allergy symptoms show up when your body has experienced an overload of allergens. Most people have low level sensitivities to various foods that they eat on a regular basis. However, symptoms do not occur until a seasonal allergen is added to the dietary sensitivities. By reducing allergens in your diet, your body may be able to handle the allergens in the air well enough to keep you from being miserable. Cut out all dairy, gluten, sugar, and alcohol. Though it may sound extreme, you only need to do it for about 3-5 days to keep from getting chronically sick. I also recommend adding in hot water with lemon and honey in the mornings to help you detox.
2. Eat foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C is very helpful during allergy season because it helps prevent histamine formation. This works in a healthier way than over the counter anti-histamines as they just block the already made histamine. The best way to get vitamin c is by eating citrus, strawberries, kiwi, or mango.
3. Use a neti pot
Neti pots clean out your nasal passageways. This helps by clearing out any pollen or allergens that are irritating your sinuses. It also clears out any excess mucous that can lead to sinus infections and headaches. Doing a neti pot at the first sign of symptoms will be more effective than waiting until you are so stuffy you can’t breathe.
4. Get Adjusted by a Chiropractor
Getting a chiropractic adjustment is proven to boost your immune system. It also helps your body detox in a more efficient way. This is essential for decreasing your allergens because your body will process them faster. Additionally, adjustments can help your sinuses drain faster, assist lymph drainage and can decrease build up of fluid and pressure in the ear canal.
5. Take certain types of supplements
Take Probiotics on a regular basis (not just during allergy season). Many allergies develop in the gut. An unhealthy gut can create intense allergic reactions. Probiotics introduce healthy bacteria into your stomach so that you can digest your food better. It also helps your immune system regulate itself which can help reduce allergies in the long run.
Take Fish Oil. Along with providing benefits for your heart and brain, fish oil also has anti inflammatory properties that can help combat allergens.
Good luck taking care of yourself this season!
Love and Light,
Laine Morales DC
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