*Updated 11/5/20

Sniffles, sneezes, itchy eyes, a pesky cough. These bothersome symptoms are all cardinal signs of seasonal allergies. Also referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis – these allergy symptoms can make you downright miserable.

But before you head to the drugstore to pick up an over the counter allergy medication, you might want to try these simple, all-natural strategies to keep your allergies under control.

What Causes My Seasonal Allergies?

Spring and fall tend to be the seasons when allergens are out with a vengeance. Blooming flowers, budding trees, and sprouting mold spores are all out in full force during these seasonal changes. Pair that with the plethora of chemicals and dust most of are breathing on a daily basis, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for some seriously aggravated allergies.

You see, when your body meets these foreign invaders it doesn’t like, your immune system responds with the production of inflammatory molecules like:1

• Histamine
• Leukotrienes
• Prostaglandins
• Immunoglobulins

These chemicals put your immune system to work in an attempt to neutralize and eliminate these irritating substances – resulting in those pesky allergy symptoms. Now let’s take a look at some natural options to keep your allergies in check.

The Best Tips for Natural Allergy Relief:

The best way to naturally address your allergy symptoms is  to take a two-pronged approach:

1. Taking steps to minimize your exposure to potential allergens
2. Supporting your immune system so it has a healthy and balanced response

Let’s take a little deeper look at these 2 strategies.

Shut the Windows and Door

Your first and best defense is avoidance. Keeping your windows and doors closed can keep irritating pollen and other allergens out. Staying indoors with windows and doors closed and the air conditioning running can go a long way in minimizing your exposure to outdoor allergens.

But unfortunately, outdoor allergens aren’t the only allergens to worry about.

Minimize Indoor Pollution

Indoor air can actually be more aggravating and polluted than outdoor air. Our homes can be full of allergens like:

• Dust
• Mites
• Pet dander 
• Cigarette smoke
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) emitted from household materials like carpet, paint, and furniture
• Toxic chemicals from cleaning products

Here’s how you can minimize indoor air pollution:

• Never allow smoking inside the house.
• Avoid all artificial air fresheners and plug-ins which often contain harmful toxins.
• Try using vinegar and water-based cleaners. You can also use cleaners with essential oils, but be mindful since excessive use of essential oils can also cause irritation.
• Clean air ducts, install clean filters, and have your air ducts cleaned at the end of summer. 

One of the best ways to reduce indoor air pollution is to invest in an allergen-removing air filter for your home. I personally use and strongly recommend Austin Air Filters. You can even get 10% off an air filter if you order through our clinic – just call us at 303-993-7910 to learn how.

Filter Your Air and Clean Your Shower

Using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter – especially for the bedroom and rooms in which you spend the majority of your time – can drastically reduce the number of allergens that make it into your body. Also, buying filters for your heating and air ducts that have a MERV rating of at least 13, or greater will ensure even the tiniest airborne particles are removed.1

I also recommend making sure your shower, bath, and faucets don’t have a slow leak. Consistently leaking water creates a damp environment perfect for fostering toxic mold growth.

Use a Neti Pot 

Although it may feel a little awkward at first, rinsing out your sinuses and keeping nasal passages clear of mucous can help manage any allergy symptoms you may be experiencing. My patients who have committed to using it all say what a huge difference it makes!

For an extra clean feeling, you can add  8-10 drops of Biocidin liquid, or 3-5 drops of Citricidal to your rinse.

Boost Your Immune System

There are a number of supplements that will give your immune system an extra boost during allergy season. Here are the ones I recommend:

• D3
• D3/K2
• Buffered Vitamin C
• Activated Zinc
• Omega Plus 1300 
• NAC
• Glutathione
• Immune Booster

These supplements can help keep your immune system in tip-top shape while also minimizing inflammation – which is crucial to helping your body cope with troublesome allergens.

Allergy Relief Formulas 

Sometimes, all the preventative steps in the world simply won’t be enough to entirely combat some seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are some of my favorite all natural allergy relief formulas to help you better cope with those persistent allergies:

• Dr. Jill Hist Assist 
• Dr. Jill Histamine Blocker
• Restore Sinus Spray
• Xlear sinus spray
• Thorne Quercenase
• Boiron Sabadil
• Sinusalia 

For more information about histamine, allergies, and your immune response, I recommend heading over to these blog posts:

• Boost Your DAO Levels to Fight Histamine
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Here’s What You Need to Know When Histamine Goes Haywire
• The Low Mold Diet: What It Is and How to Follow It
• Mold Is a Major Trigger of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
• The Surprising Link Between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
• 9 Proven Treatments for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome – Plus a Surprising Newcomer

Combining some simple preventative strategies with these all natural allergy relief options can help you survive allergy season without the suffering.

You Are Your Own Best Advocate

With a little planning, you may have the allergy symptom-free season you’ve always wanted but never dreamed possible! I always say, when it comes to your health you are your own best advocate. Equipping yourself with the right knowledge – like the strategies outlined in this article – can go a long way in combating those annoying and draining side effects that often come with the season changes. 

But having the right knowledge and resources in your toolbelt doesn’t end with allergy season. Acquiring and implementing the right knowledge is your most powerful tool in keeping you and your loved ones vibrantly healthy for years to come.

That’s why I’m dedicated to bringing you all the best research and information to make prioritizing your health simple and easy to incorporate. If you want to learn more, I’ve got tons of resources on my blog. I also send out my very best advice through my weekly newsletter that you can get access to by entering your name and email address into the form below.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.   The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician.  Please review references cited at the end of this article for scientific support of any claims made.

References:

1. https://www.worldallergy.org/education-and-programs/education/allergic-disease-resource-center/professionals/in-depth-review-of-allergic-rhinitis
2. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating-1