As winter transitions into spring, we welcome bright and fragrant florals, later sunsets, and the promise of mild, more comfortable weather. But there is a seasonal problem that plagues the masses: allergies.
Just like any other form of allergic reaction, seasonal allergies are simply our immune system’s response to a substance it believes to be harmful. For example, when pollen gets stuck within our noses, our immune systems respond by launching an attack that subsequently inflames our nasal passages and accelerates the production of mucus.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million people in the US experience some type of allergies each year. Of those 50 million, 24 million people were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in 2018 alone. And finally, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the US.
These facts and figures are continuously growing as research suggests that allergies are only getting worse, and climate change may be partly to blame.
Many people follow a protocol for relieving allergy symptoms that involves repeatedly taking high doses of over-the-counter medications such as Claritin or Zyrtec. However, for those who prefer a naturopathic approach, natural allergy relief may be the way to go.
In this blog, we’ll dive into why somebody would want to use natural allergy remedies. We’ll identify allergens and triggers, share our favorite supplements and probiotics to get you through the season, and discuss the importance of air filters and dehumidifiers. Let’s begin!
Why You Should Consider Addressing Allergies Naturally
If you’re plagued with seasonal allergies, it’s fairly simple to pay a visit to your local drugstore in the hopes of scoring one of the last few OTC medications left. But what happens if your body builds a tolerance to those same medications that once worked so flawlessly? Or what if you’d like to finally address the cause of your symptoms versus just temporarily relieving them?
The two scenarios above are among the many reasons why someone might gravitate towards natural allergy remedies. You see, many individuals may find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle: suffer, band-aid, and repeat. While over-the-counter medications may temporarily relieve symptoms, those very same ailments will likely return once the medicine has worn off. And for some unlucky individuals, safe doses of over-the-counter medications become ineffective once their bodies have built a tolerance to the drug.
On the flip side, holistic allergy relief is among the best natural allergy remedies. Taking a holistic approach allows individuals prone to seasonal allergies to relieve their symptoms before, during, and after the peak of the season. In any health and wellness routine, consistency is key, and allergies are no exception. Using allergy home remedies can ease suffering and finally break that aforementioned vicious cycle without damaging your body and immune system with synthetic antihistamines.
Identifying Allergens and Triggers
Before we can dive into the best natural remedies for allergies, we must first identify common allergens and triggers. In terms of seasonal allergies, many individuals find themselves struggling to tolerate environmental allergens such as:
- Pollen
- Grass, weeds, trees
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Animal dander
The immune system typically responds to these otherwise harmless environmental allergens by launching an attack that could reveal itself as:
- A runny nose
- An itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
But lucky for you, there are plenty of top natural allergy remedies to combat these symptoms. Speaking of which…
Supplements and Probiotics
Allergies are among the many acute health concerns that can be helped by naturopathy and homeopathic remedies. If you’d like to break free from the seasonal vicious cycle and actually look forward to the spring season this year, we encourage you to check out the following best natural allergy relief supplements:
- Natural D-Hist
- D-Hist JR (for little ones)
- Aller-C
- Xlear
- Seasonal Clear (Allergy Plus)
You don’t have to suffer through the season this spring. To see these doctor-selected supplements listed above and more, visit our shop or browse our supplement packages.
Air Filters and Dehumidifiers
So you’ve switched to a natural approach, you’re consistently taking the best allergy relief supplements, and you’re avoiding common allergens and triggers. What more could you possibly do to continue dealing with allergies naturally?
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside. Common environmental allergens can easily infiltrate your home and wreak havoc on your seasonal allergies.
Luckily, investing in a high-quality air filter or dehumidifier can reduce these airborne allergens and prevent the growth of mold. This further boosts your body’s ability to breeze through allergy season with ease.
One of the trusted air filters we recommend to patients is the AirDoctor. This affiliate link provides access to a discount on AirDoctor products.
However, if you do choose to invest in a high-quality air filter or dehumidifier, be sure to avoid ionic electrostatic room cleaners, inexpensive fiberglass furnace filters, or air purifiers with ionizers using UV light as those options have been proven to be ineffective.
Key Takeaways
Is it possible to deal with allergies naturally? Short answer: yes.
Natural allergy relief is an essential part of our practice as allergies affect a vast majority of people. However, it’s equally essential to use the correct approach, with the correct supporting supplements, in order to best address symptoms.
And that’s where we come in.
Spring ushers in fresh light, renewal, and growth. You, too, can enjoy the upcoming season without the discomfort of severe seasonal allergies, with our help! Head to naturallysue.com to book a consultation or browse our supplement packs for a customized, hand-picked approach to your health and well-being.
About Dr. Susan Cucchiara
Dr. Susan Cucchiara, known to her patients as Dr. Sue, is a Naturopathic Doctor with more than 15 years of experience helping patients better understand their health and uncover factors that may be contributing to chronic or complex symptoms.
A former advertising executive in New York City, Dr. Sue changed careers after her own health journey inspired her to look more deeply at the connection between physical health, nutrition, environment, stress, and emotional well-being. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona.
Her clinical interests include digestive health, hormone and thyroid health, metabolic concerns, immune dysfunction, Lyme disease, environmental illness and mold exposure, inflammation, and mental and emotional wellness.
Dr. Sue is known for an individualized, investigative approach that looks beyond isolated symptoms to understand the bigger picture. Her recommendations may incorporate nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, targeted supplementation, bio-therapeutic drainage, lifestyle strategies, laboratory testing, and collaboration with other healthcare providers.
Above all, she believes patients deserve to feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their own healthcare.
You can follow Dr. Sue on Facebook and Instagram for more health and wellness insights.
Read More: Gut Microbiome and Allergies: What the Research Is Finding
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here. The views and recommendations expressed by contributing practitioners reflect their own professional opinions and clinical experience and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hearty Soul. This article was originally published on narturallysue.com, and has been republished here with permission.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article lead to products or services associated with Dr. Sue’s practice, and she may benefit from purchases made through certain links. The Hearty Soul does not receive compensation from these purchases, and inclusion of a link does not constitute an endorsement by The Hearty Soul.