As nature wakes up after its winter slumber, it brings about a cycle of rebirth. The products of this include pollens from flowers, plants and trees as well as mold spores, animal dander and insect dung. These all multiply quickly with the increase in heat and sunlight, and are carried by the wind where they find their way into our system. Our seasonal allergies are actually due to several factors building up over time, and the release of more irritants in spring brings our symptoms on full force.
Allergies and sensitivities
Allergic and sensitivity reactions are our body’s response to proteins and other substances which are foreign to our body. Triggers include food sources such as dairy products, wheat and genetically modified foods. Allergies to pharmaceutical medications and toxic chemicals also stimulate an immune response. Pollen, animal dander and fungus or molds are other triggers that are more prominent during spring. Asthma, eczema and hayfever may also be influenced by a hereditary link known as atopy, where sensitivity to different foods and substances is passed down through generations.
Our immune response
When we eat, inhale or are exposed to these allergens our body mounts a response including the release of a chemical called histamine from cells in the respiratory and digestive tracts. Histamine stimulates inflammatory symptoms including redness, swelling, itching and even pain. Increased mucous production provides a barrier against invaders. Histamines and other inflammatory mediators can be kept in check by diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. It is possible to reduce and even eliminate allergies by making simple positive diet and lifestyle changes. Following these tips year-round will help you avoid getting hit by allergies in the spring.
Be proactive
- Cut out the cause: Have a look at the common causes above and do your best to remove or reduce your exposure to them.
- Keep a food diary: This can be a useful tool in identifying your triggers. Monitoring what you eat and any physical or emotional symptoms that may follow helps you make the link between what does and doesn’t work for you.
- Get out in the sun: Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D in our skin. Vitamin D helps our white immune blood cells and those lining our digestive and respiratory tracts to respond appropriately to any foreign particles. Sunlight can also be very useful for skin related sensitivities like eczema and psoriasis.
- Eat essential fatty acids: Healthy Omega-3 levels will reduce the symptoms and moderate hyper-sensitivity reactions to any foreign elements. Great food sources of Omega-3 include flax seed, hemp seeds, walnuts and their oils. Fish oils also provide Omega-3s but can be contaminated by heavy metals present in our oceans.
- Vitamin A: Enhances the immune system and soothes irritated mucous membranes. Good food sources include carrots, apricots and many greens.
- Magnesium: Helps our body calm on many levels. It is a direct support for our nervous system and research has shown that stress aggravates sensitivity and allergic reactions. Rich sources include green vegetables, many nuts and seeds.
- B vitamins: Also help our body manage stress. You will find B vitamins in the majority of unprocessed vegetable foods.
- Zinc: Important for our immune system. Zinc-rich foods include ginger root, pumpkin seeds and nettle root.
- Water: Dehydration aggravates inflammatory reactions in our body. Ensure you drink at least 2 liters per day of filtered water to maintain adequate hydration. If it’s hot or you exercise a lot you may need more.
- Air purifiers: These are very effective at removing pollen, dust, animal dander and chemical fumes and particles from the air in our home or office. If you are sensitive to any airborne particles, an air purifier can make your life a lot more bearable.
What to avoid
- Processed foods: These contain preservatives, colorings, flavorings and other ingredients which are known to provoke reactions in many people.
- Sugar, fruit juices, dairy products and grains: Gluten grains including wheat, rye and oats lead to a low-grade sensitivity for many people.
- Gentically modified foods: Foreign genes from bacteria have been spliced into some of these crops. These bacterial proteins can cross species and may trade DNA with friendly bacteria in the human gut. One of the genes in genetically modified soy has been shown to increase hypersensitivity reactions. Cotton seed oil from genetically modified cotton is a common ingredient in many foods and is often used in restaurants and fast food outlets for frying.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke poisons your body and aggravates many elements of your immune system.
You don’t have to suffer every spring. By making small, positive changes to your lifestyle throughout the year, you can get out and make the most of the longer days and warmer weather.
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