Written by Dr Sandra Miranda, ND

Seasonal allergies, the bane of springtime. We love the warmth of Spring and those lovely blooms but this year, a lot of people are feeling like it’s not worth the price! This year, it is one of the worst allergy seasons on record. What to do? I’ll share some of my secrets.

DIET

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: STOP THE SUGAR! STOP THE DAIRY! STOP THE WHEAT! Pro inflammatory, pro inflammatory, pro inflammatory.

Many patients can dramatically improve their hayfever by simply avoiding dairy for the few months of Spring. Dairy is by far the worst food you can eat if you have allergies. In fact, children with milk sensitivities are more likely to have hayfever. The culprit is casein, a dairy protein, which increases mucus production in most people and is pro inflammatory. If quitting alcohol, sugar, and wheat is too much then simply avoiding dairy is an option.

QUERCETIN

Quercetin, is strongly anti-inflammatory and decreases the histamine response. It can’t be taken like claritin. One capsule isn’t going to immediately clear your nasal passages or ease your itching eyes. With quercetin, as with most natural remedies, it takes daily use to feel relief.

STINGING NETTLES

Urtica, stinging nettles, can be an extremely effective remedy for those suffering from a runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Like quercetin, it is also anti-inflammatory (although quercetin is stronger) and reduces the histamine response.

HAY FEVER HOUSEKEEPING

Sounds simple but changing your pillowcase every day can reduce hay fever symptoms. When you walk outside, even if for a few minutes, your hair collects pollen. So unless you’re bald, change your pillowcase every night. You don’t want to breathing in pollen all night long while you sleep. Also, wash or rinse your hair out at night. If that’s not an option, try covering it while you sleep. Use an air filter in your room. Change your sheets at least weekly, more often if you can.

If you need more help with you allergies, call us for an appointment 905-239-3900.  We are happy to help.