InVite® Health Blog

Seasonal Allergies

written by: Noreen Kodula, Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP)

Allergies are the immune system’s reaction to typically harmless substances. They occur when the immune system identifies a harmless substance (allergen), as a threat. This triggers and immune response that can cause various symptoms.

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, occur during specific times of the year. We will soon be going into Spring and with it comes flowering buds and blooming trees. Seasonal allergies are less common during winter so allergy sufferers get some relief. Some causes of seasonal allergies are pollen, hay, grass and weeds.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies are runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and itchy throat

If you are prone to seasonal allergies, you may also react to indoor allergens like mold, pet dander, dust mites and cockroaches. Indoor allergens are usually easier to remove from your environment that outdoor pollen. Here are some tips to rid your home of common allergens:

• Wash your bedding in very hot water at least once a week.
• Get rid of carpets and upholstered furniture.
• Remove stuffed toys from your children’s bedrooms.
• Fix water leaks and clean up water damage which will help mold and pests’ flourish.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture.

The best way to deal with hay fever is by avoiding the allergens that trigger your symptoms.

• Saline nasal Irrigation to clear allergens, mucus and other irritants from your sinus and nasal cavities.
• Check your local weather for pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Use natural antihistamines to help with your allergies.
• Use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter to cool your house instead of opening the windows.
• If you have to go outside, wear a dust mask.
• Remove your clothes when you get back home to limit tracking pollen all over your house. Shower to rinse pollen off your skin and hair.

Natural antihistamines may help alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking histamine activity. Some examples are:

• Quercetin – a flavonoid found in apples, berries, onions and tea may help stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine release. This will help to alleviate sneezing and itchy eyes. See Invite’s Quercetin and Respiratory Hx.
• Stinging Nettle – Is known to help reduce inflammation and histamine activity; helps with nasal congestion and sneezing. See Invite’s Respiratory Hx.
• Vitamin C – Acts as a natural antihistamine and supports immune health. It may help reduce allergy symptoms and improve overall immune response. See Invite’s Vitamin C Buffered 1000mg, Vitality Plus C-1000 gummies and Vitality Plus C-500 beadlet.
• Black Seed – Targets inflammation and opens up the airways. See Invite’s Black Seed with Rosemary and Cordyceps which regulate histamine responses and support the immune system.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – Helps to thin mucus and reduce congestion. See Invite’s NAC.
• Probiotics – Probiotics help support overall immune system health. They help enhance the immune system which is beneficial for fighting seasonal allergies. See Invite’s Probiotic Immune and Probiotic Hx.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Provide anti-inflammatory benefits which can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions. See Invite’s Fish Oil, Krill Oil and InflamMune Hx.
• Bromelain – Derived from pineapple, can reduce tissue swelling and inflammation. See Invite’s Bromelain.

You should start supplementing before allergy season for preventive benefits. This combined with reducing exposure to pollen, using air filters and rinsing nasal passages can help support overall immune health.

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/natural-remedies-for-seasonal-allergies
4. https://drhoffman.com/article/18-supplements-for-allergy-relief-and-prevention/
5. https://coopercomplete.com/blog/supplements-for-seasonal-allergies/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23307410/
7. https://www.atkinssinus.com/2023/10/using-n-acetyl-cysteine-to-treat-allergies/

Noreen Kodula, Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP)