By Natasha Kubis
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Mr.Thoreau was a master of words when describing the profound beauty of our natural world, but I do wonder if his perspective would differ had he suffered from allergies. Nature is our temple, our sacred place to find solace, but for more than half the population who suffer from allergies, being in nature can feel as though the immune system is at war. Finding solace in between all of the sneezing and tissues can present quite the challenge.
Seasonal allergies (also called hay fever) are common. They occur during certain times of the year–particularly the spring, summer, or fall and can be triggered by pollen, grasses, weeds, and molds. Hay fever can make the nose, throat, and eyes itchy and irritated. Sneezing is common and the nose may become runny and stuffed up, potentially leading to headaches and sinus infections. Symptoms can feel relentless and intrusive when trying to enjoy a splendid hike in Appalachia or tending to the garden. So why is our immune system reacting to nature with such pesky side effects?
The immune system is our body’s defense against elements from the outside that are potentially harmful. However, with allergies, the immune system mistakes harmless bits of proteins as harmful invaders and misidentifies the proteins found in the pollens of trees and grasses as noxious invaders. The hyperactive immune system then creates Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a type of antibody produced by the immune system, to help fight the perceived threat. On every subsequent exposure to the proteins, the antigen IgE stimulates the immune system to create histamine and other chemicals in response, leading to hay fever. Histamine is a compound which is released by cells in response to allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of capillaries.
Pollen is not inherently bad for our health, but a weakened immune system is. Common treatments for seasonal allergies target inflammation in the sinuses and include steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants and immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots. There are natural ways to combat allergies in addition to traditional methods which include the following suggestions.
Irrigation
Regularly flushing out the sinuses with a warm water and salt (saline) solution may help loosen and wash out mucus and hydrate the nasal lining. This technique is called sinus irrigation. Also, bathing the eyes with plain eyewashes (such as Artificial Tears) can help reduce irritation.
Acupuncture
This ancient technique can help boost a weakened immune system or re-balance an over-active immune system by stimulating anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the body. Typically, patients fighting allergies have compromised immune function. In this case, acupuncture works with the body to bolster the production of white blood cells and strengthen the immune system’s resistance to infection by increasing its lymphocyte count and activity. Recent research has examined some of the mechanisms of acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects which include down-regulation of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body that can enhance and prolong inflammatory response.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It is wise to limit products that cause excess inflammation in the body. These high histamine instigators include alcohol, tobacco, sugar, wheat, dairy, caffeine, saturated fat, smoked meats, and highly processed foods. There are many foods with strong anti-inflammatory properties. These include:
• Local, raw honey: This sweet nectar can help allergy symptoms by regularly exposing you to local pollen–not unlike the concept of how allergy shots work. Allergy injections help desensitize pollen-allergic people by exposing them to a specific pollen.
• Turmeric: This root has very strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. It comes in supplement form but it is also worth buying fresh turmeric root from the grocery store and using it in smoothies, soups, and other dishes.
• Ginger: This plant is another natural antihistamine and decongestant. It may provide some relief from allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes.
• Quercetin: This is a flavonol, a plant-derived nutrient, that can reduce allergic reactions through its antihistamine effect. It also decreases inflammation and is found in apples, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, pears, spinach, kale, and cabbage.
• Magnesium: This essential mineral may open constricted airways in asthma by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes. Sources of magnesium include almonds, spinach, avocados, oysters, seeds, and buckwheat.
• Beta-Carotene: This helps boost immunity and keeps the respiratory system working optimally. It also is a powerful antioxidant and is found in sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, winter squash, and collard greens.
• Vitamin C: This vitamin has been shown to decrease production of histamine, thus reducing an immediate allergic episode. Green and red peppers, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, potatoes, and cabbage are all high in Vitamin-C.
Stay Hydrated
It is important to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Studies have shown that when you are dehydrated, your body produces higher histamine levels and that drives allergies.
Exercise
Exercise is recommended for proper function of the immune system and it can temporarily relieve nasal congestion. The increase in circulation clears sinus pressure and allows for easier breathing. Sinus congestion is also loosened by increased temperature in the body’s core.
There are many natural remedies that can combat allergies by strengthening the immune system. To combat allergies more effectively, these practices should begin several months before allergy season. Treating the symptoms as they appear is a less effective than preparing the body ahead of time. Focusing on proper nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and methods that reduce inflammation in the body throughout the year will help prepare the body for allergy season so you can enjoy nature to its fullest, just as Henry David Thoreau did.
Natasha Kubis is a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher. For more information, visit essential-well.com