Natural Ways to Soothe Seasonal Allergies

FROM AIR-FILTERS TO AVOIDING FERMENTED FOODS,
DISCOVER NATURAL WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR STUFFY NOSE.

by Mia Bencivenga

April 21, 2021

Spring is a special, beautiful time of year. The flowers are budding, the bees are buzzing, and everything starts to feel alive again after a long winter. 

But as lovely as the warmer weather is, it comes with a downside; a huge release of sneeze and sniffle-inducing pollen!

Although antihistamines are an incredible help to a lot of people this time of year, there are additional ways you can soothe your stuffy nose — naturally. 

1. Take a break from dairy
   Have you ever noticed that after you eat dairy, you feel more congested? Dairy doesn’t make you produce more phlegm, but it does make it thicker and more irritating to your throat — and who needs that in the middle of the allergy attack?
2. Stock up on anti-inflammatory foods
   Inflammation isn’t always bad, but allergies definitely make it worse! While dealing with allergies, avoid alcohol, simple carbs, salty and processed meats, trans fats, and sugary and fried foods. Instead eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fatty fish that’s rich in omegas, and healthy fats (like extra-virgin olive oil!).
3. Avoid fermented foods
   Despite being full of other health benefits, fermented foods are full of histamine. Most people’s bodies have enough digestive enzymes that can deal with histamine, but not everyone. If you’re in the midst of an allergy meltdown, avoid fermented foods, just to be safe!
4. Sip on some green tea
   Good news for green tea lovers with stuffy noses. Studies show that green tea targets histamine-producing cells, suggesting that your favorite hot beverage can soothe you in more ways than one.
5. Try some local honey
   Honey is naturally antibacterial and can be very soothing on a sore throat. It’s also been said that eating honey made by local bees can help with your seasonal allergies. Although this hasn’t been proven, it can’t hurt to try!
6. Get an air filter
   Since we all spend so much time at home these days, a quality air filter is a must, especially for allergy sufferers! Air filters will catch dust and pollen particles and clean your air so you can breathe easily. 
7. Invest in a dehumidifier or humidifier
   If the air is too moist, it could encourage mold growth. But if it’s too dry, it could be irritating your nasal passages. When it comes to allergies, we want the air quality in your house to be just right! For people who have forced air in their house, a humidifier in the bedroom can work wonders in soothing a stuffy nose.  
8. Rinse your sinuses 
   It may not be the most appealing idea, but many allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses. The idea is that saline solution goes through your sinuses and flushes the dust, pollen, and mucus that builds up. Just make sure to do it safely and with the proper solution. 
9. Spring clean
   Decluttering, vacuuming, and wiping down of the surfaces in your home can help make the air a bit sweeter. Just be careful of what cleaners you’re using, and make sure to wear a mask while you work so you don’t inhale anything that could make your allergies worse!
10. De-stress
    Stress inflames the body and could possibly make your allergy symptoms worse. So if you’re starting to feel woozy, don’t push it! Use your allergies as an excuse to take some time off and relax. 

by Mia Bencivenga