Spring is in the Air (And that Means Allergies!)

My friends who suffer with allergies have told me that they seem worse this year than ever before. They are right!  Some experts believe that the spring allergy season is getting longer. Plants are releasing pollens into the air for a longer period of time and an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may be causing the plants to emit more pollen. Here in the Midwest, where Susan and I live, trees started releasing pollens in March and kept doing so through April. Grass pollens are taking to the air during May and June.

Here in the U.S., more than 40 percent of our children and 10 to 30 percent of adults are dealing with allergies this spring. Symptoms like itchy, runny nose, red, watering eyes, sneezing and coughing are making lots of folks downright miserable.

Pollen counts are highest in the  early morning. While you can’t avoid pollen when you are outdoors, you can pollen-proof your home or office. Keep windows closed, use an air conditioner, and try an air purifier if you have access to one. When you do go outdoors, try wearing an allergy face mask.

The over-the-counter drug industry loves spring allergies. But I have to warn you, these can have harmful side effects and do not address the root causes of your symptoms. What is the root cause of everyone’s allergies? An immune system that is not doing its job. The best way to fight allergies, is to balance your immune system up with good foods, plenty of pure water, exercise, and good sleep habits. Unfortunately, even if you do make some good lifestyle changes today, your allergies may not improve by tomorrow.

Greens, from It Works Global are a must for people with allergies. The bee pollen and royal jelly in Greens are specific immune modulators, meaning they bring balance to the immune system, which is exactly what you need to fight allergies. The probiotics support also helps the body to be less prone to overreacting to allergens. Aloe vera extract is also a wonderful immune balancer. Keeping your body alkaline with Greens is beneficial to your overall health. Take two scoops a day to keep the sneezing away!

Five more tips to help relieve spring allergy symptoms:

1. Try a  home remedy. For example, the herbs stinging nettle, beefsteak plant and butterbur have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onion and garlic, can also help.

2. Pass on milk. Even if you do not have a milk allergy, dairy products increase mucus production.

3. Irrigate your nose. Use a Neti Pot to pour a warm salt-water solution up your nostrils.

4. Use an air filter. Your symptoms may decrease if you run a HEPA filter running in your bedroom day and night.

5. Don’t sleep or cuddle with your pet until after allergy season. Pet dander may aggravate your spring allergies.