If you suffer from allergies due to Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis, symptoms include itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, sinus headache and congestion. The term “hayfever” is a bit of a misnomer because neither hay (alfalfa) nor fevers are typically associated with allergies.  Some allergies are seasonal such as tree, grass, weed and commercial crop release of pollens. Or other air borne allergiesor can occur at any time such as dust mites, mold spores, animal dander and specific chemicals which can trigger symptoms.

Allergies are basically an abnormal immune response to a harmless substance. The difference is not the pollen, the difference is how our bodies react to the pollen. An allergic response happens when the body’s immune system overreacts to allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, etc. The body then overproduces neutralizing chemicals such as histamines to correct the problem.

Somewhere in our society we started believing that seasonal allergies were normal, and something that an individual is going to have to live with for the rest of his or her life, suffering each year through itchy eyes and runny nose. Seasonal allergies are far from normal, and the fact that they are so common should trigger an alarm bell, if all was good, you wouldn’t have them!

Why does the immune system overreact to something that is harmless? However, one person’s causative factors may be completely different from another’s yet they have the same symptoms. Genetics, environment, nutritional status, digestive function, and many more can all be contributing factors to allergic responses.

Traditional medicine treats the symptoms of allergies by suppressing the immune system with drugs such as antihistamines. This approach however, does not reach the underlying cause of why the immune system is not functioning correctly. Medications only mask symptoms but also have unwanted side effects such as drousiness and nutrient depletions. Anyone who has taken allergy medication knows that it will work for a period of time and then its effect will gradually begin to decrease.

Natural medicines do not have side effects nor do they cause nutrient depletions. Here are 7 steps for beating allergies this and every spring without relying on medications:

1.  ASYRA practitioners have acces to al 800 of the NAET® (Nambudripad, Allergy Elimination Techniques, so we can find out which allergens are causing the problem and build a custom signature remedy to desensitize and detoxify the body from the allergen.  Dr. Nambudripad’s discovery, NAET®, is an innovative and completely natural method for regaining better health and effectively relieving allergies and the diseases arising from those allergens.

2. Try SCENAR (electro-acupuncture) – A proper functioning nervous system – which directly influences the immune system – is essential to conquering allergies.  There are some known allergy points that we treat for allergies but SCENAR also keeps your energetic systems functioning at an optimal level so that the body will not overreact to foreign substances (like pollen).

3. Foods to avoid include histamine containing foods – These are foods that have been aged and fermented – cheeses, pickles, sausage, and yes, unfortunately beer and alcohol too.

4. Eat more anti-inflammatory foods – This should be done year round (not just allergy season) – think fresh produce, fish and nuts – and less sugar, grains, and processed foods.  One of the most popular foods to combat allergies is Raw local honey, and hot and spicy foods will help to battle excess mucus.  Apple cider vinegar helps to boost the immune system and lymphatic drainage – see detox juice!

5. More Water! – Research shows that staying well hydrated with clean filtered water helps relieve allergy symptoms.

6. Drink Green Tea – The antioxidants in green tea block histamine production and reduce inflammation.

7. Supplements – Many supplements promise allergy relief, but I recommend Vitamin C and Quercetin as they are potent natural antihistamines.  Antioxidants such as Vitamin C can reduce allergic symptoms by preventing the free radical production and reduce the exaggerated immune response to harmless substances.  Quercitin found in onions, garlic and tea is a biologically active flavonoid which is is one of nature’s most powerful antihistamines which will directly inhibit the release of histamine from the immune cells.  Also the enzyme bromelain which is found in pineapples also blocks the inflammatory pathways and help break up mucus in the lungs.

By following these simple steps you can beat seasonal allergies naturally and, in the process, restore health and function to your body.

If you have been bitten by anything and are worried about the symptoms,  seek the advice of you GP.  If you would like to know more about how to relieve hay fever and allergic rhinitis naturally, then book a call with me at the link below!