Spring is here, which also means dealing with spring allergies. According to the CDC, 19.2 million people were diagnosed with spring allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and seasonal allergies) in the past 12 months. This article will discuss common causes of spring allergies, their symptoms, and the top ways to treat them naturally.

 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD 

What Are Spring Allergies?

Spring allergies are caused by the immune system’s hypersensitivity to the blooming of flowers and trees, and grass. (On windy days, pollen can become airborne carried by the wind for miles). The most common causes of spring allergies include:

Grass Pollen

Grass starts growing in the spring, releasing microscopic pollen into the air. The following types of grass are most likely to cause allergies:

• Orchard
• Redtop
• Rye
• Bermuda
• Johnson
• Sweet vernal
• Timothy
• Kentucky

Tree Pollen

Trees release pollen into the air in late winter and early spring. Here are the trees that cause the most allergies:

• Birch
• Walnut
• Hickory
• Cedar
• Mold

Mold is dormant in the cooler months and becomes more active in the spring and summer. Mold can live indoors or outdoors, providing the environment is damp. The top areas for mold to grow are basements, bathrooms, leaf piles, and rotten logs.

Dust Mites

Dust-mite season peaks in July and August. Dust mite allergies come from dust mite waste, which is found in furniture, stuffed animals, carpets, and bedding.

Top Allergy Symptoms

In addition to the typical sneezing and watery eyes, there are several other surprising symptoms of spring allergies:

• Coughing or sore throat. The trickle of mucus from the sinus down into the throat increases the risk of postnasal drip.
• Dry or itchy skin. Allergies could cause eczema, which is the inflammation and irritation of the skin.
• Puffy eyes. Some allergy sufferers have experienced puffy eyes, with the swelling turning blue in some instances.
• Fruit allergies. Some fruits have the same chemical makeup as pollen, which could result in feeling allergy symptoms when consumed. You can reduce or eliminate symptoms simply by cooking fruits or vegetables before eating them. Cooking can lower the pollen levels in the fruit.
• Headaches. Allergies can cause congestion that clogs the nose and sinuses. This pressure can back up, increasing the risk of headaches.
• Itchy or blocked ears. The same congestion that causes headaches could potentially cause clogged and itchy ears in allergy sufferers.

Top Natural Allergy Treatments

There are several ways to treat allergies naturally. Here are some of the most popular:

Diet

As discussed in the previous section, some fruits (and other foods) have the same chemical makeup as pollen or can cause the body to produce histamine. Histamine is a compound released by cells in response to injuries, inflammation, or allergic reactions.

The following foods may increase symptoms of spring allergies:

Foods That Could Stimulate Histamine Production	Foods With the Same Chemical Makeup as Pollen
Smoked meats	Parsley
Walnuts, cashews	Apples
Hot peppers	Celery
Fermented foods	Tomatoes
Wine	Pears
Dairy products	Cherries

Other foods that are best to avoid include sugar, processed foods, wheat, and gluten.

Note: While some may experience allergic reactions to these and other foods, not everyone will have the same experiences. To determine if foods are causing spring allergies, keep a journal noting the foods consumed and how the body responds.

Top Foods for Spring Allergies

Diet can play a key role in alleviating spring allergy symptoms. Antioxidants may help alleviate seasonal allergies:

• Children in Seoul suffering from allergic rhinitis had fewer symptoms after increased consumption of vitamin C. Researchers concluded increased nutrient intake (especially vitamin C) can influence allergic rhinitis symptoms. [1]
• A study on individuals with allergic rhinitis found those lower with levels of vitamin A, E, and total antioxidant capacity played a potential role in the cause and development in allergic rhinitis. [2]

In addition to antioxidants, foods that help fight inflammation may help treat spring allergies as well. The following foods have been used to treat seasonal allergies naturally:

• Ginger
• Probiotics
• Onions
• Apple cider vinegar
• Turmeric
• Rosemary
• Green tea
• Pineapple
• Oregano
• Green leafy vegetables
• Local raw honey
• Vitamin C rich foods
• Garlic and onions
• Fatty fish (omega 3s)

Note: some vitamin C-rich foods may have pollen receptors and should be cooked before consumption.

Tips for reducing exposure to spring allergies

In addition to dietary changes, here are a few ways you can minimize exposure to spring allergies:

Outdoor Tips

• When coming from outside, immediately change clothes and take a shower to remove pollen
• Avoid yard work (mowing lawn, gardening, etc.) or wear a pollen mask while performing these tasks
• Stay inside on windy, dry days (when pollen levels are highest)
• Don’t hang laundry outside to dry (pollen could stick to the clothes)

Indoor Tips

• Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry
• Vacuum carpets regularly to remove pollen, dust mites and pet dander
• Regularly change home air filters as required
• Keep windows closed (use air-conditioning)

Allergy Relief Supplements

Supplements can be taken to provide relief from spring allergies. The following allergy supplements from Revelation Health are all-natural with no artificial ingredients:

Clearwayz (formerly Lister V)

Clearwayz® helps support sinus, respiratory and immune function. This all-natural product contains powerful amino acids and antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals while supporting a healthy immune system.

In addition to allergy season, during the allergy, Clearwayz® can be also used during cold and flu seasons.

ION Sinus Spray 1fl oz (formerly Restore Sinus)

ION Sinus Spray is a rinse that helps combat hay fever. It can also be used to clear dust, pollen, and other air-borne environmental allergens. This product also helps to strengthen the gut.

Glutastat NS™ Nasal Spray - 15ml Tincture Bottle

GlutaStat NS™ Nasal Spray helps treat allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, and bronchospasms. This product is specifically designed to support the upper respiratory tract. It contains the following all-natural ingredients:

• Wildcrafted oregano
• Bay leaves
• Terpenes: Eucalyptol, Geraniol
• Bio ocean minerals
• Limonene
• L-Glutathione

Summary

Spring allergy season typically starts in late February and lasts until early summer. A few diet and lifestyle adjustments could help ease symptoms for those suffering from spring allergies. In addition, knowing the various spring allergy symptoms is key to treating it. Are you suffering from spring allergies? Give these tips a try, and leave us a comment on how you’re feeling.

 

 

Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Revelation Health. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Revelation Health and associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Revelation Health encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

 

 

References:

[1] Ju-Hee Seo, Sung-Ok Kwon, So-Yeon Lee, Hyung Young Kim, (et al). Association Of Antioxidants With Allergic Rhinitis In Children From Seoul. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2013 Mar;5(2):81-7. doi: 10.4168/aair.2013.5.2.81. Epub 2012 Nov 7. [PMID: 23450181]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23450181/

[2] Ercan Akbay, Hamdi Arbağ, Yavuz Uyar, (et al). Oxidative Stress And Antioxidant Factors In Pathophysiology Of Allergic Rhinitis. Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtis Derg. 2007;17(4):189-96. [PMID: 18187969]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18187969/