{"id":2247,"date":"2018-03-01T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-01T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/2018\/03\/01\/natural-allergy-survival-kit\/"},"modified":"2022-03-30T12:23:57","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T18:23:57","slug":"natural-allergy-survival-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/conditions-and-wellness\/allergies\/natural-allergy-survival-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Natural Remedies for Your Allergy Survival Kit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ahhh, spring is in the air! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the grass and trees are enjoying their post-winter thaw. But as you stop to smell the roses, you immediately start sneezing. Then, your eyes begin to itch and your nose becomes congested or runny. Oh yeah, you almost forgot: Spring is synonymous with allergy season. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllergies occur when our immune systems become hypersensitive to something like pollen or dust,\u201d says says Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC, founder of DrAxe.com<\/a> and best-selling author of Eat Dirt<\/a>. \u201cOur bodies react to these allergens by producing histamines in order to fight the allergen. Some of the most common allergens are substances that are most prevalent during springtime, like pollen or ragweed.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re prone to seasonal allergies, or have moved to a new climate with foreign plant life, then it\u2019s wise to have an allergy survival kit on hand to help ease the annoying symptoms.<\/p>\n

7 Natural Remedies for Your Allergy Survival Kit<\/h2>\n

1.\u00a0Raw, Local Honey<\/h3>\n

Not only is raw, local honey<\/a> tasty, but it\u2019s great for fighting allergy symptoms. \u201cRaw honey contains bee pollen, so when you purchase local varieties, you\u2019re eating the same pollen that\u2019s causing you to suffer,\u201d explains Dr. Axe. \u201cOver time, it helps you become less sensitive to the pollen in your area. It has also been proven to boost your immune system.\u201d Try adding one tablespoon of raw, local honey to your tea, yogurt, or smoothie daily.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Apple Cider\u00a0Vinegar<\/h3>\n

Dr. Axe says this pantry staple helps boost the immune system, breaks up mucus and supports lymphatic drainage thanks to the bacteria found in it. Add a tablespoon of an organic, unfiltered variety of apple cider vinegar<\/a> to a glass of water each morning.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Probiotics<\/h3>\n

A strong immune system starts with a healthy gut, which is why probiotics<\/a> \u2014 the good bacteria that reside in your gut and help protect you against disease and allergies \u2014 should be part of your daily routine. \u201cBoosting your immune system with probiotics can lessen or even prevent allergy symptoms,\u201d says Dr. Axe, who recommends taking a probiotic supplement daily that totals 50 billion colony forming units (CFUs). Eating probiotic-rich foods like kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut is also a great idea.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Stinging nettle<\/h3>\n

This plant with a funny name is fantastic for those suffering from hay fever<\/a>, due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. \u201cThere\u2019s evidence that the plant also naturally controls histamines in the body,\u201d says Dr. Axe. \u201cDuring allergy season, I recommend 300\u2013500 milligrams of stinging nettle supplements daily.\u201d Be advised that if you are taking lithium, sedatives, blood thinners, or medication for diabetes or high blood pressure, stinging nettle can cause an adverse interaction; check with your physician before taking this supplement.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Neti Pot<\/h3>\n

During allergy season, a Neti pot should be your new best friend. The device, which looks similar to a teapot, allows you to pour a nasal rinse into your nostrils to flush out irritants like pollen and dust and thin out mucus. When using a Neti pot, the FDA recommends using distilled or sterile water or tap water that\u2019s been boiled for three to five minutes and then cooled. Dr. Axe says you can either use a premade sinus rinse or make your own solution, using purified water with a quarter teaspoon to half a teaspoon of non-iodized salt.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0Quercetin<\/h3>\n

\u201cThis natural compound, found in broccoli, onions and citrus fruits, slows down the production and release of histamine by the body, which helps naturally control allergy symptoms<\/a>,\u201d says Dr. Axe. \u201cEating a range of colorful fruits is a good way to get your quercetin in, but if you\u2019re struggling with allergies, try supplementing with 1,000 milligrams daily.\u201d<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Essential Oils<\/h3>\n

When you need an immediate fix, essential oils can help clear your nose, reduce
\ninflammation, and provide some immediate relief. Dr. Axe names eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil, and peppermint oil as his top picks, and suggests adding them to a Neti pot or inhaling them from a diffuser.<\/p>\n

How to limit exposure to spring allergens<\/h2>\n
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Looking for a few additional ways to reduce allergy symptoms? Dr. Axe says these lifestyle changes will bring extra relief this season:<\/p>\n