Even if spring brings hope as the season moves from bleak winter months to sunny summer, allergies is not a wonderful experience for anybody who have it. During spring, huge amounts of energy will be brought by the sun. Because of this, air water and temperature rises. Plant growth is therefore set in motion. Flowers and trees will start producing pollens, and these pollens will be all over the air.

Pollens are allergens; that is, they are substances that trigger hypersensitivity reactions through the responses of immunoglobulin E (IgE). Pollens are minute grains that are released by the plants into the air, the purpose of which is to fertilize other plants. However, when it enters the body through inhalation of the nose, somebody who’s already had sensitive reaction to this type of substances will have his immune system gone haywire. There are several grasses, weeds and trees that release pollens in huge amounts. If the weather is blustery, there is more allergic reaction than on days which are rainy. This is because rain settles down the particles that are floating in the air.

You will know if you have an allergic reaction if you experience runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and itchiness of nose and eyes. Others decide that the runny nose and sneezing are due to common colds. But common colds are caused by viruses, which is totally different from allergic reaction. For allergic reactions such as the ones caused by pollen grains, doctors will usually recommend taking antihistamine drugs. Taking drugs may be beneficial but it has several side effects. Instead of just healing the body’s negative reactions to allergies, such as the runny nose and coughing, antihistamine drugs does more that may or may not be advantageous to the other parts of the body. It is therefore advisable to consider natural health measures to heal the body from the effects of spring allergies. Preventive measures that are natural are more desirable than using drugs after the body has already experienced allergic reactions.

1. Stay Hydrated

   It’s impossible to stop the pollens during spring time. It is also impossible if one goes walking out and enjoying spring time wearing a protective bubble. But it is possible to prevent allergies by not necessarily taking drugs for allergy as a prophylaxis. One way to prevent allergy is by keeping the body hydrated with water. According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, author of the book “Water: for Health, for Healing, for Life”, histamine, the substance triggered during allergic reaction, helps in the regulation of the body’s thirst mechanism. When the body is in drought, there is increase in the production of histamine. Histamine makes sure that all the available water in the body is preserved.

   Furthermore, if the body is dehydrated, the antibodies weaken its activity. So when there is suppression of the actions of the antibody, any allergens, such as pollens, can easily trigger the allergic reaction. It is therefore recommended to increase intake of fluid so that the amount of histamine in the body is decreased while the antibody is increased, which can help in avoiding the effects of spring allergy.

2. Eat Vegetables

   Do not take just any vegetables; take fruity vegetables when you want to avoid the symptoms of spring allergy. According to a study made on 460 children in Spain, eating fruity vegetables can help reduce the symptoms of getting allergies or asthma. Dr. Leda Chatzi of the University of Crete in Greece explained that children who are consuming at least 40 grams of tomatoes or cucumber or green beans or eggplants are not more likely to suffer from the symptoms of asthma or allergy. It is not clear why the children have these positive reactions to these types of vegetables. What the researcher can deduce is that it might be due to the reduction of the inflammatory processes that are associated with allergy. From the evidences, it concludes that avoiding the effects of spring allergy is possible if one consumes huge amounts of fruity vegetables.

3. Take Probiotics

   There is a current rage on probiotics these days. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are added in food products to provide health benefits to the host organism, such as human. In a study made by the Institute of Food Research, ingestion of probiotic foods has reduced the reaction of the body towards allergens. The molecules that are also implicated in the development of allergies are lowered with increased probiotic consumption. Allergic reactions are produced when there is increasing number of histamine in the body. Histamine production is triggered by the IgE, the immunoglobulin produced when pollen materials enter the body. While it is normal reaction for the body to defend itself, it is quite bothersome. Drinking high amounts of probiotics will inhibit the over production of histamine, in spite the increasing allergens in the environment that enters the body.

4. Try herbs

   Three are certain herbs that are beneficial in avoiding the effects of spring allergy. Below are some of them:

5. Ginseng

   Ginseng is commonly used herb and has been used as a medication for centuries in China and Japan. One of ginseng’s active ingredients is ginsenosides. This substance is said to have the capacity to boost the immune system of the body. When the immune system is enhanced, any allergen that enters the body, such as the pollen grain will not cause the body to overreact. Another benefit of ginseng is its ability to improve the inflammation processes of the body. Allergic reaction is suppressed when ginseng will strengthen the inflammation system of the body.

6. Licorice

   Eating licorice may cause allergy to some people, but licorice can also be helpful to those who are suffering from spring allergy. The component called glycyrrhizin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin and 18beta-glycyrrhetinic are what gives licorice the anti-allergic properties. Licorice can relive the symptoms that are commonly associated with the IgE reactions, such as asthma and dermatitis.

7. Ginger

   Those suffering from the effects of spring allergy may be relieved if they take garlic tea boiled in water. Regularly taking this will help some of the allergic symptoms disappear.

Sources
theadventurouswriter.com
wvoutpost.com
webmd.com
sciencedaily.com
livestrong.com
stuartxchange.com