Dr. Nichole Shiffler is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor at Be Well Medical Primary Care.
Dean Henthorn
By Dr. Nichole Shiffler | Naturopathic medical doctor at Be Well Medical Primary Care
As spring begins allergies will come bringing on sneezing, coughing and much more. While most people turn to over-the-counter medications for temporary relief, natural solutions are also available to help ease seasonal allergy symptoms. If you have tried the many over-the-counter medications and still aren’t getting the relief you desire, consider alternative ways to help manage your allergy symptoms.
Here are a few simple ways you can use a natural approach when treating your allergies this spring.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is important when it comes to reducing nasal congestion. Adults should do their best to drink between 60 and 80 ounces of water daily. Doing so will help thin mucus, making it easier for your body to clear allergens from the sinuses.
If you are one of those people who has a hard time drinking water throughout the day, consider herbal teas as an alternative. Herbal teas containing Chinese skullcap, peppermint and nettle leaf can help soothe your airways, decrease histamine production and reduce inflammation throughout the sinuses.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Anti-inflammatory foods are a great defense against common allergens. Incorporating ginger, turmeric, nuts, leafy greens and dark-skinned berries into your diet can help keep allergies away and reduce inflammation. These nutrient-rich foods help support the immune system which helps your body fight allergens. Adding these foods to your daily diet can help with long-term immune efficiency, especially as you age.
Vitamin C boost
Vitamin C is what most people turn to when they are feeling sick or are dealing with allergies. Drinking orange juice, eating citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits and oranges can help boost your immune system which in turn will help relieve allergy symptoms. Vitamin C also helps defend traditional illnesses like the common cold and other seasonal illnesses. Always keep vitamin C in mind to help reduce those nagging allergy symptoms.
Saline rinses
Saline rinses or using a Neti pot or aerosolized saline spray can also help reduce allergy issues. These rinses help clear allergens and irritants from nasal passages helping to cut down on congestion and irritation in the sinus regions. A daily saline rinse may help prevent allergens and irritants from settling in the nasal passages, reducing the risk of sinus infections and prolonged allergy symptoms.
Using these few natural products and solutions can help manage seasonal allergies. Before even feeling symptoms try these solutions to help prepare yourself for the allergen season. As always if you experience persistent discomfort or severe symptoms, contact your personal physician.
Be Well Medical Primary Care is in Chandler. Shiffler is a graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, now known as Sonoran University, and specializes in holistic, integrative and personalized care to meet her patient’s health concerns. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
