If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you’re likely dealing with more symptoms this year than usual.

Don’t lose hope! There are things you can do.

Everyone in the same area is exposed to most of the same allergens, yet not everyone responds in the same way. Some have severe symptoms, some lesser, and some have no symptoms at all.

Why do only some people have allergy symptoms?

Your body contains white blood cells as part of its immune system. These white blood cells will produce antibodies (immunoglobulin E or IgE) to a particular antigen once they are exposed to that antigen. The antibodies’ job is to detect and destroy the antigens. They release mediators, such as histamine, to flood the area, deal with the intended target, and create a larger defense.

Where do unnecessary allergic responses come from?

This is a wonderful mechanism, but what happens if the antigen is not harmful, or if the antibody is actually targeting the body’s own cells? Some people’s immune system is hyper-responsive and will therefore produce a mass of histamine, causing a strong allergic response to antigens which are not harmful. This is where auto-immune diseases come into play. This is also where people suffer from allergies to seasonal things like pollen.

What can you do about your seasonal allergy symptoms?

  • NUCCA often reduces allergy symptoms by improving the efficacy of the immune system and reducing its hyper-responsiveness. By the same token, it can improve the immune system so people don’t get sick as much. It balances out the immune response by maintaining nerve function optimally.
  • Supplementing with quercetin, goldenseal and grape seed extract can be helpful.
  • Using a saline (salt water) nasal spray or a neti pot with saline solution can be very effective to wash out pollen and reduce or thin the mucous in your nose.
  • Eating spicy foods can drain the mucous from your nose.
  • Some people find that using a tablespoon of local honey daily reduces their allergies dramatically. It has to be local honey, since only local honey has local pollen.
  • Antihistamines can be effective, but can often have many side effects.
  • Never combine alternative and conventional relief care together unless directed by a doctor. You may end up with too high of an antihistamine response.

I wish you well in your quest for allergy relief!