If you’ve got seasonal allergies, you’re probably struggling with fierce coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes this year, more so than in the past. Of all the things that can cause allergic reactions, pollen is the most widespread. And due to persistently hotter and hotter weather, pollen production has been heavier and lasting longer year over year.

For instance, April is typically the start of warmer weather. This year, some areas in the Northeast experienced temps in the ’70s as early as January. Plus, the first frosts are happening later in the year, keeping pollen-producing plants around even longer. This year, allergy season will be ten days longer than in 1990, while plants will produce 21% more pollen. (1)

With so much pollen in the air, you’ll need all hands on deck to manage your seasonal allergy symptoms. Along with your over-the-counter and prescribed medications, consider these simple, soothing remedies to help you breathe easier again.

 

 

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system reacts to allergens – the most widespread being pollen. Your body releases histamine, a chemical found in your immune cells, to fight off the perceived invaders. Histamine sends blood flow to fight the allergens in your nose and throat, promoting your body to make more mucus. The mucus causes a stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, and sore throat. Histamine can also make your eyes water and itch.

 

When is Allergy Season?

May – June: In May, grass, trees, and weeds gang up on your senses by pumping out allergens. We are in the mines of the worst of it for allergy sufferers, which continues through July.

July – September: Ragweed, a common flowering plant, takes center stage. Tajweed is the leading cause of allergies, with up to 75% of all allergy sufferers affected.

October – April: With temperatures falling, flora becomes dormant. The air clears up, bringing an end to seasonal allergies. Finally, take a deep breath – without coughing – until next year.

 

Reduce Your Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies, there are a few things you can do, along with taking antihistamines and other drugs, to reduce your body’s reactions and soothe your symptoms.

 

1. Know Your Triggers

Have an allergy specialist perform a skin test to pinpoint your allergy triggers. Once you know your allergens, you can make a plan to avoid them.

 

2. Shut Out the Breeze

It’s tempting to open the windows and let the breeze in on a sunny spring day. But for allergy suffers, keep the windows closed to protect your indoor air. Adding a HEPA filtered home air purifier can help eliminate allergens and improve indoor air quality.

 

3. Wash Up

When you walk into your home, you bring in particles from the outside. So, at the very least, leave your shoes outside by the door—shower before bedtime, including thoroughly shampooing your hair to wash away pollen.

Extra bonus, steam from the shower can help relieve allergy symptoms. Along with cleaning yourself, frequently wash your bedding. Dust and allergens accumulate on your sheets and pillow, so give them a good wash a few times a week.

 

4. Keep Pets Out of the Bedroom

If your pets spend time out of the house, keep them out of your bedroom. This way, you don’t add extra pollen and other allergens to where you sleep.

 

5. Wear a Mask

When you can’t avoid allergens outside, masks help keep them from entering your airways. N95 respirator masks are available at most drugstores and block 95% of small particles like pollen.

 

6. Rinse

Nasal rinses clean out mucus from your nose easing allergy symptoms. Use a saline rinse or a neti pot to clear pollen from nasal passages after exposure.

 

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has many important jobs, but it’s probably best known for bolstering your immune system. Vitamin C is also one of the most critical nutrients for fighting allergies. Allergens trigger specific cells – specifically mast cells – to produce histamine, which causes reactions like excess mucus, runny nose, and teary eyes. Studies show that high levels of vitamin C help reduce histamine release and make histamine break down quickly once it is released. Other studies show that deficiency in vitamin C can send blood levels of histamine soaring.

Although vitamin C is available in many fruits and vegetables, surprisingly, studies show that 33% of the population is vitamin C deficient. When even a moderate deficiency can lead to impaired immune system response, supporting your body with a quality vitamin C supplement is a no-brainer.

Stonehenge Health Dynamic Liposomal Vitamin C can quickly and efficiently replenish your daily need for this critical vitamin. It’s 1,500 mg of vitamin C encased in an advanced liposomal delivery system to optimize absorption power. This season you need every tool available to fight your allergy symptoms. Dynamic Liposomal Vitamin C is a natural and effective way to help you breathe easier and feel your best.

Sources
1. https://acaai.org/news/does-more-pollen-mean-worse-allergy-symptoms-probably

2. https://www.prevention.com/health/a20460618/3-supplements-for-allergies/#:~:text=Vitamin%20C%20stops%20histamine.%20Studies%20have%20shown%20that,levels%20of%20histamine%20soaring.%20Daily%20amount%3A%20200-400%20mg

3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/seasonal-allergies-82644

4. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-natural-relief