Seasonal Allergy & Natural Remedies

Foods best for allergies

• High quercetin containing foods: flavonoid (antioxidant) that is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimicrobial
  • Apples, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage, kale, leafy greens, berries, tomatoes, peppers
• Food sources of NAC (n-acetyl-l-cysteine):
  • Broccoli, onions, garlic, red pepper
• Food sources vitamin C:
  • Citrus, red bell pepper, kale, strawberries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, peas, kiwi, papaya, guava

Home remedies for allergies

• Neti pot or nasal irrigation devices for either sinus or nasal rinsing. May use salt water.
• Diffused essential oils, like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, lemon, basil, thyme
• Acupuncture in office: opens of blocked meridians and circulates Qi. May use points that improve digestive function, quality of sleep and phlegm retention.
• Allergen friendly diet. Remove allergens/sensitivities from diet. Blood testing is available for environmental/inhalant allergens as well as food allergies and sensitivities. Reducing known allergens may help prevent symptoms all together. Avoidance of dairy products likes milk and cheeses, which tend to be mucus producing.
• Avoidance of high histamine foods such as:
  • Fermented alcoholic beverages, especially wine, champagne and beer
  • Fermented foods: sauerkraut, vinegar, soy sauce, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, etc
  • Vinegar-containing foods: pickles, mayonnaise, olives
  • Cured meats: bacon, salami, pepperoni, luncheon meats and hot dogs
  • Soured foods: sour cream, sour milk, buttermilk, soured bread, etc
  • Dried fruit: apricots, prunes, dates, figs, raisins
  • Most citrus fruits
  • Aged cheese including goat cheese
  • Nuts: walnuts, cashews, and peanuts
  • Vegetables: avocados, eggplant, spinach, and tomatoes
  • Smoked fish and certain species of fish: mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna, anchovies, sardines
• HEPA based air filters in home
• Removing shoes in house and changing clothes from outside prior to sitting on furniture or bedding
• Exercise- increases circulation to lungs and nasal passages, encouraging drainage

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Supplements

• Bee Pollen
• Kombucha, Kefir, Probiotics. Probiotics in pregnancy and lactation have been shown in studies to reduce allergies in the offspring.
• NAC- as an expectorant and mucolytic amino acid that also helps the body replete glutathione which is a major antioxidant and detoxifier in our body
• Quercetin
• Nettles as herbal capsules, bulk powder, or herbal teas
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Spirulina
• Vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids
• Turmeric root
• Enzymes like papain or bromelain, mucus thinning properties
• Vitamin D- dosed depending on current blood values
• Omega’s 3 such as fish oil

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Allergy Products that do not work

• Honey (quantity not high enough of pollen to work, high in sugar, may not contain local sources of pollen that pertain to your specific allergies, needs to be unfiltered, raw, and local)
• Orange juice (high in sugar and not high enough with vitamin C to provide anti-allergic properties, best to eat fruits in whole form as opposed to juices)
• Processed garlic, pre-minced (does not contain active constituents once it is cut, loses efficacy, need to have fresh garlic)
• Be cautious with supplement companies that do not have quality control procedures that are monitored by a 3rd party. There are many companies that when contents are evaluated, have failed to contain ingredients or quantities claimed on label. Seek professional help to guide with choices for quality supplements and proper dosing that is therapeutic. Look for organic, non-GMO, allergen and contaminant free products.
• OTC allergy meds, like diphenhydramine or other antihistamines, or pseudoephedrine, have side effects and do not address root cause of allergies. Not great long term solutions.
• Antibiotics or cold and flu remedies when in fact they have allergies