It’s amazing how a few cold months, a pair of winter storms, and an earthquake will make you yearn for a change of seasons! As you read this, I can only hope the weather on Lake Oconee has begun to make its ritualistic transition to spring. Spring is an exciting time, as people spend more time outdoors enjoying our wonderful natural resources. But, as we are soon to be reminded, the changing seasons also stimulates local flora, causing the release of plumes of pollen. This influx of pollen leads to increases in seasonal allergy and asthma-related symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and wheezing.

Allergies are typically no more than an overreaction of the body’s immune system. When the immune system detects a foreign substance, such as pollen, mast cells in the body release histamine into the bloodstream. This histamine attaches to H1 receptors on other cells, which ultimately results in an increased permeability of blood vessels and capillaries. While this increased permeability is designed to allow water, white blood cells, proteins, and other necessary weapons in your immune system’s arsenal into infected tissues to engage pathogens, it can also cause fluid to escape from capillaries into tissues, leading to classic allergic symptoms: a runny nose and watery eyes. When allergens, such as pollen, bind to sensitized histamine-containing immune cells in the nose, throat, or lungs of an allergic individual, it’s time to cue the waterworks!

When pollen hits, people typically reach for their preferred anti-allergy medicine. Most over-the-counter and prescription medications work by mediating your body’s response to histamines, hence why Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc. are referred to as “anti-histamines.” Unfortunately, however, antihistamines can cause a slew of annoying side effects, including drowsiness, headache, dry mouth and gastrointestinal discomfort.

The good news is there are natural therapies proven to give you an edge in the fight against seasonal allergies. Here are three simple tips you can employ now to avoid an allergic meltdown in the months to come:

1. Drink plenty of water. Purchase a simple pitcher with a built-in filter; plastic bottles have a costly effect on the environment, even when recycled. How much water is “plenty of water?” Calculate your body weight and divide it in half. That’s the amount of ounces you should drink per day, noting total daily ounces should increase with increased activity. Water helps flush allergens, such as pollen, out of your body before they become a nuisance.  

2. Eat RAW, LOCAL honey. Honey has been shown to help decrease the body’s sensitivity to seasonal allergens. It is important to buy honey as locally as possible because honeybees gather wild pollen within the immediate area surrounding their hives, and you want your honey made from the pollen and other allergens you are most likely to encounter. It is important to also make sure the honey is “raw” and has not been pasteurized. Pasteurization and other purification methods subject the honey to immense temperatures and pressures, which destroy the beneficial molecules and proteins necessary for the desired effect.

3. Utilize chiropractic care. Despite 25 years of peer-reviewed studies proving its effectiveness in resolving allergen sensitivities and asthma symptoms, chiropractic care remains a well-kept secret in the war on allergies and asthma. Proper chiropractic care addresses the physical, chemical and emotional stresses that cause your cells to become hypersensitive. Our bodies behave much like you and me. When we are placed under prolonged stresses without resolution, we tend to overreact to the little things. Your body reacts similarly when exposed to a tiny nuisance like pollen or pet hair; it will tend to make a bigger fuss than necessary. When these stresses are resolved, the body functions properly. In this optimal state, your body easily recognizes allergens and removes them without you noticing, all while increasing your beneficial immune by more than 200 percent!

When the warmth and fun of spring come to paint the town yellow this year these natural allergy therapies will go a long way toward having you ‘buzzing’ about and enjoying our wonderful lake community, allergy-free!

If you have questions about the natural treatment of allergies and additional steps you can take to effectively deal with the upcoming allergy season, please feel free to email me at pathwaysth@gmail.com and put “Allergies” in the subject line.