Allergy prevention tips you can start today. 

Spring is an optimistic time of year when nature warms up and invites us out to play. But if you struggle with allergies, the arrival of spring is a warning side to stay indoors. 🌷

 

With the threat of irritating allergies looming, you might be dreading the weeks or months of sniffles, itchy eyes, and sinus headaches ahead. But what if you could stop spring allergies before they start?

 

When it comes to your immune health, prevention is the best medicine. Along with staying ahead of spring colds and the flu, boosting your immune system naturally can also help you build resilience to the most common spring allergens. 

 

Follow the tips below to build your immunity before pollen counts rise so you can reduce or eliminate your allergy symptoms this year. 

 

What Causes Spring Allergies?

There are many different allergy triggers, but the underlying cause of allergies is the same: an overreactive immune system. 

Things like pollen and dust aren’t actually harmful to our bodies – but the immune system sees them as big threats. It mounts an immune response to neutralize these particles. But since there’s no real infection or invader to fight, our tissues are left to deal with the aftermath of inflammation, swelling, and congestion. 

So, what trigger will set off an allergy response in the body? Here are some of the most common allergy triggers to avoid in spring: 

• Pollen
  The primary cause of spring allergies is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air during the spring months, triggering allergic reactions in those with immune sensitivities. While there are many different types of pollen, these are the most common ones to avoid in Arizona:
  • Ash 
  • Bermuda grass
  • Cottonwood
  • Johnson grass
  • Juniper
  • Mesquite
  • Mulberry
  • Ragweed
• Dust and Mold
  Have you checked your home air filters recently? In addition to pollen, dust, and mold can also contribute to spring allergies. As the weather warms up, people start to open their windows and doors, allowing dust and mold spores to enter their homes. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, and mold can grow in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. To reduce exposure to dust and mold, it is important to keep the home clean and dry.
• Poor Air Quality
  Pollution can significantly contribute to spring allergies and immune weakness. If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, avoiding high-pollution areas and wearing a face mask can help you reduce your exposure.

5 Natural Ways to Prevent Allergies

The best path to an allergy-free life is prevention. By incorporating the methods below into your daily routine, you can enjoy the beauty of spring without being sidelined by allergies.

1. Clear the air.
   They call it “spring cleaning” for a reason! Now is the time to air out your home before the pollen levels rise. Open the windows, declutter, clear away dust and debris, and replace your air vents. This will reduce the number of allergens in your home, the only environment you can control.
   
2. Eat for allergy relief.
   Did you know that your digestive system plays a huge role when it comes to immune health and allergy prevention?
   
   At least 70% of your immune system is housed in the gut. So, the healthier your gut is, the stronger your immune system will be and the less likely you are to experience allergies.      Improve your gut health by eating a well-rounded diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats and protein. Be sure to include sources of soluble and insoluble fiber, probiotic foods, and drink plenty of water.There are also many allergy-fighting foods you can add to your daily meals. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and broccoli, can boost your immune system and reduce allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, nuts, and seeds, can also reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn keeps allergy symptoms at bay. You’ll also want to avoid foods that are high in histamines, such as aged cheese, wine, and cured meats.
3. Do a spring cleanse.   From the food we eat to the products we use to the air we breathe, we are surrounded by toxins. If your immune system is overburdened from dealing with a heavy toxic load, you’re more likely to experience issues like allergies. A cleanse through Moringa Natural Health Center can help enhance your body’s detoxification processes and “clean up” your system to give you an edge against allergy season. 
   
4. Embrace essential oils.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be used for therapeutic purposes, such as aromatherapy.
   
   Peppermint oil is known for its ability to open up the airways and reduce congestion. Eucalyptus oil is another great option, as it can relieve sinus pressure and help clear mucus. Lavender oil is also useful, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce swelling and irritation.
   
   If you don’t have an aromatherapy diffuser at home, another great way to put these oils to use is by making an allergy-fighting room or pillow spray. Simply combine a few drops of each oil into a dark glass spray bottle, add a splash of witch hazel, and fill it with distilled water. Shake and spray throughout the day. Or, visit us for a tailored aromatherapy session.
5. Get acupuncture.

   

   
   Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest therapies, and has been helping people boost their immunity and fight allergies for centuries. Not only can acupuncture help you keep allergy symptoms like congestion, itchy eyes, and sinus headaches at bay, but it also helps you prevent allergies from the root. Learn more about our acupuncture services or schedule your first visit here. 

Find Natural Allergy Relief at Moringa Natural Health Center 

While seasonal allergies can be a nuisance, there are natural ways to prevent and alleviate symptoms. Reducing exposure to allergens, eating a healthy diet, and using natural remedies can all help reduce allergy symptoms.

At Moringa Natural Health Center, our goal is to get to the root of why your immune system is overreacting to these allergens to stop allergy symptoms from ever starting. When we right the imbalance, your immune system can stop wasting energy on non-threatening allergens, your symptoms subside, and your body falls back into a healthy balance.

Ready to embrace this spring, allergy-free? Request an appointment today, or contact us to learn more! 

Much love, 

Dr. Lena Fernandez