Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are triggered in response to trees, grasses and weeds that release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Areas of the country, like Florida, that have plants pollinating throughout the year have a year-long allergy season. But most areas of the country have an allergy season that spans late winter through spring and late summer through fall.
However, over the last few years, scientists have found that allergy seasons have been longer and more intense. Climate change is causing warmer weather, scientists point out, and the increased temperatures raise carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, according to Michigan Medicine/University of Michigan. This will cause longer fungal allergy season, earlier pollen seasons and northward shifts where the allergens are found, according to Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
The good news is that allergies are controllable. There are tried-and-true methods of managing allergies while indoors and outdoors, as well as some new approaches such as these.
Eat more kale (and beans, spinach and broccoli), a good source of kaempferol. This flavonoid (plant pigment) that has been found to promote the development of regulatory T-cells, a type of white blood cell that helps control immune responses, according to a letter written by a Japanese researcher and published in the journal Allergy.
Regularly consuming good sources of kaempferol such as kale, beans, spinach, broccoli and tea can help ease allergies, by controlling your body’s response to allergens, e.g., sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. It’s also expected to help control your body’s immune system response to inflammation and conditions aggravated by an excessive immune response like autoimmune diseases, e.g., Crohn’s disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Breathe humified air infused with ginger. Humidified air helps ease allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, irritation and inflammation. Ginger can naturally alleviate inflammation in nasal passages, sinuses and lungs. Add fresh ginger to a pot of water and let it boil. This trick may help alleviate your allergies, according to one recent guest on the Today Show.
Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps ease allergy symptoms by preventing nasal passages from drying out. Fluids also thin mucus in the nasal passages, which helps you help cough, sneeze and blow out more phlegm/mucus, ultimately, making it easier to breathe. Water probably works best, but herbal teas and warm soups also may help. Avoid caffeinated fluids and alcohol, as they can dry your nasal passages, exacerbating symptoms.
It’s also a good idea to get between seven to eight hours of good sleep and pay attention to the ozone levels. But most importantly, work with your primary care physician. If your allergies warrant medical attention, they may recommend using nasal saline or an over-the-counter allergy drug. They may prescribe a prescription medication or refer you to an allergist/immunologist for testing and additional treatment.
