Springtime means an increase in environmental allergens. Coming off of a harsh flu season, it is important to support your immune system during the height of allergy season as much as you can. When your immune system is exposed to allergens, it reacts by mast cells releasing something called “histamine”. Releasing histamine is the immune system’s way of fighting allergy exposure and is the cause of your allergy symptoms.
Many people are allergic to dust mites and don’t even know it…When a pillow is used for two years, studies show that as much as a third of the matter inside of it is nothing but dead skin cells, dust mites, and dust mite poop. DR. CHAD LARSON
In episode 21, Dr. Larson discusses:
- Springtime means an increase in environmental allergens
- Coming off of a harsh flu season, it is important to support your immune system during the height of allergy season as much as you can
- When your immune system is exposed to allergens, it reacts by mast cells releasing something called “histamine”
- Releasing histamine is the immune system’s way of fighting allergy exposure and is the cause of your allergy symptoms
- Allergy symptoms can be mild from sneezing to coughing, or they can be severe leading to breathing issues and asthma
- One of the best natural cures for allergy symptoms is to reduce allergen exposure
- You can reduce exposure by changing your pillow or washing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- When a pillow is used for two years, studies show that as much as a third of the matter inside of it is nothing but dead skin cells, dust mites, and dust mite poop
- If you are allergic to dust mites, which many people are and don’t even know, you may be spending hours laying on a surface full of allergens
- Allergens can be found on the clothes you wear and on your skin. So, when you come home after being out all day, it is important to not only change your clothes but also to shower
- Allergens can also find their way into your nasal passages and mucus membranes
- Using a Neti pot for nasal irrigation will help rid your sinuses of allergens that might be making your symptoms worse
- Squeeze bottles are also an excellent way to irrigate your nasal passages
- If you work in the yard or mow the grass, let someone else do it until your allergies subside. Likewise, if you have pets, let someone groom them and save yourself from the exposure
- If you are already experiencing problems, then the key is to stabilize the mast cells so that they decrease the release of histamine, which will reduce your symptoms
- Instead of reaching for pharmaceuticals, there are other ways to decrease histamine release in the body
- Supplement with Vitamin C
- Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizer. Add it to your food or take supplements
- Bromelain, which is found in pineapple, is an enzyme that works effectively to stabilize mast cells and reduce the release of histamine
- Quercetin is a nutrient that will also help decrease your body’s allergy response
- Quercetin can be found in foods like berries, onions, tomatoes, citrus, broccoli and peppers Purchase local raw honey from the farmer’s market, buying locally is critical because the bees are responsible for pollinating your specific area
- Just a teaspoon of honey every day can help to inoculate you and reduce the amount of histamine response in the body
- Use a HEPA filter in your home and office to rid your environment of allergens
- When you vacuum, use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to filter the air
- Allergies cause your immunoglobulin E to go up, and when it does, histamine is released. The body then can break down excessive histamine by releasing an enzyme called diamine oxidase
- Some people are low in the necessary diamine oxidase to break down histamine and should consider supplementing with it to get allergy relief
- Instead of immediately reaching for pharmaceuticals to stave off allergy symptoms, try to reduce exposure and use natural cures to reduce your suffering
