How to Keep your Allergies in Check

With the onset of spring and the warmer weather, the higher pollen count is making many of us miserable with hay fever. But that’s only one of a long line of allergies that can disrupt our lives. So, what can we do about them?

Well, apart from taking conventional medical remedies such as sprays and pills (some of which can make us feel more than a little sedated), there are alternative methods we can try too. For instance, we have a better chance of fighting allergies when we strengthen our immune system and, likewise, keep our respiratory system in tip top condition.

Why is the immune system so important for allergies?

An allergic reaction to a substance starts in the immune system. Your immune response to the likes of pollen, dust, pet hair or mould often results in a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, lethargy, asthma etc. That’s your body trying to protect you from the ‘alien’ substance. It does this by producing immunoglobulin E antibodies which in turn releases histamines, hence the symptoms.

How to strengthen your immune system

There are a number of ways to make sure your immune system is strong and fighting fit to curb ‘invaders.’ Some of these are:

• Eating well. By eating plenty of fresh fruit and veg, as well as lean protein, complex carbs and healthy fats (omega 3 and 6), you’ll get the vitamins, minerals and proteins your immune system needs to remain strong.
• Exercise. If pollen makes you miserable then exercise indoors. Exercise is important for good immune functioning since it increases the speed at which white blood cells (which attack ‘invaders’) circulate around the body.
• Immunotherapy. This is when an individual is given injections of allergens they are sensitive to with the intention of eventually desensitizing their immune system.
• ‍Meditation. High levels of stress compromise the immune system, making it easier for ‘invaders’ to make their mark. Meditation can help combat stress and in return, allergic reactions.
• Sleep. Getting enough sleep allows our bodies to relax and repair itself. This means restocking our immune system too. Between seven to nine hours is recommended.

Herbs

Yarrow, Ginger, Sea Buckthorn and Stinging Nettle are just several of any number of herbal remedies that have been shown to help with allergic reactions. This is often due to a herbs effect on reducing inflammation, boosting the respiratory system or acting as a natural antihistamine.

Raspberry leaf and peppermint

A tea aimed at boosting the immune system as well as supporting digestion, the peppermint provides the natural immune system support while raspberry leaf contains antioxidants to tackle free radicals. This makes our raspberry leaf and peppermint tea a ‘must try’ remedy for those looking to help with allergies this spring and summer.

‍Turmeric & Cinnamon

Containing a powerhouse of benefits, the turmeric in this tea helps support both the immune system and the respiratory tract while the cinnamon is packed with antioxidants to help fight off ‘invaders.’ Our Turmeric & Cinnamon is sold as an all-round body booster tea.

Elderberry & Echinacea

Both Elderberry and Echinacea are known for their capacity to support the immune system. The former also has antioxidants to help fight free radicals while the latter can also help with urinary tract infection. In addition, we think this tea tastes great.

Other ways to fight off allergies

• Wash bedding regularly in hot water
• If you can afford it, take up the carpet and replace with wood, tiles or some other form of hard flooring
• Don’t allow pets to enter the bedroom
• Make sure there’s no mould lurking in the bathroom or kitchen