It is that time of year again…..Allergy season! While the plants and flowers area wakening, the attack of their pollen on our airways can trigger a histamine response that causes inflammation not only in our sinuses but lungs and throat. We are all familiar with taking allergy medication to help ease the intensity of our symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing.  But what if that isn’t enough? What else can help?

  1. Nasal rinsing—The mucous membranes grab the allergens from the environment. So regular rinsing helps to remove those allergens from our bodies.
  2. Acupuncture—Acupuncture can help in treating the underlying imbalances that contribute to an allergy response. In the acute phase, acupuncture can help to alleviate the intensity of the symptoms.
  3. Herbs—Quercetin has been shown to block the release of histamines. This can be found in a few different foods, such as onions, apples, and black tea. 

Can chiropractic help too?

It surely can! Any stress on the body can increase the inflammatory response.  Chiropractic adjustments help to reduce any stress on the nervous system. And a well-functioning nervous system will help reduce symptoms of any irritant, including allergies.  Adjustments could help by opening up the sinuses, which will help move congestion and stuck irritants in the nasal cavity, throat, and lungs.  

Varying your diet may help too!

Allergies are worsened by toxins residing in the body.  Reducing inflammatory foods like, fried foods, sugar, and alcohol, can help the body rid the irritants quickly. Drink more water to keep mucous thin! Try adding probiotics.  They stimulate production and boost the immune system to hinder growth of pathogens.  Adding peppermint essential oil to a bath, cup of tea, massage oil, or diffuser could help reduce allergy symptoms. Eucalyptus and basil have also been shown to help.