8 Ways to Survive Allergy Season Naturally

By: Danielle DeGroot, MS, RDN, LDN - @dietitiangonewild

When allergy season hits, many turn to their allergy pill of choice to try and gain back some control.  And sometimes, this seasonal habit turns into a year-long habit.  With increasing awareness around the potential negative side effects of using some medications long term, you may have thought about trying to find a different way. Long term, some allergy meds (antihistamines, decongestants, steroids, etc) can potentially lead to stomach ulcers, trouble sleeping, headaches, digestion issues, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia and hypertension.  Here are some tips to try to get through allergy season a little more naturally:

1. Low Histamine Diet: Always start with diet.  Histamines are an amine found frequently in food which can work as a neurotransmitter signaling inflammation.  We need histamines as part of our immune system to protect us, but when there’s overproduction of histamine we can experience chronic inflammation. For a low histamine diet choose fresh meats without preservatives or additives.  Choose fresh fruits and veggies versus dried, canned, preserved or ripe versions. Choose dairy and grains that are fresh without preservatives, as well. 
2. Sinus Pro:  Contains Vitamin C, quercetin, stinging nettle leaf, licorice root and bromelain from pineapple for sinus, nasal, respiratory function, itching, hives or overall immune protection. Try 1-2 tabs per day. 
3. Nazanol: An herbal blend to support healthy nasal and sinus function. Nazanol includes Chinese Skullcap Root, Fragrant Angelica Root, Chinese Cinnamon Twig and more without ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, ma huang or phenylpropanolamine. If you constantly use Benadryl, Claritin etc, try 1 or 2 caps three times a day or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Nazanol works great with Sinuplex! 
4. Histamine Block: This one provides 20,000HDU of diamine oxidase, also known as DAO, which is an enzyme which helps break down histamine. Due to genetic predispositions or “dirty” genes which may be caused by poor gut health or stress, if you’re lacking DAO you may have trouble with histamines. Try 1 or 2 capsules 15 minutes before a histamine rich meal or as directed by your health care practitioner.
5. MRT Test: If you struggle with allergies, a compromised immune system, autoimmune issues or digestive issues I’d strongly recommend a Mediator Release Test (MRT).  The MRT is a food sensitivity test, but it isn’t like your other standard food sensitivity tests out there. Typical food sensitivity tests look for antibodies from foods in the blood, but food sensitivities are a little tricker than antibody production alone. The MRT measures volume change of white blood cells as they are exposed to different foods. 
6. UltraPotent C: Vitamin C supports healthy overall immune function and may be worth taking year round if you experience frequent allergy troubles.  Consider taking this proprietary formula of Vitamin C vs your traditional over the counter form, ascorbic acid.  This formula may improve uptake of Vitamin C by white blood cells 
7. ImmuCore: Or take ImmuCore which contains Ultra Potent C with the additional immune support of zinc, Vitamin D and a mushroom extract blend.
8. UltraFlora Immune Booster: Another good one to take year round if you experience allergy woes, this is a probiotic containing strains of bacteria that support healthy sinus, nasal and respiratory function.

These recommendations are very general guidelines and I’d strongly suggest working with a Health Coach at Nutrition Dynamic to find the best regimen for YOUR specific needs. You can book a free Discovery Call with us here: https://calendly.com/healthguide/discovery and feel free to mention you’d like to work me as your coach!  Or grab any of the above supplements here: Nutrition Dynamic Products 

It’s important, of course, that I disclaimer that I am not a physician. These tips should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. This is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and before physical activity or diet changes.

References: 

1. Wantke, F., M. Götz, and R. Jarisch. "Histamine‐free diet: treatment of choice for histamine‐induced food intolerance and supporting treatment for chronical headaches." Clinical & Experimental Allergy 23.12 (1993): 982-985.
2. Avalon, M. “Food Sensitivity Comparison Guide.” www.MelanieAvalon.com (2019).
3. Moreno-Macias, Hortensia, and Isabelle Romieu. "Effects of antioxidant supplements and nutrients on patients with asthma and allergies." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 133.5 (2014): 1237-1244.
4. Nutrition Dynamic. www.nutritiondynamic.com