Oxygen Magazine. July 2021.

Seasonal allergies can occur at any time of year, but they are especially common during spring, early summer and fall. They can be a real nuisance when you want to take advantage of outdoor sports and workouts because you face the risk of suffering through a runny nose, watery eyes and a cough on your run, bike or hike. The good news is you can relieve allergies naturally.

Most people tend to self-medicate with over-the-counter allergy medications that provide short-term relief. Instead, you can work on changing your body’s response to allergens by boosting your immunity and overall health through natural supplements.

Nip Allergies in the Gut 

“The root cause of most allergies is an unbalanced digestive system,” says integrative health expert Taz Bhatia, M.D.

“When your microbiome is weak, or when you have inflammation in the gut, you will be more susceptible to allergies,” she adds. Simple dietary changes such as eating less sugar and more healthy fats (such as ghee) can help stabilize the microbiome.

Bhatia advises taking the ayurvedic herb triphala to help treat constipation and probiotics to keep your gut in balance. Stinging nettle extract is also known to inhibit allergy-related inflammation by blocking histamine receptors.

Eat Your Nutrients

While eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly is essential for overall well-being, there is also a direct link between nutritional deficiencies and increased allergic diseases.

Low zinc levels in the body can increase asthma, eczema and severity of seasonal allergies, for example. Decreased levels of magnesium, a key mineral that helps relieve constricted airways in the lungs, is associated with higher rates of asthma and allergies. Vitamin C protects those suffering from seasonal allergies by preventing cells from further damage, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps the body fight infections.

The best way to consume these nutrients is through natural food, but if you are extremely deficient, you may want to consider taking supplements.

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