How to Minimize Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Spring is definitely in the air – and so is the pollen.

It might be surprising to learn that you can greatly lessen your response to pollen by paying attention to your gut flora and inflammatory state. 70-80%of your immune system lives in your gut. These bacteria are important for immune regulation.

When your gut becomes inflamed due to infection, poor diet, imbalance in the gut bacteria, the immune system can go into overdrive causing the seasonal allergy symptoms: sneezing, stuffy head, etc.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Keep a food diary. Watch for any correlations between what you eat and how you feel.
2. Include gut-healing foods regularly; fiber, real sauerkraut, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and sprouts.
3. Exercise outside after it rains, when the pollen is lower.
4. Take immune strengthening nutrients: whole food vitamin C,  zinc (oysters, pumpkin seeds), cod liver oil.

You don’t need to suffer every year. If your challenges go beyond these simple steps, let us know at your appointment, or click HERE to make an appointment with Dr. Nelson.