What are allergens and allergies?

An allergen is a foreign substance that causes the body’s immune system to be abnormally active and attempt to fight off a perceived threat that would otherwise be completely harmless. An allergy is the name for the specific substance that causes an abnormal immune system response.

While rare, some allergic responses (especially to food) are immediate and life threatening.

The typical allergic response (including seasonal allergies and hay fever) causes inflammatory conditions and uncomfortable symptoms. For example, someone with seasonal allergies may experience GI distress, fatigue and a headache (or even sneezing) after exposure to the allergen. 

There are also allergens that can cause sluggishness, weight gain, hormonal imbalances, irritability, itchiness, joint pain, and weakness. The problem is that these allergens don’t necessarily cause quickly presenting side-effects, but rather progressively worsening symptoms overtime that are sneaky and hard to spot. 

Can I get rid of allergies?

Probably not. There are, however, some immunotherapy medical treatments (most are unnatural; a few, like hemopathies, are natural) that might help you build a tolerance to the allergen.

Why do I even have allergies?

There could be more than one PhD dissertation on the subject (go here to learn more) but, in short, no one really knows for sure. In fact, as it weird as it may sound, allergies might be an essential defense against noxious chemicals and "invaders" — a defense that has served our ancestors for tens of millions of years and continues to do so today.

What can I do to naturally reduce the symptoms of an allergy?

The best remedy can vary depending on the person and type of allergy, so try a few of the options below and see what works for you!

Seasonal Allergies & Hay Fever Natural Remedies

Most of the time, these allergens are airborne grass, tree, and plant pollen.

1. Limit exposure to the outside air, purify the home/office with an air filter and regularly clean your home. Make sure to stay away from open grass fields, fires, and areas with lots of leaf litter, too. The is the biggest step you can take to lessen and recover from seasonal allergy symptoms: minimize exposure.

2. Take a shower and/or washout your face and eyes after exposure or as soon as symptoms occur. For those who are especially susceptible to high histamine, a change of clothes may also be necessary after being outside.

3. Supplementing with bee pollen, royal jelly, apple cider vinegar, and butterbur may help build a natural tolerance to seasonal allergies.

4. HistaAid. It is widely known that excessive histamine release can provoke brain fog, itchy eyes, fatigue, and unwanted immune responses. This fast-acting blend of flavonoids, vitamin C, and DIM is designed to offer support for seasonal sufferers.

5. You may notice your allergy symptoms are worse during the afternoons. This is because pollen counts generally rise and fall with the sun. It's best to schedule your outside activity for the morning and especially at night. Also, think about staying inside when windy.

6. Eat a low histamine diet and foods high in vitamin C, B and load up on anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D, omega 3, and quercetin. Also, avoid these common food allergens even if you don't have a "diagnosed allergy": soy, diary, eggs, peanuts, and wheat.

7. Take a steamy, hot shower and use eucalyptus and/or peppermint oils to clear and open up your airways.

8. NasalCrom, when used regularly, can help relieve sinus inflammation and help your body react less severely to an allergen.

9. Make sure to drink extra water to help you body "flush out" the allergens. There also also many herbal tea remedies you can try.

10. Keep yourself in great health, fitness, and make sure to sleep well. You body needs the extra strength to help you get through the day.

11. Consider taking a sauna and/or a cold shower, both can relieve allergy symptoms.

12. Make sure your entire home (crawlspace, living areas, and attic) is mold-free.

13. Hydrogen peroxide, in the form of a nasal spray, has been shown to help relieve allergy symptoms. It destroys and flushes out the irritating substances in the sinus cavities.

14. Address underlying health condition and immune imbalances.

15. Take a vacation to the beach. Coastal areas have the fewest allergen counts on average.

16. Flush your nasal passages with saline.

NOTE: Seek medical help if you or someone else has a severe allergic reaction. Don't wait to see if the symptoms go away.