Detox for Seasonal Allergies: What to Know

Spring is the season for reawakening. The birds are chirping as the warm sun thaws out the winter cobwebs. But for people who suffer from seasonal allergies and experience persistent sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, a runny nose or scratchy throat -- the change in season can feel far less enjoyable than it should.

If you are someone who experiences any of the common symptoms, then you know how unpleasant they can be. But did you also know that a detox for seasonal allergies can help to balance the inflammatory immune response and lessen the severity of the reaction, helping you to feel better?

Allergies and Your Body

Allergies are caused by an overreaction by the immune system to certain environmental offenders. Exposure to irritants in the air, including pollen, grass and mold, can cause the body to produce antibodies that trigger an allergic reaction. Depending on the severity of the allergy the inflammatory response to the allergen can lead to a host of mild to severe symptoms.

Research suggests that increases in allergies are commonly associated with increased exposure to environmental toxins, making it essential to avoid, reduce and support any burden from exposure where possible. While there are multiple reasons a person may suffer from allergies, reducing the inflammatory load on the body can help support the immune system and manage the response. This is where a detox for seasonal allergies through both diet and lifestyle modifications can also help.

How to Support Natural and Optimal Detoxification

Incorporating a whole food diet, rich in anti-inflammatory foods will provide the body with nutrients it needs to promote the natural detoxification process and help support the body when exposed to toxins. There are specific natural compounds you can incorporate through foods and or supportive supplementation that have shown to increase the body's resilience to seasonal allergens while also helping to manage any symptoms.

• Quercetin:A plant flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant in the body. It can help calm down the immune response by stabilizing immune cells to support healthy levels of inflammation. It can also help to reduce the release of histamine from immune cells, the chemical that causes allergic reactions. Onions, apples and citrus fruits are all foods high in quercetin along with all types of berries - perfect to add to your morning smoothie. If you are prone to seasonal allergies there are science-backed protocols that offer all the benefits in supplemental form for your convenience.

• Nettle. The same plant you try and avoid while walking in nature can help support your immune response. Studies have shown that the sting-inducing leaves can be freeze-dried and taken in supplemental form to support respiratory health. Like quercetin, nettle can influence the immune cells that cause allergies, helping to reduce the inflammatoryresponse that leads to associated symptoms.

• Bromelain. This enzyme found in pineapple has shown to help reduce nasal inflammation associated with seasonal allergies that can cause nasal congestion. Research has shown that Bromelain also helps to maintain normal inflammatory responses in the body by breaking down receptors found on immune cells.

• Probiotics. There is a well-established connection between gut inflammation and overall health, including a link to allergies. As the majority of our immune cells are housed in the gut, it's essential to prioritize optimal gut health which can help support any response to allergy triggers. Several studies have suggested that taking probiotics can help with allergies and associated symptoms.

• Vitamin C. It's widely known that vitamin C is an essential nutrient for overall immune health. It can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from allergies because it acts as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant to protect the immune cells. Keep in mind, the more stressed the body is, the more vitamin C your body uses. Vitamin C supplementation supports the detox process as you work to calm down the immune response.

If the thought of walking outdoors makes your eyes water, you can start to take a more proactive approach with these options that support known allergy triggers. Giving you body's natural defense system the added support it needs to manage the response when seasonal allergies try to take over.