The removal of dairy products from the diet has been helpful for some people with respect to helping alleviate congestion or reaction to seasonal allergens. A recent study showed dairy elimination helped with a reduction in nose and eye symptoms in general after exposure to spring time allergens. Additionally, a diet filled with whole foods, organic fruits and vegetables, no sugars or processed foods, and no refined oils can greatly impact and strengthen the immune system in general. This can help the body fight off whatever allergens it is trying to fight more efficiently.

Bioflavonoids including quercetin (rose hips) given with Vitamin C can help to reduce allergies to things like ragweed and pollen. Quercetin naturally inhibits the production of histamine, which is what your cells release when they encounter an allergen are looking for help to fight it off. Certain foods have higher quercetin in them, including citrus fruits, apples, olive oils, onions, etc, but given the higher dose required to have a really good impact on seasonal allergies, I often recommend it in supplement form. These supplements work most efficiently when taken in higher doses 2-3 weeks before allergy season really hits its peak.

Not to be given to babies under the age of 1, raw local honey is also a powerful treatment used to fight seasonal allergies. Honey is packed with vitamins and minerals that act as powerful antioxidants benefitting our immune, nervous, and digestive systems to name a few. And remember, sourcing is important when it comes to selecting a honey that will ultimately help you during allergy season. Search for local, organic, raw honey as this is honey in its purest form. Why local? Local honey comes from bees that live in the same environment as you do. This means that they are exposed to the same environmental allergens you are exposed to. Most raw honey has some small amounts of bee pollen in it. When you eat this honey and subsequently this small amount of pollen, you are able to build up immunity against the pollen.

Think of bee pollens as local honey squared. Isolating bee pollen from honey as well as the propolis bees make give you exponentially more power to fight allergens. Bee propolis and pollen can help to calm the inflammatory responses your immune system wants to amp up when you are exposed to allergens. Local honey contains pollen and is fantastic to keep you on track throughout the year, but if you need an extra boost during peak allergy season, reach for the pollen.

Using a probiotic supplement with at least 1-4 billion CFU (colony forming units) per capsule can help normalize the gut flora and reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. The majority of your immune system is made in the gut (around 80%!) so supporting gut function during allergy season can greatly increase your chances of warding off nasty allergy symptoms.

Increasing foods high in Zinc will also help to prevent seasonal allergies or alternatively supplementing with the mineral can help boost your immune system. Food containing good amounts of zinc include, but are not limited to: Meats (highest in beef, lamb and pork), shellfish (oysters, crab, shrimp, mussels), seeds (hemp, flax, pumpkin and sesame seeds), legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans) and many more.

Using a saline nasal rinse when coming in from the outdoors can eliminate some of the dust or pollen trapped in your nasal passages. A simple flush can drastically impact any delayed reaction to allergen exposure. Also, try cleaning the air in your home by using a HEPA air filter while you sleep at night.

Dr. Tara Dunne is a licensed naturopathic doctor who received her degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She also holds a master’s degree in Health and Wellness and a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is passionate about natural wellness and helping people achieve optimal health.