Why spring allergies occur and how to help them naturally.

Spring allergies affect thousands of residents of Ottawa each year. Airborne pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

An estimated 80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, so supporting your digestive health is essential to also supporting your immune system, which is your primary defense system against ALL disease, including allergies and asthma.

Processed food, GE ingredients and synthetic additives all decimate the beneficial bacteria in your gut, thereby having a negative effect on your immune system. Ideally, you'll want to avoid processed foods, focusing on organic, locally grown foods instead, and include fermented foods in your diet to optimize your gut flora.

For short-term relief of allergy symptoms, acupuncture has been found to be effective. Irrigating your sinuses with a neti pot is also recommended.

A number of foods and herbs can help alleviate allergy symptoms, including hot pepper, quercetin, butterbur, goldenseal and eucalyptus oil.

For more long-term relief, consider an allergy therapy that uses acupressure to reorganize your body’s immune system so that it stops over reacting to allergens.

Sue Taylor

Ottawa Allergist