Allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to substances that pose no harm. The immune system is meant to protect us from substances that may harm us. The substances that cause the reaction are called allergens. However, the majority of people are not affected by allergens.
Risk Factors For Allergies
- Family history
- Birth by caesarian segment
- Being young
- Asthma
- Not getting enough sunlight
- Having another allergy
What Are The Types Of Allergies?
Food sensitivities
All foods can potentially cause allergies. However, some foods affect large numbers of people all over the world. They include:
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Milk
- Fish
- Peanuts
Others Include:
- Medications like penicillin and other drugs
- Insect bites from fleas and horseflies
- Animal fur, wool, and dust mite
- Pollen from trees and grass
What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies?
- Blocked nose
- Stomach cramps
- Cough
- Skin peeling
- Vomiting
- Swelling of lips, eyes, and face
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Hives or rashes that cover the body
- Anaphylaxis
Here Are Some Home Remedies That Can Treat Allergies Caused Due To Allergens Always Around Us:
Probiotics
Probiotics are live micro-organisms that are good for the gut. They provide suitable properties for allergy treatment. Despite little understanding of probiotics and why they seem to reduce the frequency of allergies, the presence of good bacteria in the gut helps reduce allergies.
Examples Of Foods That Fall Under Probiotics Include:
- Tempeh– fermented soybean
- Yogurt
- Kimchi– a mixture of cabbage and seasonings such as garlic, ginger, scallion, and red chili pepper flakes
- Pickles– fermented cucumbers
- Kombucha– a fermented green or black tea
Nettle leaf
Stinging nettle is a natural antihistamine and a powerful allergy treatment. It blocks the body from producing histamine. Histamine is the compound that is responsible for allergies.
It can be taken on its own or mixed with other herbs to make teas. It is usually combined with raspberry or peppermint leaves to create soothing teas for allergy relief.
Quercetin
It is a natural bioflavonoid that can help control the cells that produce histamine. However, it is a long-term treatment, and therefore, you should take it from 4-6 weeks before a predicted allergic reaction. Quercetin is naturally found in broccoli, citrus fruits, cauliflower, and green tea.
Honey
This remedy is for people suffering from pollen. For instance, if you eat honey regularly, your body gets used to the allergens, eliminating the allergy. Bees transport pollen from flowers to honey. If you are willing to try, start one month before pollen season. Eat local honey, and it will relieve the symptoms.
Eucalyptus Oil
The oil extracted from the leaves has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These properties come in handy during the allergy season. In addition, it is added to laundry in every wash to ensure no allergens on the clothes.
Rosewater
Rosewater is a beneficial allergy treatment. For example, when your eyes are inflamed because of an allergy, you can wash them with rose water. In addition, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, rose water stops an allergic reaction from starting.
Tea
Green tea and chamomile teas are naturally able to help with allergy symptoms. Therefore, teas are vital for allergy treatment. Their antioxidant and antihistamine properties will increase your immunity levels. Catechin is a compound found in green tea that inhibits the enzyme that converts histidine to histamine.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
The foods you eat can translate to how well your body can deal with allergies. Therefore, by following an anti-inflammatory diet, you increase the body’s ability to handle allergies. Your body can use the nutrients to build up muscle to fight the different allergens in your environment.
The Following Are Some Of The Foods That Provide The Anti-inflammatory Effect:
Green Vegetables
These include collards, kale, watercress, and spinach. They are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and enzymes that reduce inflammation.
Bone Soup
This is a filling soup made from beef or chicken stock. It has minerals that help strengthen the immune system. Therefore, the immune system, in turn, helps to fight allergens in the surrounding environment.
Gluten-Free Grains
Gluten-free foods help in reducing inflammation in the body. Therefore, replacing regular flour with oat flour, rice flour, almond flour, and coconut flour to help the body fight allergies.
Coconut Milk
Unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk has no lactose and dairy. The cow’s milk has a lot of sugar, leading to inflammation. With increased inflammation, the body may not be able to deal with allergies.
Garlic
It is a natural antibiotic that fights off allergies and infections. It boosts the immune system, giving the body the armor to ward off allergies. Eating cloves of garlic will provide better benefits.
Lemons
Lemons and limes keep the body in an alkaline state which boosts the immune system in fighting allergies. They also have vitamin C and plenty of antioxidants. Lemon water detoxifies the body and cleanses it. This way, the body can fight allergies and inflammation. You can use the lemons mixed with olive oil to dress salads and sandwiches.
BOTTOM LINE
Allergies are not easy to deal with, but boosting the body’s ability to fight them is a start. You can live a comfortable life even in allergen seasons using these remedies. They are easy to learn, made up of ingredients right in your home. Please utilize them for your health and a better quality of life.
