Hay Fever Fix STOPS Allergy Symptoms? (STRANGE)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 9, 2023
It’s hay fever season again. This year it kicked off with a much, earlier-than-usual bang in early March after a warm start to the season.
And for many folks, the misery continues with medium to high pollen counts leaving them a sniffling, sneezing, eye-watering MESS.
Unfortunately, many are convinced seasonal allergies are Allegra or Claritin deficiency syndrome instead. So they pop those pills like breath mints.
If you regularly battle hay fever, something is INDEED missing.
But it has NOTHING to do with running low on allergy meds.
Research shows that since 1970 the average growing season in the United States now lasts anywhere from 14 to 16 days longer in the Northeast, Southeast, and South.
And out West, the picture is even more dramatic, with the sniffling-and-sneezing season lasting 27 days longer on average.
That means if you’re among the 42 percent of Americans suffering from hay fever, you’re spending more time than ever feeling miserable.
Itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing happen when your immune system overreacts to pollen. But the REAL problem rests with the bacteria in your gut and nose.
Studies show a link between your nasal and gut microbiome health and your risk of hay fever symptoms.
In fact, researchers have uncovered a SIGNIFICANT difference in the microbiomes of people who have allergy symptoms and those who don’t. And it boils down to DIVERSITY.
Diversity is a measure of how many different TYPES of microorganisms are present.
People with reduced diversity have increased inflammation levels throughout their body. And higher inflammation can lead to stronger symptoms when exposed to pollen.
Plus, the less diverse your nasal microbiome is, the more likely you are to have hay fever in the first place.
Unfortunately, although research is being done, currently, there’s no easy way to change your nasal microbiome. But the good news is, studies show supplementing with healthy bacteria CAN dial down overall inflammation and calm your seasonal allergy symptoms across the board.
Low levels of the bacterial strains Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus specifically have been linked to hay fever. And those same good bugs could reduce the chances of your lungs overreacting (airway hyperresponsiveness) to pollen and other allergens.
Look for a quality probiotic from a manufacturer you trust. My earlier report, Probiotics 101: How to pick the right supplement, can help.
And be sure to include plenty of fermented foods in your diet, such as unpasteurized sauerkraut and pickles, and yogurt. (And for the more adventurous: miso, natto, and kimchi.)
But don’t stop there. For even MORE help putting the brakes on hay fever symptoms, consider these other natural solutions too:
- Carotenoids and other phytonutrients support lung health and help reduce oxidative damage. Fruits and vegetables are rich in these nutrients. Superfood supplements and green tea are good ways to boost your levels too.
- Magnesium deficiency is common in people with allergies. I generally suggest 400–800 milligrams of absorbable magnesium such as magnesium citrate, glycinate, or amino acid chelate.
- Folic acid can reduce immunoglobulin E or IgE (an antibody your body makes in response to allergens) levels in your blood, dialing down allergic reactions.
- Anti-inflammatories, including omega-3 fatty-acid-rich fish oil (1-3 grams), curcumin, and Boswellia, can reduce hay fever symptoms.
- Avoid inflammation-triggering processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars.
Stop letting seasonal allergies ruin your spring and summer. Try these hay fever hacks and then get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve chatted about this week in Living Well Daily…
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This often-overlooked mineral supports a healthy heart and bones. But a quarter of Americans are falling short in this nutrient, endangering their health. Are YOU one of them?
As disruptive as hearing loss is to your daily life, that’s not even the worst thing about it. It’s the effect it can have on another nearby organ.
FILTHY FACTS About Your Cell Phone
If you know anything about the risks of smartphones, you might ALREADY be worried about regular exposure to radiofrequency radiation, their potential for addiction, and even distracted driving. But there’s ANOTHER risk we’ve all missed.
The STUNNING Truth About Back Pain
If you’ve been battling persistent, long-term back pain, it’s just a “HABIT” at this point. The damage is healed up and long gone. Here’s the truth…
Is Fish Oil Enough? (What You Might be Missing Out On)
EPA and DHA-rich fish oil is proven to have many health benefits. But the FISH it’s extracted from does too. IS one better than the other? CLICK HERE for the answer.
Ease Anxiety with THIS Belly Hack
Focusing on gut health doesn’t JUST lead to better digestion, less gas, and regular bowel movements. It can ALSO lead to unexpected improvements in MENTAL and EMOTIONAL health. Try this BELLY HACK.
P.S. Recent research uncovered a couple of powerful (and EASY!) techniques to keep the microbiome as healthy as possible. CLICK HERE for the scoop.
Sources:
Effects of nasopharyngeal microbiota in respiratory infections and allergies. Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021 Nov;64(11):543-551. doi: 10.3345/cep.2020.01452. Epub 2021 Apr 15. PMID: 33872488; PMCID: PMC8566799.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis affects sinonasal microbiota. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2014 Jul-Aug;28(4):281-6. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2014.28.4050. PMID: 25197913; PMCID: PMC4101129.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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