People with allergies tend to experience more sicknesses per year than people who don’t have allergies. When someone says they have “allergies,” it means that their body is responding to foreign substances the same way it would with viruses or bacteria.
This naturally weakens the body’s immune system, which makes people more susceptible to sicknesses. Continue reading to discover why you get allergies, strengthen your immune system and how to get rid of allergies.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies are the result of the immune system’s inaccurate perception that substances, like pollen, are harmful. The immune system identifies cells as “self” or “non-self,” and it seeks to destroy all of the “non-self” cells by creating histamines, which creates a hypersensitivity to certain allergens.
Digging deeper, we discover that this misidentification issue is caused by an impaired, or unhealthy, immune system. This issue can be exacerbated by hormones, stress or environmental factors, which causes a heightened reaction to allergens.
This is why, even though allergens aren’t harmful, different people can have different reactions to allergens. However, people are likely to have the same allergies as their family members.
Asthma Is an Allergy
People are often confused about the causes of asthma, but it is a type of allergy. People with asthma can suffer from an asthma attack when they’re exposed to smoke, mold, dust and other substances. Minor asthmatic symptoms will not cause death, but they can be annoying.
Severity of Symptoms
Anyone can have allergies, but children are more likely to experience them. Allergens can enter the body through the lungs, stomach or skin. Allergic reactions can occur in the eyes, nose, stomach, lungs, throat, sinuses or the skin. Usual allergy symptoms include a runny nose, cough, hives, rashes and watery eyes.
Anaphylactic shock involves life-threatening responses to allergens. When a person experiences an anaphylactic shock, they can experience a tightening in the throat, decreased blood pressure, warmth, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, nausea, headache or pain. People who are severely allergic to substances usually carry an epinephrine pen with them wherever they go.
How to Prevent Allergies
Contact
The more you are exposed to an allergen the greater your allergic reactions. To prevent allergies, you need to avoid coming into contact with your individual allergens. This is easier said than done, but it is possible with perseverance.
Also, you need to discover which substances you’re allergic to in order to avoid them. You might have noticed a pattern of allergic reactions throughout the years or other clues to deduce what your allergens are, however, a doctor will give you a proper diagnosis.
This can be done by reviewing your medical history, giving you a physical exam and performing tests to discover allergens.
Outdoor Factors
It’s not always possible to avoid allergens. For example, there are days when certain allergens are at higher levels than others. Like looking up the weather forecast, you can discover which allergens are at their highest levels for the day. You can look these up daily, and decide to stay indoors when this occurs.
Indoor Factors
If you have animals, like dogs and cats that frequently go in and out of the home, be aware that their hair and fur may contain allergens from outside. Carpets are known to harbor allergens. Every time people walk across the floor, these allergens get kicked up into the air.
Carpets also contain a large number of dust mites. People aren’t allergic to dust mites directly, but they are allergic to dust mite fecal matter. Air ducts also contain a large amount of dust and debris, which can fly into the air whenever the home’s HVAC system is used.
Professional Cleaning
It’s a good idea to deep clean the home a few times per year. Opt for industrial-grade cleaning to thoroughly remove allergens from the carpet and HVAC system a few times per year. Also, industrial-grade equipment will thoroughly remove excess moisture from the carpet to protect the home from mildew and mold, which are other substances that commonly cause allergies.
At-Home Cleaning
Using a vacuum cleaner daily can help to reduce allergens in your home. Indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality because substances become trapped inside the home. Increase air ventilation by opening windows in your home to improve indoor air quality.
The only time you don’t want to open your windows is when allergens are high. Wash bedding and pillows once a week to reduce dust and dust mites. Dust mites need to be killed with extremely hot water in the washer. However, putting your pillows in the freezer for 24 hours will also work.
The Root Cause
You will want to initially avoid allergens to save yourself from unbearable allergy symptoms, but at some point, you will need to focus on improving your health to treat the cause of your allergies. Next, we will explore what can happen when you experience allergy symptoms for a prolonged amount of time.
Potential Problems Allergies can Cause
Increased Infections
A runny nose can seem like a part and parcel symptom of allergies, but excessive stuffiness can lead to a sinus infection. Both a runny nose and a sinus infection can cause a dry cough from post nasal drip.
In the instance that a sinus infection causes it, post nasal drip can introduce bacteria into the lungs, which initially can start out as bronchitis, but it can eventually lead to pneumonia.
Sleep Issues
Snoring and sleep apnea are common for those who suffer from allergies. While this can seem like a minor issue, it greatly interferes with the quality of sleep a person can experience during the night. This factor combined with the common fatigue allergy sufferers already experience can get in the way of mental clarity, productivity and can cause weight gain.
In addition, when sleep is disturbed, the body learns to have insomnia, and it becomes more difficult for people to get a good night’s rest. Lack of sleep can eventually lead to stress, depression, and anxiety.
Other Issues
Allergies can cause an onset of asthma. People with allergies may experience headaches on a regular basis, but with prolonged allergy suffering, chronic headaches are a normal occurrence.
Allergies increase inflammation in the body, which can also increase the chances of experiencing eczema, sinus infections, ear infections, and breathing issues.
When to See a doctor
A standard doctor can help to diagnose allergies and prescribe allergy medication, but for chronic allergies and other problems, it’s best to see an allergist. Allergists are doctors who specialize in asthma and other allergic reactions. Because allergy symptoms can increase over time, it can get to the point where people are not able to manage their symptoms without medical intervention.
Allergists typically use allergy tests to diagnose specific allergies. Allergists also educate patients in preventative measures. They prescribe useful medications and follow up on how those medications are performing to provide the best treatment for individual patients.
Allergists also provide allergy shots. Allergy shots are considered a form of “immunotherapy.” Allergy shots decrease allergy symptoms over time as they increase in dosage. It’s a good idea to go to an allergist if:
- Your allergies are causing frequent nasal congestion, sinus infections and allergy symptoms for several months.
- You are unable to manage your allergy symptoms with over-the-counter medications.
- You have significant negative side effects.
- You are unable to perform day-to-day duties.
- You are experiencing difficulty in breathing or experience wheezing or coughing.
- You have been diagnosed with asthma.
- You are fatally allergic to a food, insect or substance.
Home Allergy Remedies
Please note that the allergy remedies listed below are not intended to replace medical intervention or treatment. If you are allergic to any food or substance, do not ingest or touch it.
Water
It doesn’t seem like water could be a home remedy for allergies, but it is. Dehydration can increase susceptibility to allergens. This is a huge concern considering that allergies can increase with additional or prolonged exposure. This means that it’s possible to avoid certain allergies from forming by increasing water intake. Water can also aid in reducing the severity of allergy symptoms so that they’re more manageable.
For instance, coughs become more productive and congestion in the nose increases in fluidity so that they can evacuate better. It is recommended that people consume half their body weight in ounces of water a day. At the minimum, people should drink 64 ounces a day. Pure water is best, but juice and other drinks are suitable. Ingesting excessive sugar creates a sticky surface for substances to become stuck.
Brush your teeth and tongue regularly to keep a clean mouth. This will help to prevent a sore throat as well. Drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol deplete the body of water. For instance, if you drink a cup of coffee, it’s advisable to drink two cups of water to counter the diuretic effects.
Honey
Local honey is useful in combatting allergies from local pollens. This is said to work because local honeybees pollinate local flowers. You can eat honey by itself, but it is just as useful in tea, pastries and on bread. Local honey works on the same principles as allergy shots. Allergy shots contain a small number of allergens, which helps the immune system build up, but allergy shots don’t contain enough of an allergen to cause allergic symptoms.
However, ingesting local honey won’t be effective if you are allergic to tree or grass pollen, as bees typically visit flowers. Honey is also antimicrobial, and it soothes inflammation, which helps stuffy noses and secondary bacterial infections. Do not give honey to children under the age of two. They can develop botulism.
Ginger
Ginger, in its raw form, is useful in reducing the severity of allergy symptoms. It is a decongestant, natural antihistamine, and an anti-inflammatory agent, which helps with a variety of symptoms. Ginger is also helpful for the digestive system in the instance the stomach is aggravated by allergens.
To use ginger, finely cut it up after peeling. Boil the pieces in a little bit of water. To make it more palatable, mix in honey. Ginger mixed with honey and boil is a natural remedy to help with coughing in India, but it works as a home remedy for allergies too. Ginger is incredibly warming, so it soothes the throat. The warmth can be felt in the chest when it is consumed.
Neti Pot
Neti pots look like little teakettles. They are sometimes sold with a saline solution, but you can make your own with distilled water and a teaspoon of table salt. Some people recommend adding a small amount of baking soda to the mixture, but this is optional. It’s best to use warm water, as cold water can be uncomfortable for your sinuses.
To use a neti pot, you insert the spout into one nostril while you lean forward over a sink or bathtub. Leave your mouth open, and breathe through your mouth. Gently tip the pot so that water goes up into your nostril, through your sinuses, and out the other nostril. Pour half a pot to a full pot in this manner, pause and blow. Repeat the process in the other nostril. This irrigation method washes out mucus from the nostrils and sinuses. This helps to reduce inflammation, prevent bacterial infections from forming and prevent coughs from post nasal drip.
Once you are finished, rinse the neti pot out, and allow it to dry thoroughly. Never use tap water to rinse your sinuses, because you could inadvertently allow microbes into your sinuses, which can cause infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Many people use apple cider topically. For instance, it can help to calm rashes and other skin issues, but it is highly effective when ingested as well. Beyond allergies, it corrects a host of issues. It balances the pH balance in the body, and it contains vitamins A, B6, C, and other vitamins. These are helpful to strengthen the immune system.
If you can stand the taste, you can drink it straight. The daily recommended dosage is between 2 teaspoons and 3 tablespoons. If you’d like to make a tonic, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with honey and water. Purchase an apple cider vinegar that is cloudy, as this form has the most nutrients.
It is said to contain the “mother” of the apple cider vinegar. The “mother” is the beneficial bacteria that helped form the vinegar. Labels should list something similar if it contains this beneficial bacteria.
Green Tea
Green tea is antimicrobial, it works as an antihistamine, and it is anti-inflammatory, which helps with nasal congestion. Green tea helps to prevent bacterial infections from forming, which is useful if allergies turn into an infection.
A compound found in green tea, methylated epigallocatechin gallate, has been found to reduce coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Green tea is naturally loaded with antioxidants, which help to strengthen the immune system.
The warmth from the tea eases nasal congestion, itchy throats, sore throats, and coughing.
Steam
Steam has long been used to loosen up nasal and lung congestion. Getting rid of nasal congestion helps to lessen its inflammatory response, and it helps to prevent coughs. This is especially helpful at night when people are more likely to cough. With a stuffy nose, it can be hard to inhale it at first but start gently so as to not place too much force on your nose.
Breathe through your mouth as well to allow steam into your lungs and throat. Facial steamers are an excellent source of steam, but you can boil a pot of water or sit in the shower. Using a facial steamer or a pot of water, drape a towel over your head to fully enjoy the benefits.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet strengthens the immune system. For instance, vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, provide energy and reduce histamines in the body. Vitamin B12 has been shown to reduce allergies. Magnesium has also been shown to reduce histamines. It’s best to get vitamins directly from food because the body may not be able to fully absorb all of the vitamins offered in supplements.
However, a supplement is better than having nothing at all. To eat a balanced diet, eat roughly three servings of protein a day, two to three servings of dairy, four servings of vegetables, two servings of fruit and between three and five servings of whole grains. Focus on eating a variety of colors in fruit and vegetables to maximize the number of vitamins you get.
Reduce Dairy Intake
Dairy products can increase phlegm. If you’re worried about getting calcium, there are a number of vegetables that offer calcium. For instance, kale, collard greens, broccoli, and other vegetables have a high amount of calcium. In addition, it has been suggested that protein in milk prevents the absorption of its calcium, so getting calcium from vegetables may be a better route.
Unpasteurized milk has a lot of antibodies, although. Unless you’re going to drink raw cow milk from grass-fed cows, it’s better to cut it out. Substitute coconut milk where it calls for milk in cooking. Try tofu instead of cheese, but if you absolutely have to have cheese, eat it in small amounts.
Cover Up
Cover yourself while you’re outside to minimize or prevent your contact with allergens. For instance, if it’s windy, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen and dust that floats in the air. Obtaining surgical face masks is a good way to prevent inhaling pollen and other allergens. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to minimize contact with your skin.
Scarves are particularly useful on windy days as well. There are times when a sudden gust of air can kick up dust. In this instance, place your shirt up over your nose and mouth until the dust has subsided. This can help prevent an asthma flare-up.
Garlic
Garlic is highly useful in warding off allergens. Garlic works by strengthening your immune system. Some prefer to put it in their food while they are cooking, but some say that this prevents the garlic from working as intended. You can take garlic in its raw form by swallowing a clove of garlic without its husk.
Some people mash the clove of garlic slightly before ingesting it to release allicin, which is the nutrient that makes garlic beneficial. Garlic is also sold in capsule form and has just as many benefits as the raw form. Garlic is also antibacterial and antifungal, so it can help to prevent and treat an infection in case allergy symptoms turn bacterial.
Licorice Tea
Licorice tea is made from the root of the licorice plant. This is where the flavor of black licorice comes from. This tea can be purchased from virtually any supermarket. It’s useful in reducing allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and coughing. It can also help to soothe a sore throat because it helps to remove phlegm from the throat.
Licorice tea can be particularly drying, but this is beneficial in preventing bacterial infections from occurring at a later point. Stuffy noses and chest congestion can create the perfect atmosphere for bacteria to grow. Keeping the nose and lungs clear helps to prevent bacterial growth. Side effects can occur if excessive amounts of licorice tea are consumed.
It’s best to limit licorice tea to three cups a day. People with hypertension and women who are pregnant should avoid licorice tea.
Wasabi
Most people know about wasabi because it is typically served with sushi and sashimi, along with other dishes. Wasabi is useful in reducing allergy symptoms because of one of its nutrients: allyl isothiocyanate. It helps to increase mucus flow, which helps to remove it and remove allergens along with it. However, many restaurants in the US do not use real wasabi.
Horseradish is commonly substituted for wasabi and produces other effects, but they are still beneficial. Horseradish increases circulation and widens the nasal passageways, which helps to relieve a stuffy nose. Because it is spicy, it also helps with clearing congestion. In addition, it is antibacterial.
Hot Peppers
Hot peppers are beneficial in numerous ways. Hot peppers feel like they are burning the tongue because the oil within them tricks the brain into thinking something hot, by temperature, is in your mouth. If this isn’t enough to calm your nerves about eating them straight, mix them into foods with a cooling effect. For instance, cucumbers, watermelon, and yogurt can help decrease a pepper’s heat.
You can eat them alongside foods that can soak up their oils, such as bread and rice. Hot peppers help to clear the nasal passageways, break up phlegm, increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and they are antibacterial. This makes hot peppers a phenomenal cure-all when it comes to allergies.
Probiotics
Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, help the gastrointestinal tract by reinforcing the barrier function in the intestines. This, in turn, lowers the chance of bad bacteria from entering the bloodstream and negatively impacting the immune system. Probiotics can also help to decrease the risk of infection.
There are yogurt drinks, also known as “kefir,” and certain types of yogurt contain probiotics. Yogurts with probiotics will have “live active cultures” or “with acidophilus” on their labels. At times, people who are lactose-intolerant can eat yogurt without much issue.
Vitamin D
A lack of vitamin D has been linked to both an increased susceptibility to infection, autoimmunity and decreased immune system health. You can get vitamin D from the sun, your diet, or you can take supplements. To get vitamin D from the sun, you don’t have to be outside very long or expose a lot of your skin to it. Vitamin D is made in the body during the time ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin.
In general, try to get 15 minutes of sun a day. Using sunscreen or sunblock can reduce the amount of vitamin D the body makes in reaction to the sun. To get more vitamin D in your diet, eat cereal, yogurt, beef, salmon, eggs, oatmeal, and cheese. Adults need about 1340 mg of vitamin D a day.
Magnesium
Magnesium is particularly helpful with asthma. Asthma constricts the bronchial tubes by causing inflammation. This makes it hard to breathe in air. Magnesium helps to keep bronchial tubes open. Magnesium also hastens the histamine response, so people taking it to have little to no allergy symptoms.
The daily recommended amount for magnesium is 200 mg. Dark chocolate, cashews, bananas, and spinach have high amounts of magnesium.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are found in a wide variety of foods. They’re responsible for creating pigment in plants, but they produce some amazing results on the body. They help the body with many things, but in terms of allergies, they help with the absorption of vitamin C, which has been shown to help with allergies, prevent vitamin C from being oxidized in the body and protect the body from infections.
Quercetin is a type of bioflavonoids. It is an antioxidant as well and prevents inflammation. It also helps to prevent histamine production.
Do's and Don’ts
It can be tempting when you have a stuffy nose to blow it hard to evacuate everything from the sinuses, but this causes problems in a few ways. A stuffy nose occurs because of inflammation, in addition to excessive mucus. Using a lot of force to blow your nose increases the inflammation, which makes it all-the-more difficult to evacuate the mucus from your nose.
Using a neti-pot and relying on steam is a better option. Take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories to help relieve your stuffy nose. Don’t try to wait out your symptoms. Keeping a clear nose is the best way to prevent sinus infections, ear infections, and lung infections. Once your body is hit with a bacterial infection, it will take a great deal of rest, vitamin C and other home remedies to get rid of it.
Use antihistamines and natural remedies to take care of your symptoms to improve your health, but don’t be afraid of over-the-counter medications in the meantime. If you have an annoying cough from postnasal drip, try sleeping on your side. If an infection has moved into your lungs, prop yourself up to sleep better, and use a humidifier at night.
Don’t use cough suppressants to prevent your cough. Coughing helps to get rid of allergens from your lungs. Honey can help with a cough from postnasal drip. However, if your cough is from bronchitis, a suppressant may be useful at night if a cough prevents you from getting rest. Natural remedies for allergies will make your body stronger, but you need to do what you can to get your rest too.
Conclusion
Allergies are an unfortunate part of life, but they can be manageable. Like pain levels, don’t wait for allergies to get out of control before you take action. By the time you get around to doing something about your allergies, they could become severe. You can always go to an allergist, but it’s so much better to learn how to get rid of allergies.
It can seem counter-intuitive that strengthening the immune system, which causes allergy symptoms, would be helpful in protecting you from allergy symptoms, but an impaired immune system will do that. Avoid allergens to the extent you can, but you can’t hide out in your home forever. Use natural remedies for allergies to make yourself healthy. When you are healthy, your immune system is healthy. Aim at healing your body instead of continually treating your symptoms with medicine.
Eat a balanced diet and specific foods or drinks to strengthen your immune system. Drink an adequate amount of water. Get the right amount of sleep at night. You only have one body, and it’s worth it to treat it right.
