Spring is almost here in the northern hemisphere! Okay, so the weather has been CRAZY here in Virginia (80F one day and low 40s the next). There’s still snow in some parts of the US, too! If things are starting to bloom and grow in your area, are you also experiencing seasonal allergies?

Here are some common seasonal allergy symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Hives
• Exhaustion
• Scratchy throat

There may be some underlying medical conditions that weaken your immune system and may make you more susceptible to seasonal allergies:

• Stress
• Asthma
• Deviated septum
• Recent trauma or illness
• Pregnancy
• Food allergies
• Insomnia

Allergies are actually an immune system disorder, where the body has an overreaction to normally harmless substances. 

Here are five lifestyle changes to bring natural allergy relief and reduce symptoms:

1. De-clutter: Cluttered areas collect dust and allergens, which can make symptoms worse. Cleaning up the clutter, especially in your bedroom, should reduce symptoms.
2. Keep hydrated: Try to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated helps flush your body of toxins.
3. Shower before bed: Washing pollen and dust off your body before getting into bed will also reduce symptoms.
4. Wipe down pets: Use a damp washcloth to wipe down outdoor pets to reduce and limit your exposure to dust and pollen.
5. Close windows and doors: On dusty or high-count pollen days, limit your exposure by closing windows and doors. 

Here are my five favorite foods for natural allergy relief:

1. Local raw honey: This contains local pollen that is causing allergy symptoms (exposes your body in small doses to build up immunity) and helps soothe a scratchy throat.
2. Bone Broth: Especially homemade bone broth with grass-fed beef or lamb bones or pastured chicken bones helps rid the body of excess mucus.
3. Clean protein: Grass-fed meat (beef, lamb), pastured poultry (chicken, turkey), and wild-caught fish (salmon, sardines) contain healthy fats (omega-3s), essential vitamins and minerals, and healthy protein to help boost immunity.
4. Hot and spicy foods: Garlic, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, and onion increase your core body temperature and thin your mucus (easier to expel from the body).
5. Organic apple cider vinegar (ACV): Supports lymphatic drainage, breaks down mucus, and boosts the immune system.

Allergy-relief tonic:

1 TBSP organic apple cider vinegar
1 TBSP fresh-squeezed lemon juice
½ TBSP local raw honey
¼ tsp ground ginger or 1” fresh peeled ginger root
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp turmeric
1/8 tsp cayenne
1 cup warm, filtered water

Mix all together and drink 3X daily.

***Before experimenting with any exercises and nutrition tips posted on A Healthy Career, always consult with your physician, wellness or health practitioner.

Emma Watterson is a civilian government employee for the Navy’s Environmental Division and a holistic health coach. As a coach, she loves helping other busy parents and professionals to balance their home and work life through simple self-care techniques so they can live a happier and healthier life they deserve.