Many people who typically do not suffer from seasonal allergies are now experiencing symptoms of hay fever for the first time in their lives. Never having had this condition in the past, when their nose is running, their throat is scratchy, and they are congested, coughing and sneezing, they do not attribute it to pollen levels, but rather imagine that they are suffering from a cold. These seasonal allergic symptoms are also mediated by histamine, which in excess of the body’s capacity to metabolize it, can cause a variety of medical and psychiatric symptoms. Please see my previous posts about histamine intolerance for background.
Pollen counts have sky rocketed in recent years due to rising temperatures and increasing carbon dioxide levels. Dr. Richard Weber, the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology stated, “We are experiencing longer allergy seasons, earlier onset, and there is just more pollen in the air,”
“Weber cites a series of studies conducted on three continents to illustrate how the changing climate is affecting human allergies. In Great Britain, for example, researchers have identified 385 plant species that are flowering earlier than ever, advancing by nearly a week over the last decade. In the United States, ragweed pollen season has been extended 13 to 27 days; and short ragweed pollen has shown increases in both biomass and pollen production of between 61 and 90 percent.”
An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from some form of seasonal allergies.”Steadily increasing temperatures may only make things worse. “A year ago, we saw pollen counts of certain trees that were about three times higher than what we normally would see in years past,” said Weber. “It was awful. Plants that ordinarily were pollinating in April, by the beginning of March, they were going gangbusters.”
For individuals suffering from chronic histamine intolerance, seasonal environmental allergens can aggravate their condition. The conventional medical approach is to prescribe anti-histamines such as Claratin for hay fever. Anti-histamine medications lose effectiveness over time, can cause either drowsiness or insomnia, and dry out the sinuses. By contrast certain foods and supplements are naturally antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory without any side effects.
Regularly eating raw local honey made from the pollen specifically in your area can enhance natural immunity and reduce histamine levels.
Fresh ginger is a natural anti-histamine and can be made into a tea, which is also soothing to the digestive system.
The bright yellow orange spice tumeric, one of the ingredients in the curry spice mixture, is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatory substances available. Some recommend taking half a teaspoon a day mixed with food.
Natural supplements purported to reduce histamine level and inflammation are:
Vitamin C: There seems to be quite a bit of controversy regarding dosage. I take 1000 twice mg a day.
The bioflavonoid Quercitin Recommended dose: 500 mg three times a day
The Ayurvedic herb Boswellia, otherwise known as Indian Frankincense. Recommended dose: 300 mg three times a day
Stinging Nettle Dr. Andrew Weil, the well known integrative health physician, stated that he knew of nothing more effective than nettles for allergy relief. Recommended Dose: Two 300 mg nettle leaf capsules or tablets three times a day
I have recently been tested for, well, many things and as it turns out, I am apparently allergic to living. HOWEVER, I have been scouring the internet for any and all life saving foods and/or alternatives and wanted to say thank you for page/blog! There is one statement that you made that couldn’t be more accurate. What some websites post and state are accurate claims of food avoidance are completely inaccurate, thus making this by far the most difficult search for food or for much of anything. I am on an avid search for any and all hypo-allergenic foods and ones with great health benefits….and possibly foods that actually taste good! I recently discovered Bittermelon….well, that explains what it tastes like. Maybe in small doses, but as for a staple of the meal, not so much. 😛 yuck. Anyway, any and all advice and information are greatly appreciated and I am now going to be an avid follower! Thank you!
Thank you for writing. I am glad you found the post helpful. Allergic to living is tough. I do think that in all of these food sensitivity, histamine intolerance, GAPs conditions, that mind/body/spirit plays a very underestimated role. I really recommend finding something that you really connect with that relaxes you deeply. That will be something different for each person. For me its breath centered yoga and Reiki.
I’m having allergy symptoms for the first time – itchy and watery eyes, and I wondered why. Thanks for this list. I LOVE ginger honey tea, but I don’t have it daily. Synchronistically, I had it last night, and my eyes felt better today, but I didn’t make the connection. (I hadn’t yet read your article). I’ll be drinking it nightly until the pollen stops flying. Thanks!
Hi Eileen. Thank you for writing. I am glad that the post about climate change and pollen levels provided insight for you. I took a look at your website. It’s terrific. I think we are on the same page about many things having to do with health and healing.
I have been taking Stinging Nettle as a supplement and am having good luck with it in terms of reducing histamine sensitivity. You may want to check it out. I am using a brand called Planetary Formula, taking 4 a day.
Nice one. I think this info is going to become more and more important. Wherever I go now, there seems to be so many people experiencing really difficult, protracted allergy symptoms. And from everything I have read, indeed, it will only get worse, with the pollen seasons getting longer and longer.
Yes, that is also my understanding. It’s good to know about natural remedies to deal with it. I am wondering what impact for instance Stinging Nettles will have on those of us with histamine intolerance that is primarily food mediated.
Interesting Judy! I actually seem to have allergies these days, mild but nonetheless new for me.
Its good to know at least what it is. Maybe try the Stinging Nettles. I have ordered some. I too have allergy symptoms for the first time.