Sneezing, coughing, streaming eyes … seasonal allergies blight the lives of around 36 million Americans, and incidence has been rising in recent years. What steps can be taken to relieve the symptoms? Read on to find out.
Seasonal allergies (seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (ARC) or hay fever) are caused by an inflammatory reaction in the body to the presence of an allergen. Unlike perennial allergies triggered by year-round allergens (dust mites, animal fur …), seasonal allergies are caused by pollen. The challenge is to determine which pollen, as there are three kinds: tree, grass and herbaceous pollen.
What to do
The only way to find out exactly which allergen is responsible for your symptoms is to undergo a series of tests. Your doctor can refer you to an allergy specialist or you can find ‘self-diagnosis’ kits at your pharmacy.
Spring heralds the start of the allergy season when trees start to come into flower. However, the risk of seasonal allergies remains high until the end of summer as herbaceous plants continue their pollination until the beginning of autumn. Which are the key months? The pollen season generally peaks between May and August though periods of risk depend on the region and the weather. Part of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), the National Allergy Bureau provides accurate information on pollen levels throughout the United States, using over 90 counting stations, and reflecting current weather events.
What to do
Consult the high pollen count maps (on the AAAAI website) as soon as the warm weather arrives. Avoid walking in the countryside, protect your eyes with sunglasses and close your windows to prevent pollen from coming indoors.
Seasonal allergies weaken the immune system. It therefore makes sense to give it some help in fighting the symptoms of allergic reactions. Certain dietary supplements combine anti-allergy plant extracts with phytonutrients that boost immune and respiratory health and so combat the symptoms of allergy.
What to do
Adopt a healthy lifestyle all year round and regularly consume probiotics to restore the balance of your gut flora as it is plays a direct role in the efficacy of your immune system.
Even though seasonal allergies are not usually serious, they still make life difficult and cause additional fatigue. Since avoiding allergens completely is very difficult, antihistamines are normally recommended for relieving symptoms. Another option is phytotherapy. Certain plants, such as Capparis spinosa (caper bush) or Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant bud absolute) have anti-inflammatory properties and Capparis spinosa also has active principles with antihistamine properties. Another possibility is desensitisation.
What to do
Don’t wait until symptoms appear – take action at the beginning of spring with a course of dietary supplements containing targeted plant extracts.
A phenomenon called cross-reactivity can occur between some types of pollen and certain foods, primarily fruits and vegetables. Intolerance to pollen can thus sometimes cause an allergic reaction of varying severity (itching, swelling…) in the mouth and throat. 30% of those who suffer from seasonal allergies may be affected. The main combinations to avoid are:
What to do
If you know which type of pollen you are allergic to, avoid eating the fruits and/or vegetables that trigger cross-reactions with that pollen.
Keywords
4 Days
Fast service and good products
PERCY
7 Days
fairly quick service. Decent prices
Vyril A
9 Days
Product always arrives timely and in good shape. Company is easy to work with. Website is user-friendly.
Diane
10 Days
The h pylori supplement has helped my digestive issues. I was diagnosed with h pylori more than once. Also was hospitalized with h pylori several times. Even after taking prescription meds for this condition I still had ongoing digestive issues. So I decided to give this product a try. It has helped with the bloating and inflammation in my stomach and chest. So I gave it a 4 star rating. It helps to calm the pain in my stomach and also acid reflux pains. It is a good product and I would recommend.
Sandra
13 Days
Have purchased from this company many times. A package arrived damaged and with an 1 email to customer service it was fixed. Thank you for great products and great customer service
jd
16 Days
Above and beyond customer service! Bravo. Love SuperSmart.
Isabella Jimenez
20 Days
Still great! I have given my opinion on this several times and it remains the same.
WRIGHT Connie
23 Days
I have been very happy with all my supplements from supersmart
kirstin Torres
23 Days
Quality supplements
Edward P
31 Days
Good products at a good price.
HELLAND Edward
33 Days
Any will be taken care of by SuperSmart staff.
DOMINIC
35 Days
Quality 3rd party tested products without fillers
Edward P
36 Days
great products and prices..
Marie
45 Days
product delivered on time and in good shape
Jack
49 Days
Great supplements at great prices
cynthia b