Tips for pollen allergies

Spring is in the air

Here in New York, we’ve been enjoying Spring weather for a couple of months already. But there is one drawback to Spring’s early arrival.

Allergies.

According to one report I read, tree pollen counts have been high since February.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about the pollen. But there are some things that might be making your allergies worse that you CAN control.

For instance, certain foods are genetically related “cousins” to allergens like ragweed, grasses, or trees. And since these plants are in the same species, your body can have a similar sort of reaction to them.

For example, during spring allergy season, foods like apple, pear, kiwi, cherry, parsley, peach, carrots, and even some nuts (almonds or walnuts) can trigger an allergic reaction.

Think about the foods you’re eating. And try cutting back on or eliminating the foods listed above to see if it makes a difference for you.

Not everyone has this type of cross-reaction with foods. But if you’re sneezing and sniffling thanks to all the pollen in the air this time of year, it’s certainly worth a try.

In the meantime, here are a few more tips I give my patients:

• Rub olive oil on your hair at night. It will keep pollen from getting onto your bedding.
• Take your shoes off before going inside, so you don’t bring allergens into the house.
• Use the recirculation button on your car’s ventilation system so you’re not constantly bringing pollen in.

For a more detailed discussion of fighting allergies any time of year, refer back to my article “Tips for a sneeze free season” in the November 2011 issue of Logical Health Alternatives.