As the warmer seasons roll into Florida, so does the challenge of dealing with allergies for many of its residents. The greenery and blooming plants, while beautiful, also mean that pollen is in the air. This leads to sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy noses for those sensitive to it. The region’s humidity and climate also make it a breeding ground for mold and dust mites, further contributing to the common culprits that can trigger allergies.

At the core of these allergic reactions is our body’s immune system which could be overreacting to stuff like pollen, pet dander, dust or airborne particles. Mold, common in damp places, can be a big problem indoors and outdoors especially in Florida’s humid climate.

Our nervous system can also influence the severity of our allergies. The part of our nervous system that helps us relax, known as the parasympathetic nervous system, and particularly a nerve called the Vagus nerve, can influence our immune response. Here at Welcome to Wellness, we work with the Vagus nerve.

Another area of interest is gut health. Our gut hosts trillions of microbes, and the balance among these microbes can impact our immune system. A healthy, balanced gut microbiome might aid in making our immune system more tolerant and less likely to overreact to allergens. This highlights the importance of a nutritious diet that supports our gut health, potentially helping to keep allergies at bay.

For folks dealing with allergies, it might be beneficial to explore beyond just antihistamines and consider alternative methods to alleviate symptoms. This could include breathing exercises to help calm the nervous system, eating foods that are good for gut health, and making sure homes are clean and devoid of dust mites and mold. Regulating the humidity within the house can also help in reducing mold growth and dust mite populations. Here at Welcome to Wellness, we address diet, breathing, Vagus nerve activation and proper testing to find out the root causes of allergy symptoms.

Here are five natural and easy at-home solutions that can help manage allergy symptoms:

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water can help break up mucus and support lymphatic drainage.

Neti-Pot: Utilizing a neti pot or a squeeze bottle filled with distilled or sterile water for sinus rinses can effectively clear pollen and other allergens from your nasal passages, offering relief. This technique is recognized for its efficiency and minimal adverse effects.

HEPA Filters: Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home can significantly reduce the presence of allergens like dander, dust, and pollen. Placing a HEPA filter in your bedroom can be particularly effective.

Diet: Ingesting broccoli, onions, and green tea may stabilize the release of histamines, helping to control allergy symptoms. Histamines are the chemicals of inflammation released by the body in the presence of allergens that contribute to allergies.

Hydration: Staying hydrated can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages and may reduce the symptoms of allergies. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a simple and effective way to manage allergies.