Are you struggling with environmental allergies? Find out some of the natural ways that you can treat them. You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode113 Topics Discussed in this Episode: The link between hormones and histamine intolerance The pollen apocalypse The 411 on histamine Seasonal allergies Some common allergy symptoms and their underlying causes The side-effects of over-the-counter antihistamines What to avoid and what to include in your diet during allergy season   Key Takeaways: Where you might be in your menstrual cycle and having elevated estrogen levels during your menstrual cycle can induce a histamine release in your body. There have been increases in pollen counts in the environment as one of the effects of climate change, and experts predict that allergies will get worse in the next three to five years. Histamine is a chemical compound that’s very important in our immune system and plays a vital role in the inflammation that occurs in the body. The severity of symptoms of allergic rhinitis can vary widely from season to season and can impact your day-to-day life. Your risk of suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms dramatically increases if you have an underlying medical condition, unmanaged stress, and pregnancy. Allergies are considered disorders of the immune system. The body is over-reacting to harmless substances and produces these antibodies to attack the substance, which is what is causing your symptoms. Acupuncture can reduce the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies without any side-effects.   Action Steps: If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors and you know you’re reacting to pollen, make sure that you take a shower once you get home. If you have pets that have spent time outside the house, hose them down or wipe them down as well. Avoid the following foods that can aggravate your allergic symptoms: Alcohol Caffeine Conventional dairy Chocolate Peanuts Sugar Artificial sweeteners Processed foods Melons Bananas Cucumbers Sunflower seeds Shellfish Bottled citrus juice Echinacea Camomile Wheat Soy Dried fruits Include the following foods in your diet during allergy season: Raw, local honey Hot and spicy foods like cinnamon, cayenne, cayenne pepper, ginger, onion, garlic, etc. Bone broth Probiotic-rich foods like kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and raw cheese and other raw organic dairy products Pineapple Apple cider vinegar Swiss chard Carrots Yams Beets Cabbage Wild-caught salmon Good quality poultry Organic grass-fed beef and lamb Fresh herbs and spices Dried herbs Horseradish Take supplements that will help to fight allergies: Spirulina Quercetin Butterbur Probiotics Vitamine A Bromelain Zinc Stinging nettle Use a Neti pot to relieve nasal congestion and flush out mucus. Use essential oils. Get acupuncture. Stay hydrated. Shower before bed. Wash your clothes and your bedding frequently. Consider replacing your carpets at home. Declutter.   Samantha said: “Not all individuals have a heightened sensitivity or an allergic reaction to all pollens so it’s important to pay attention and recognize what really is triggering your allergies and the time of year they’re showing up.” “A strong immune system is key to fighting seasonal allergies, and as we know, your immune system lives in your gut, which is why it’s so important to be supporting your gut health and your microbiome.”   Thanks for listening!   Important Announcements: If you don’t have my book yet, The 30-Day Hormone Solution, grab a copy over at hormonesolutionbook.com and get over $350 in free bonuses. Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on. Links to things I talk about in the show: Save 20% off Energybits Spirulina and Chlorella at energybits.com. Use code - HEALTHYHORMONES Save 15% off any Organifi Products at