Spring and fall are typically the seasons we experience the most reactions to our changing environment. Perhaps you are noticing symptoms like headaches, congestion or sore throats? It is an excellent time to review and update your naturopathic plan. We are constantly changing. And our personal naturopathic plan should continue to help us adapt to our environment. I have had excellent results with using naturopathy to help us address allergies. I believe there are 3 important interventions we need.
1) Power wash the diet. Increase antioxidants with plant foods at the rate of 10-12 servings a day. Get off the inflammatory foods like sugar, dairy, and inflammatory alcohol! Add in polyphenols(see my list of foods below) Also consider food alergy and microbiome testing.
2) Take extra nutrients, allergy sensitive people already have a lower antioxidant status. (Vitamins A, C, D, Zinc, Quercetin). Additionally nutrients and herbs can help reduce histamine. These also can benefit histamine in your gut!
3) Personalize your Homeopathic Plan. Homeopathic’s are very gentle and safe for everyone, and can be used long term. I especially love these for children.
Polyphenols are a large class of plant-based compounds that
are important for human health. They are powerful antioxidants with
anti-inflammatory effects capable of preventing or reversing cellular
damage, activating the immune system, promoting good gut bacteria,
and reducing cancer risk, and improving cardiovascular and brain health.
Foods high in polyphenols include herbs, spices, cocoa, berries
(especially dark in color), flaxseeds, chestnuts, hazelnut, olives, capers,
pecans, sweet cherries, apple, spinach, shallot, almonds, red onion,
elderberry, capers, prunes, almonds, and more.
Herbs and spices high in polyphenols include cloves, dried
peppermint, star anise, dried oregano, celery seed, dried rosemary, dried
thyme, curry powder, dried ginger, fresh thyme, and dried lemon verbena. Also consider green tea and oolong tea to get your polyphenols in daily.
I also do recommend adding polyphenols in through supplements.