Allergy Sufferers, I know you’re miserable.
First it’s the trees, then the weeds and grasses. Whether its global warming causing climate change which causes a longer and hotter growing season which causes more pollen or not, the pollen levels are trending upwards where I live.
Histamine 101: Histamines are produced by the immune system during the inflammatory response i.e. when foreign invaders like pollen and bacteria attack. Histamines do more than make you miserable (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes). Histamines are chemical messengers whose main job is to regulate the distribution of water. When water decreases, histamines increase to conserve water. They also regulate your gastric activity and your sleep and wake cycles. Histamines also are neurotransmitters affecting emotions and behavior and if your level is too low, can cause paranoia, low libido and fatigue.
Dehydration can cause a histamine response producing the symptoms of allergies even if there is no allergy factor (pollen) present.
Numerous reports and studies show 75% of Americans do not drink enough water and are “chronically dehydrated”. 10-20% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Do the math, chances are you’re dehydrated.
Extra Water and a Neti Pot are my first line of defense during allergy season.
If you are really miserable, try drinking a quart of water with a pinch of sea salt. You may have to do it again 30 minutes later, but this will often relieve your symptoms.
Bathing your nasal cavities twice a day with a nasal irrigator or neti pot should be a daily habit. If the pollen is washed away, the inflammatory responses will be reduced.
The bottom line: Grab the water bottle before grabbing the OTC Anti-Histamines.
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