by Dr. Amy Wiesner
With spring now here and warmer weather approaching, many people will soon be suffering the effects of seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, are caused by the immune system’s response to the pollen of trees, grasses, flowers and weeds. The pollen most commonly causes itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, congestion and sneezing and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to mitigate symptoms as these keep the immune system strong. Avoiding alcohol, dairy products and sugar will help, as will eliminating artificial colors and flavors, preservatives and other additives.
If you are excessively sensitive to pollen, however, more steps may need to be taken.
About 80% of our immune system is found in the digestive tract. If it is healthy, you will be less likely to get sick. However, if you eat an unhealthy diet and don’t eliminate properly, this will cause an imbalance that will affect your immune system. Probiotics are healthy microflora that help to stabilize the immune system. Taking them on a daily basis is preventive for both acute and chronic illness.

