by Dr. Fred Harvey, MD   

As the season changes, so do our bodies and our environment. Spring ushers in new growth and renewal, but for many of us, it also brings seasonal allergies and other health challenges. Therefore, it’s beneficial to take a holistic approach to wellness this time of year, incorporating both conventional and natural healing practices. 

Allergies are some of the main health challenges that occur in this season. With the blooming of plants and trees comes an abundance of pollen and other irritants that can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems. The concurrent bloom of Corinia brothers or red tide can exacerbate allergies, and the toxins from red tide can cause neurological symptoms as well. 

To protect ourselves from these allergens and toxins, we must take proactive measures to remove them from our environment and bodies. The first step in detoxification is to eliminate the source of those toxins, so avoiding the beach during red tide events is a wise choice. Using a Nettie Pot or similar device to clean your nasal airways can also be beneficial in flushing out toxins and excess mucus. 

Natural supplements like Stinging Nettle Leaf, Bromelain, N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Vitamin C can also help to alleviate allergies by reducing inflammation, loosening mucus and bolstering respiratory mucosa. Natural DHist, which combines these key ingredients for faster relief, is an excellent supplement to use. Homeopathic allergy sprays like Reboost and traditional Chinese herbal formulas like Biyan Pian can also be effective decongestants.  

Making conscious choices about our diet and lifestyle can also help to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies. Avoiding dairy products can reduce mucus production, and staying well hydrated can loosen mucus. By incorporating these natural remedies and lifestyle choices into our daily routine, we can alleviate the discomfort of allergies to enjoy the beauty of springtime with more wellness and ease.   

Are you interested in improving your overall health and well-being? If so, functional medicine could be the answer. Functional Medicine Florida is led by Dr. Fred Harvey who has expertise in internal, geriatric, functional and holistic-integrative medicine, with a special focus on chronic illness recovery and prevention and defying aging. By working together, we can identify the underlying causes of your health issues and create a customized plan to improve your health. To learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal health, call 941-929-9355 or visit FunctionalMedicineFlorida.com.