Overcoming Winter Allergies

This is the time of the year when family gatherings and social calls put us in new environments.  The holidays mean we visit the homes of friends and family much more frequently–and in a condensed period of time–than other times of the year.  It also happens to fall during the winter months, which means a very “closed” environment with no open windows and less fresh air.  Combined with the stress and lack of sleep that this time of year brings, these new environments can put a strain on your immune and respiratory systems.

Allergy sufferers beware:  this time of year can also bring the “gift” of an allergy flare-up. At first pass, it seems odd that during the cold winter months allergens are present and ready to strike.  But let’s consider the various factors at play.

Allergies are personalized set of responses that your body demonstrates when it has been exposed to a compound it rejects.  Essentially, your body acts as though an invader is attacking it.  Since it doesn’t know how to process the foreign compound, an inflammatory response is ignited as a protective mechanism to your organs.  These compounds are collectively referred to as allergens, and commonly include: dust, pet dander, tree and flower pollens, mold, and ingestible things such as food and medications.   

Most commonly, the term  “allergies” refers to the environmental allergens that enter your body through air and skin contact, causing sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, sinus congestion, headache, foggy head and low energy.  This time of year can also mean dust and the products of dust mites, such as pet dander, perfume and holiday scents, and Christmas trees and wreaths.   Considering that we are indoors more, allergens have our bodies at their mercy and enter your body more easily.

Most allergy sufferers have identified the allergens in their environment and taken steps to remove them, such as frequent dusting, a “no pets” rule, and air filters.  But what happens this season when you must visit a home that doesn’t live up to your clean environment standards?  For example, maybe a family member has pets or your best friend doesn’t mind dust balls.

 Your best strategy is foresight. A few simple steps can help your body defend against unfriendly invaders.

1.    Take steps throughout the year to support your immune system. 

Remember, allergies are a sign that your immune system isn’t quite able to battle the attacking allergens. The best, broad stroke strategy when dealing with allergies is to find ways to support your immune system.  Check out my article “5 Ways to Protect Your Kids (and Yourself!) From the Flu,” at Intent.com to read more ways to support your immune system.  While allergies are different from the flu, both are an indication that your immune system isn’t operating at full speed.  A natural supplement that has helped many allergy sufferers is quercetin.  Quercetin is a compound-“flavonoid” found in food that has anti-inflammatory properties so it can help decrease the reactions caused by the attacking allergens. You can increase your intake by eating more citrus fruits, tea, onions and berries, or by taking a supplement.  You can find quercetin in most health food stores.   

2.    It is common for allergy sufferers to have more than one allergy. 

While you might only be allergic to pet dander or outdoor pollens, it behooves you to keep your home extra clean.  The cumulative presence of allergens in your home can be a consideration and may add to your battle.  If you keep your home a clean and safe haven, your body will be better able to handle the foreign invaders you’ll face when visiting family.

3.    Plan ahead when visiting a home where you know allergens are lurking.

Let your friend or family member know about your allergies and that you may need to cut your visit short. Or, if you will be spending an extended visit, take a break from the environment and go outside for a short walk.  The combination of fresh air and exercise will increase circulation and bring relief.

4.    Keep a over-the-counter, non drowsy allergy medicine in your bag if you do not use a regular prescription for allergies. 

Most non-drowsy allergy medicines at your local pharmacy will provide some relief.  Even if you don’t normally use this kind of remedy, you may find that it helps a great deal when in a pinch.

5.    Try a niacin flush. 

Niacin is the proper name for vitamin B3, is found in everyday foods and can be purchased over the counter as a nutritional supplement. When taken in proper dosages, Niacin causes vasodilation (expansion of the small blood vessels) and brings an increased blood flow near the skin’s surface.  When this occurs, you will experience a warm, itchy, tingling sensation in your face, hands, ears and other areas. The skin looks red and “flushed,” hence called a “niacin flush.” It is a weird sensation and could seem a little worrisome if you’re not aware of the cause. 

A good niacin flush will cause increased blood flow through the vessels and bring circulating histamines to the surface so they can be released from the body.  In simple terms, histamines are responsible for the common allergy symptoms of itching, swelling and congestion.  The flush you experience when taking niacin is partly due to the summation and release of histamines.  When the flush has subsided, histamine levels are lowered allowing a temporary relief from allergic symptoms.

Try a niacin flush immediately prior to contact with allergens such as just before your holiday party or visit.  Niacin and niacin flushes are safe and natural.  Try beginning with a 50mg dose on an empty stomach.  You will begin to feel the flush within 5-10 minutes.  Once the flush has peaked, redness and itching will subside in 10-15 minutes.