Many things scream spring in Minnesota - “Play ball!” “The landscaper’s here.” “Have you seen my rain boots?” but for several of us, “Ah-Ah-Ah-Choo!” is the loudest. Itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and sneezing can take the buzz out of this beautiful season. What if we told you certain foods can ease the frustrating symptoms of seasonal allergies or that treating your gut could kick that pesky runny nose to the flower-lined curb for good? We talked with Stephanie Braunwarth, founder and owner of Waconia Women’s Health, regarding strategies to set yourself up for springtime success so you can spend less time sniffling and more time cheering for your favorite first baseman.
What are the typical allergens you see people commonly encounter during the spring season?
The most common spring outdoor allergen is pollen. Everything is starting to bloom… trees, grass, and weeds. Dust allergies can also creep in this time of year due to spring cleaning. Common seasonal allergy symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, a scratchy throat, a runny nose, sinus pressure, and headaches. This can oftentimes lead to more fatigue as well. These symptoms are generally worse after spending time outdoors.
What preventative measures can we take to reduce exposure and minimize symptoms?
Focusing on the root cause of allergies is the best way to help prevent and reduce allergy symptoms. Allergies are the immune system’s response to a substance you have been exposed to. This causes the release of a substance in the body called histamine, which then results in the symptoms detailed above. A large portion, about 80%, of our immune system is in our gut, and a major source of histamine production takes place there as well. Gut health cannot be overlooked when focusing on reducing seasonal allergies. Working with a provider on healing the gut is key, as is reducing food triggers and foods that increase bodily inflammation. This includes refined sugar, processed wheat products, and conventional dairy products (dairy can often increase mucus production in the body.) High-quality dairy should only be consumed.
What remedies would you recommend, and what services do you provide at Waconia Women’s Health to alleviate seasonal allergies?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a whole-body system’s form of medicine that treats the entire person. According to Chinese medicine, by improving function in the body systems being affected, symptoms decrease, the body heals, and balance is established. At our office, we use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, supplements, and dietary guidance to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. We like to see patients before allergy season starts to begin establishing better function before the difficult season begins. The sooner we can begin working on improving the overall health of the body, the better!
How do you see allergies affect people’s well-being?
Severe seasonal allergies can absolutely affect a person’s quality of life. We have worked with patients who don’t want to go outdoors or even open their windows on a nice day because they fear their symptoms will get worse.
Are there lifestyle adjustments or practices that can make us feel more energized this time of year?
Each season in Chinese medicine, a new organ system becomes extra important to support. In the spring, it’s the liver. Foods to support this season include sour foods like lemons, leafy green vegetables, asparagus, leeks, garlic, onions, mint, and turmeric. The color associated with spring in Chinese medicine is green. Any whole green food is great, and typically, the foods listed above are in season in early-late spring, making them easier to find and more cost-effective! As mentioned above, removing foods that can increase bodily inflammation is recommended. Getting regular acupuncture to support gut and immune health is crucial this time of the year. If you choose to do a “detox” under the care of a trusted provider, spring is an excellent time to do it.
What roles do mindfulness, stress reduction practices, breathwork, yoga, holistic approaches, etc., play in promoting vitality this time of year?
It’s always a great idea to focus on these things. Spring-time included. A body that is more resilient to stress and well taken care of is stronger and able to heal much more easily.
To learn more and to start a wellness plan for your spring allergy journey, go to https://waconiawomenshealth.com/
A large portion, about 80%, of our immune system is in our gut, and a major source of histamine production takes place there as well. Gut health cannot be overlooked when focusing on reducing seasonal allergies.