As seen in the Clarkston News 2021 Fall Health section…
There’s something poetic in the way Michigan changes its seasons, especially when summer begins to fade into those chilly autumn mornings. The leaves take on their russet and amber colors before floating to the ground. You can almost smell it in the air. Fall is here, and it isn’t alone.
We Michiganders might love to chase fall foliage and take in the beautiful colors, but for some, all they see are triggers: ragweed in the wind and mold in the wet leaves. Just like spring, fall brings its own misery in the form of allergies.
At Forum Health Clarkston, we approach allergies like any other imbalance in the body: with nutrition and lifestyle. You don’t have to suffer and you certainly don’t need to run out to purchase a stockpile of antihistamines. There are simple steps you can take to find relief.
Diet:
For a head start, you’ll want to begin with your diet. It’s time to clean that up. This includes all the triggers: gluten, sugar, dairy, caffeine and alcohol.
Instead, try foods that provide respiratory support, like chicken or beef bone broth. Immune-boosting foods, like apple cider vinegar, raw honey and cinnamon are a nice addition to hot water or tea. For healthy digestion, you’ll want to consume probiotic-rich foods, such as Greek yogurt and kombucha. Finally, you can never go wrong with a few daily servings of fresh, organic vegetables.
*If you’re struggling with your diet, a functional medicine nutritionist can help customize a plan designed for your body’s needs.
Supplement Support:
The next step to breathing normally and supporting your fall health is to make sure you’re including the right supplement support in your daily routine:
- Probiotic: Restores the proper balance of bacteria in the GI tract and helps to alleviate immune responses.
- Fish Oil: Especially useful for anti-inflammatory protection.
- Vitamin D: Plays a protective role against asthma and other allergic
conditions. - Vitamin C: Provides natural antihistamine.
- Bromelain: Reduces swelling and edema of tissue.
*Remember, you’re looking for third-party tested, pharmaceutical-grade supplements. Do your research!
Detox:
If your body can’t handle its toxin load, it can build up and cause some pretty debilitating symptoms. A good detox clears toxins from your body and reduces the load on your detoxification pathways, allowing the liver to filter blood and handle allergens. Try and do some kind of detox before every season change. So, how do you detox? No, it isn’t a tea or a pill.
We’ve already addressed the role diet plays in this process. While that is a significant part, there are a few more ways to add to the detoxification process.
- Sweat it out: Clear toxins with exercise and time in a sauna.
- Hydrate: Give your system a good flush by drinking water. I don’t mean you should chug gallons of water. I mean no pop, juice, milk, etc. Only drink water.
*As wonderful as it is, detoxing can be difficult on your body—especially if you are not used to it. You really should reach out to a functional medicine nutritionist to build and guide you through a detox plan safely.
Several factors can impact the development of allergies and poor fall health. Although some are more susceptible, allergies aren’t something we’re just born with. Genetics, diet, nutrient deficiencies and toxins all play a role in those itchy eyes and that tickle in your throat. The good news is that relief is only a few steps away.
Adrian Schirr
Forum Health Clarkston, a Forum Health Partner
7300 Dixie Hwy. Ste. 500
Clarkston, MI 48346
248-625-5143
