7 Ways to Fight Seasonal Discomfort

Seasonal discomfort or something else?

With spring in full bloom, there are more trees, grasses, weeds, and flowers spreading pollen than any time of year.

This makes us more prone to itchy eyes, sneezing, sniffles, and even a sore throat.

So, how do you know if you’re dealing with seasonal discomfort or another health issue? Both conditions affect the respiratory system, so it can be tough to make the distinction.

According to the NIH (National Institute of Health), here’s how you can tell what you’re dealing with:

• Seasonal discomfort symptoms tend to be less severe.
• Seasonal discomfort also has unique symptoms that most illnesses do not, such as itchy and watery eyes.
• People with seasonal discomfort may have symptoms for up to 6 weeks, while other health issues tend to last no more than 2 weeks.

How to Combat Seasonal Discomfort

If you are dealing with seasonal discomfort, here are some foods that can help:

1. Ginger: This fragrant root is a natural remedy that can help with nausea and joint pain. It can also help battle inflammation in the nasal passages and eyes.

2. Citrus: It’s always a good idea to load up on Vitamin C. It helps give your immune system a boost, which can help with certain health conditions and seasonal discomfort.

3. Bee Pollen: It’s believed that consuming the pollen from local bees can help acclimate your body to pollen and other irritants. Pick up some honey at your local farmer’s market and add it to tea, cereal, yogurt, or smoothies.

4. Turmeric: Like ginger, turmeric is also an anti-inflammatory. There’s limited research on humans, but it couldn’t hurt to add some into your diet!

5. Tomatoes: Citrus fruits aren’t the only sources of Vitamin C. One tomato contains approximately 26% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C.

6. Onions: One of the ingredients in onions, quercetin, is sold separately as a supplement to reduce the symptoms of seasonal discomfort. So, why not go directly to the source and add onions to your diet. Red onions have the highest concentration of quercetin.

7. Salmon: The omega 3 fatty acids in oily fish like salmon help keep your airways open due to their anti-inflammatory powers. Look for low mercury fish and aim for 8 ounces per week.

This time of year is beautiful, but the changes in the weather can also be somewhat uncomfortable. Don’t let seasonal discomfort stand in the way of doing the things you love. By incorporating our list of suggested foods into your diet, you can potentially fight seasonal discomfort naturally.