What Are Allergies, and How Do We Get Them?
Allergies occur when our bodies are introduced to a foreign substance, and our immune system reacts as if it is harmful to our bodies. These foreign substances, called allergens, can vary from person to person. As we interact with our individual allergens, our bodies can create inflammation in many areas, such as the skin, sinuses, and eyes, as well as many other parts of the body, depending on the individual.[1]
An antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) is made by our immune system in response to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. This antibody further promotes the release of histamines, a chemical that causes bothersome effects like itching, inflammation, and other symptoms.[2]
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), about 1 in 3 adults and more than 1 in 4 children in the United States reported having a seasonal allergy. Read more by clicking the link.
Knowing Common Triggers for Allergies
Although not everyone has the same triggers for allergies, it is important to recognize the common ones that people across the world face, many of which are identified as the seasons change.
- Pollen: It's not surprising that pollen is on the list of common allergens. Besides being known as pollen, there are other names, such as hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis. There are different types of pollen, such as tree pollen (being the most common), grass pollen, and weed pollen, all of which travel through the air and float in our environment.[3]
- Dust Mites: They come from tiny bugs that commonly live in dust around your house. Dust mites are hard to see with the naked eye and can only be seen with equipment like a microscope. These tiny bugs thrive in warm climates and during warmer seasons, so you will find them more prevalent during seasons, including spring and summer.[4]
- Mold Spores: Mold contains fungi and bacteria that can increase the number of allergic reactions that someone has. Mold can be found anywhere in the house and in other buildings, most definitely in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens.[5]
Optimizing Your Indoor Environment
By managing your indoor environment during the allergy season, you can take control of the number of allergens that are in your home and places that you frequent.
Here are some tips for managing your environment indoors:
- Have an air purifier to clear the air filled with pollutants and enjoy filtered air.
- Control the temperature to a moderate but comfortable setting to prevent the growth of dust mites.
- Frequently clean with vacuums, damp cloths, and allergen-reducing cleaning products (hypoallergenic, sprays without fragrances, etc.)
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
Of course, this information cannot be substituted for actual professional help. This guide only has the intent of informing readers on the basis of allergies and how to reduce your seasonal allergies on a simplistic level.
You should consult a medical professional or allergist to test which allergies you are susceptible to or other concerns that you may have during allergy season.
Choosing a healthy plant-based and vegan diet is most beneficial when it comes to:
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Higher levels of energy;
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Improved sleep;
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Aids in energy and overall happiness;
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Provides a sense of comfort and relief;
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Could prevent major diseases such as obesity and diabetes;
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Accomplish weight-loss and management; and
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Improves mental and cognitive functioning.
There are really no excuses not to try healthier habits in your everyday life. If you are a man or woman looking for specific benefits of adopting healthier habits or just want to know about the general healing properties of herbs. Please remember to comment or post any health questions, or contact us directly!
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