Spring’s arrival may herald a turn in the temperatures, but allergens can also trigger an immune response like that caused by winter cold and flu bugs.
READ MORE | Tips to avoid the seasonal sniffles when taking your training outdoors
While winter flu is caused by a virus and seasonal allergies by a harmless substance like pollen, there are similarities in how our immune system responds to both, with the release of inflammatory chemical messengers that trigger symptoms as the common denominator.
These chemical mediators include histamine (especially in allergies) and cytokines (common in viral infections). Once released, they result in inflammation that causes many overlapping symptoms, such as:
However, the crucial difference lies in what the immune system is reacting to, as our immune system mounts an attack to destroy a virus once it is detected, whereas allergic reactions stem from a harmless substance like pollen that is misidentified as a threat, leading to an overreaction and the unnecessary release of inflammatory chemicals.
Am I sick, or just suffering from allergies?
READ MORE | Spring likely to be longer, which may be bad news for those with seasonal allergies
Spring is peak allergen season because the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours prompt grasses, flowers, trees and weeds to bloom.
Pollen counts usually increase during September, October and November, along with mould and fungal spore levels as trees, flowers, weeds and grasses produce more of these natural substances.
As pollen and spore counts rise and spread in the wind, they can land in our eyes, noses, and lungs, where they can trigger an allergic reaction, leaving us congested and wheezy, or dealing with bouts of sneezing, sniffles, coughing, and itchy eyes.
These symptoms can leave you feeling uncomfortable due to the sinus pressure and can disrupt sleep, leaving you feeling tired, run-down and lethargic. As fatigue sets in, allergies can make life unpleasant for those who suffer from seasonal allergies (aka hay fever or allergic rhinitis).
Allergic respiratory diseases affect about 20 million South Africans, with pollen and fungal allergens among the leading triggers1. Climate change is also making allergy seasons longer2, as higher temperatures lead to longer pollen seasons.
There are various ways to reduce symptoms and alleviate congestion if you suffer from seasonal allergies, with a consultation with your doctor a sensible first step to determine the best type of decongestant, oral or nasal steroid medication, antihistamine, and/or saline spray.
If you suffer from severe seasonal allergies, the best approach is to avoid or minimise your exposure to potential allergens by staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment with the windows closed. However, avoid indoor areas that are damp or have mould.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night as the body produces protective immune proteins (cytokines) while you sleep. What’s more, chronic sleep deprivation weakens your immune response, making you more vulnerable and potentially intensifying allergic reactions.
Exercise is also a good way to reduce congestion and support blood flow to boost the immune response. If you head outdoors to train, avoid heavily wooded or grassy areas, and avoid going out on warm, dry and windy days, or areas with freshly cut grass. Train before 10h00 or after 16h00, as pollen counts are highest between these times.
Supplements may also complement your approach, with immune-boosting micronutrients such as vitamins C and D, zinc and a comprehensive multivitamin complex, ideal ways to support your body’s natural response.
A product like Biogen Vitamin C 1000mg supports immune cell function3, while Biogen Vitamin D3 1000iu helps regulate the immune response4, and Biogen Zinc Complex Plus provides this important mineral necessary for the development and communication of immune cells5.
You can also cover all your bases with a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral complex, like Biogen Multi Vitamin+, which includes all three micronutrients along with other important vitamins and minerals, or Biogen Immuno Boost Fizzy, which is formulated with ingredients like Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
Another often overlooked and underutilised tool to support our immune system is optimal hydration6. Drinking sufficient water every day, with added electrolytes at least once a day from a product like Biogen REVITALYTE Electrolyte Replenishment Powder, supports hydration.
This advanced electrolyte and antioxidant formula supports energy metabolism and protects against excessive free radical damage to support overall cellular health. These are important benefits when your body is battling the inflammatory response triggered by seasonal allergies.
When the body is dehydrated, which is common when temperatures start rising in spring, it can sometimes increase the production or release of histamine, which can exacerbate symptoms like itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.
By staying hydrated, you help maintain your body’s normal fluid balance, which is thought to assist in the proper regulation and metabolism of histamine, potentially reducing the amount of histamine the body feels compelled to release.
Proper fluid intake also helps your body produce thinner, more watery mucus, which may help to ease congestion and reduce the discomfort of post-nasal drip and coughing7.
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