Here’s The Key To Combating Allergy Season

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April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring out the pollen from all of the different trees and grasses around town. Allergy season, a time of inconvenient runny noses, sneezing and watery eyes, can start as early as February and last deep into the summer months. Unfortunately, lengthening pollen seasons may be in our future because of global warming, according to Dr. Lewis Ziska, a plant physiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Crop Systems and Global Change Laboratory.

Allergy attacks can occur because of a weak immune system. Wheatgrass — a nutrient-rich type of young grass in the wheat family — can help you build a stronger defense system against these allergens.

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If you haven’t hopped on the wheatgrass train, there’s no time like the present. You might’ve heard the word thrown around at juice shops or health food stores and it’s usually associated with the health and fitness-obsessed, but it’s all for good reason. Wheatgrass juice is just about one of the healthiest foods out there and the benefits are pretty impressive. One the biggest benefits is its ability to increase red blood cells in your body, which make it a kickass immune booster. It has also can raise blood alkalinity to reduce acidity, which will make your body less susceptible to allergy symptoms like inflammation.

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Some of the nutrients in wheatgrass include Vitamin A and C, essential amino acids, thousands of phytonutrients (plant nutrients that are only found in raw produce) and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. You should start by drinking 1 to 2 ounces of wheatgrass per day and increase your dosage (carefully) if you see positive results. If possible, drink it on an empty stomach and spread out the ounces over the course of the day. It’s also a good idea to swish the juice around like mouthwash and let it nourish your gums.

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It’s important to know what exactly triggers your allergy symptoms and how to avoid these allergens. If you notice an itching sensation, coughing, red or watery eyes or skin rashes, you definitely shouldn’t ignore it. Go see a doctor or work on boosting your immune system. There really is no cure for spring allergies, so you’re better off prepping your body for the inevitable.