Spring Allergy Food Cures

As nature bursts to life in the spring, so do our bodies, a perfect microcosm of the world around us. This intense period also brings the release of allergens and pollens, which can trigger histamine reactions for many people. And there lies the perfect formula for seasonal allergies!

Here at Ecopiggy, our team is sharing ideas of how we can naturally support our bodies through allergy season. Our Ecopiggy Founder would love to share some of our ideas with you.

Often times, we are tempted to reach for over-the-counter medication to quell the symptoms but those side effects ultimately leave us foggy and tired. Instead, let’s look at a few food-based solutions that we could implement instead. Dairy is a food group that is extremely congesting to our system so it’s best to leave it out completely.

At our local farmers market, I can’t help but notice a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods, most of which are composed of the plants’ leaves versus the roots we saw in winter. Why not try some of these amazing powerhouse greens that support both your liver and immune system?

Nettles are high on the list. Available both fresh and in a tincture form. Sprouts, another nutrient gem, are best eaten raw as a garnish, and bitter greens like dandelion, mustard, collards, are ideal cooked and maybe balanced with something a tad sweet. I love harvesting fresh dandelion greens from my own yard and preparing dishes that I know will build health.

Another nourishing food to incorporate into your diet right now (and frankly, year round) is bee pollen, which is high in protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. Nature’s perfect superfood! These beautiful little beads are not as sweet as honey but possess a complex taste that is both earthy and delicately floral. The pollen contains high levels of quercetin, which is fundamental for fighting immune reactions, and helping to soothe asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.

This miracle food has so many other benefits!

Providing energy, boosting enzymes that aid in digestion, helping build new blood, and regenerating skin cells. When purchasing bee pollen at your market, grocery or health food store, make sure it comes from a local source so that you can focus on building immunity to plants in your own area.

Please note: If you are allergic to bee stings, you’ll want to avoid this product altogether.

Here’s a fun and easy smoothie recipe that incorporates bee pollen into your spring regimen, starting with ½ t. servings.

BEE POLLEN GREEN SMOOTHIE (serves 2)
1 cup nut/seed/coconut milk
1 banana
1 medjool date, pitted
1 T. almond butter
1/2 – 1 t. local bee pollen
handful of spinach
optional: 1/2 inch knob of fresh ginger