We often appreciate the temperatures going up, the sun shining and longer days this time of year. One thing many people don’t appreciate? Allergies. Although these tips may not give you immediate relief, they will help your body adapt and deal with the allergens the way your immune system is supposed to.

1. Clean up your diet. If your diet is causing inflammation to your body, you will have issues and your allergies will be the least of your worries in the years to come. The top foods for causing inflammation are sugar (Stop drinking pop! Even diet!), dairy and grains (highly processed grains are just like sugar). I've had multiple patients tell me that once they eliminated dairy from their diet, their allergy symptoms greatly reduced. Here's what happened to me when I went off of dairy.

2. Use local honey. Honey made within 100 kms of where you live contains very, very small traces of local pollen. The quantities are small enough that you won’t react, but it is enough to tell your immune system to “handle it”. There are so many awesome local resources for honey here in Manitoba. Just 1 tsp a day will help. Bee pollen also works the same way. I love Phil's Honey and Fresh Roots. Both can be ordered through Harvest Moon. Bee Keeper's Naturals also has some awesome honey products and information.

3. Get adjusted. A chiropractic adjustment to your upper and mid back as well as your neck will affect the nerves that innervate your lungs and sinuses telling them to get their act together. One to two adjustments per week will help get you through allergy season and maintain a boosted immune system.

4. A super immune concoction made of 1 T apple cider vinegar, 1 freshly squeezed orange, 1 freshly squeezed lemon, ½ tsp honey and a bit of minced ginger topped with clean water. This will give you a boost of vitamin C, probiotics and an immune system supercharge!

5. Omega 3s and Probiotics. Omega 3 supplements help decrease your overall inflammation. Probiotics help to inoculate your gut with good bacteria. Realistically, the majority of us should be taking these. If you are someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, you better be taking these! However, if you aren’t willing to buy the quality stuff, don’t even bother. Most of the supplements you find at your local drug store are more fillers than anything. Get the scoop on vitamins here.