{"id":25290,"date":"2014-04-03T21:57:22","date_gmt":"2014-04-04T05:57:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=25290"},"modified":"2014-04-03T21:57:22","modified_gmt":"2014-04-04T05:57:22","slug":"real-cause-springtime-allergies-pollen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/real-cause-springtime-allergies-pollen\/","title":{"rendered":"The Real Cause of Your Springtime Allergies (It’s Not Pollen)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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More people consider spring their favorite season over any other. But for millions, the accompanying sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and brain fog of seasonal allergies make spring a time to be dreaded rather than enjoyed. And this spring is predicted to be worse than usual. The long, cold winter and higher-than-average snowfall mean some plants are primed to produce more pollen, according to allergy specialists. (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Besides the usual sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes, inhalant allergies can leave you with serious brain fog, inability to concentrate and focus, fatigue, irritability, and depression.<\/p>\n

Typically, people with allergies seal up the house and try to stay indoors. Then they try one of the myriad over-the-counter antihistamines. Many are under their doctor’s care taking prescription medications or getting allergy shots. These can definitely take the joy out of this beautiful season.<\/p>\n

But there are much better ways to cope with this annoying problem.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The Real Cause of Seasonal Allergies<\/h2>\n

Most people blame pollen or mold spores for their seasonal allergies, but these aren’t the real cause at all!<\/p>\n

Allergy symptoms are caused by an\u00a0overactive immune system<\/span>. Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies that protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection.<\/p>\n

When you have allergies, your immune system is producing antibodies in response to exposure to things like pollen, dust, or pet dander that it perceives as harmful, even though they aren’t.<\/p>\n

It’s not the exposure to allergens that are the root cause of your allergies, it’s your body’s\u00a0overreaction<\/i>\u00a0causing the cascade of allergic symptoms.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Allergy Relief Strategies<\/h2>\n

Here are five ways to tackle your seasonal allergies without drugs or medications. Take these steps to keep your allergies under control this season and prevent attacks in the future. You may even get permanent relief!\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

1. Minimize Allergen Exposure<\/h3>\n

Minimizing exposure to allergens gives your immune system less to react to. Here are steps to take to reduce your contact with pollen:<\/p>\n