From itchy, watery eyes to coughing, sneezing, and a constantly runny nose, living with allergies can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Unfortunately, these symptoms affect an estimated 50 million Americans who are currently living with allergies. In most cases, medications are taken daily to ease the uncomfortable symptoms. However, these medications can have other side effects, such as sleepiness, which affect your daily life. Thankfully, other treatments are available to ease your allergy symptoms. Using one or more of these holistic options, you can manage your allergy symptoms and live a more comfortable, productive life.

Diet

Eating a well-balance diet is important for your health and wellness, but incorporating a few surprising foods into your daily regimen can actually help ease your allergy symptoms.

Foods that offer anti-inflammatory properties are essential because they improve your body's immune system and reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with your allergies. Here are a few foods you should consume if you want to reduce allergy symptoms holistically:

• Garlic
• Lemon
• Almond butter
• Bone broth
• Green, leafy vegetables
• Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso
• Raw honey

Supplement

If the above foods are not appealing to you or you struggle adding them to your diet each day, consider taking a few supplements to help manage the discomfort from allergies.

A multi-vitamin is beneficial, but make sure this vitamin contains vitamin D, which enhances the function of the body's immune system. This is important so your body can fight the inflammation that occurs when you are having an allergic reaction.

Quercetin is also helpful if you suffer from seasonal or environmental allergies. Quercetin is actually capable of blocking allergens, reducing their effect on your immune system while reducing any possibility of symptoms.

Stinging nettle is a herbal supplement you should add to your daily regimen if you have allergies. The herb offers effective anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and pain from your allergies. In addition, stinging nettle is an antihistamine that can counteract an allergic reaction.

Neti Pot

For many allergy sufferers, clearing the sinus passageway to remove congestion and improve breathing is imperative. Again, many medications claim to effectively clear congestion, but a neti pot offers enormous improvement in a short period of time. Plus, there are no negative side effects that occur after using a neti pot.

Basically, this treatment involves pouring a saline solution into one nostril out of a small pot. Most people are surprised by how quickly the neti pot and saline solution clears away the congestion.

If you suffer from allergies, help is available without medications that cause further problems. Talk to your doctor before using any new treatment for your allergies.