If just thinking about spring makes your eyes burn, itch and water then you may still have time to get prepared. Experts say that last winter’s snowfall is causing trees and grasses to erupt with very high pollen levels. This year’s pollen forecasts are also high in the southern parts of the country.

Pollen, and other airborne allergens, causes cells in the immune system to release histamines. Those histamines trigger everything from itchy eyes and throat to a runny nose. “By the time most people seek help, they’re miserable from a full-blown allergy attack, and vasoconstrictor eye drops and antihistamines (with all their many side effects) may be their only options,” explains leading alternative health expert Bryce Wylde, BSc, DHMHS. From eye drops that sting to pills that give you “medicine head,” this solution may not be pleasant.

The trick is to catch allergies early. “There are many things you can do to cut your exposure to allergens and even tame the body’s allergic responses.”

How to enjoy more freedom from allergy symptoms

Understand that allergens are everywhere! “It’s a common misconception that allergens are seasonal and only encountered outdoors,” says Wylde. “Your indoor air (home, car and office) is often more polluted. Plus, even if you don’t see yellow dust, microscopic outdoor allergens can cling to your hair and clothing. You may be carrying them with you throughout your day.”

Wear sunglasses and a hat. “These will help keep allergens from getting into your eyes and clinging to your hair.”

Remove outdoor allergens once you come home. “Change your clothes. Wash your hair. Put your pillow and pillow case in the dryer. Otherwise, you’ll be sleeping in the pollen to which you were exposed outside.”

Give your nose and eyes some natural support. “Cleansing your nasal passages with a neti pot is a safe and natural way to help your body’s natural mechanism for clearing your sinuses of bacteria and allergens. Another decades-old homeopathic solution is Similasan Allergy Eye Relief which is used for red, itchy, watery eyes. Because it contains only natural active ingredients (no dyes, chemical vasoconstrictors, decongestants or steroids) these drops can be used regularly. Moreover, they help to activate your body’s own defense mechanisms to address the underlying problem.”

Clean your indoor air. “Change your home’s filter every three months, and always use a HEPA filter. If you miss being able to open your windows to let in fresh air, replace your traditional window screens with ones that filter as much as 50% more pollen.”

Replace your vehicle’s dirty cabin air filter. “These filters trap pollen, dust and other airborne particles. They typically need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. But if you drive on dirt roads, you may want to replace yours more frequently.”

Exercise indoors on heavy allergen/smog days. “Nearly every city or market has a weather network or allergy association that monitors the pollen and smog indexes. Find a source you like and get in the habit of checking it before you start your day.”

Allergies don’t have to be a no-win battle. “The key is to change your behavior before symptoms become severe,” concludes Wylde. “That way, you can help your body respond more effectively when it is exposed to allergens and finally enjoy all the good things that the season has to offer.”

Biography: Bryce Wylde, BSc, DHMHS, Homeopath

Known as a leading alternative health expert, Bryce Wylde is a highly knowledgeable and respected natural healthcare clinician whose specialty is homeopathy, clinical nutrition, supplementation, and botanical medicine and whose focus is routed within functional medicine. Bryce holds a bachelor of science honors degree in Biology and Psychology and a Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Health Sciences.

Wylde began his official on-air television hosting career with CTV in early 2008 starting on the CP24 news channel with his own hour-long highly rated weekly television show, Wylde on Health. Wylde on Health has featured interviews with international experts including Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Andrew Weil, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. David Suzuki, and Dr. Deepak Chopra to name a few. Wylde has all of his guests – local and international – weigh in on and share their views and opinions on alternative, complementary, and integrative approaches to health and wellness while also fielding live calls from viewers.

Prior to his own show and over the last decade, Bryce has been a regular expert guest on many national and international shows including more recently The Dr. Oz show as a regular contributor and member of the medical advisory board. He has frequently appeared on CTV’s Canada AM, The Marilyn Denis Show, CBC’s Steven and Chris, The Discovery Channel, W Channel and ABC’s Good Morning America Health to name a few.

In a clinical setting, he blends the latest in human biological and genomic screening, science and technology, and uses new, traditional, and ancient remedies. Along with a team of allied health professionals he works closely with his patients, informed by the genetic make-up of that patient in order to customize care, lifestyle and functional therapeutic interventions for health promotion, disease prevention and longevity.

The natural health world is riddled with junk science which fuels Bryce’s mission to ‘debunk the junk’. With a strong desire to empower consumers to make appropriate educated choices in the realm of natural and alternative therapies,

Bryce is the author of the national bestseller, The Antioxidant Prescription: How to Use the Power of Antioxidants to Prevent Disease and Stay Healthy for Life and Wylde On Health: Your Best Choices in the World of Natural Health.

Over the years Bryce has worked closely with various community outreach programs, fundraisers, and other altruistic campaigns including helping raise over a million dollars for various causes at Sick Kids Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital, North York General Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, York Central Hospital, and Oxfam international.