Spring allergies: invaluable advice

Updated on 2026-04-28

Summary: Spring allergies: invaluable advice

The chronicle explains that spring allergies, caused by an immune reaction to pollen, lead to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and fatigue, and affect up to a quarter of the population. To prevent them, it is advisable to adopt simple gestures such as limiting exposure to pollen and supporting the body with natural solutions such as vitamin C, anti-inflammatory plants and probiotics.

Quercetin stands out as a natural antihistamine, because it acts upstream of the allergic reaction by stabilizing the cells responsible for histamine release.

Seasonal allergies: understanding and managing them better

With the arrival of spring, the chronicle puts the spotlight on allergic rhinitis, which affects around 15% to 25% of people. Typical symptoms - sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, irritated eyes and fatigue - are caused by the immune system's reaction to pollen. This sensitivity depends on a combination of genetics and environment.

Why it happens (and why not to everyone)

Some people have a more reactive terrain, often linked to heredity. The immune system wrongly identifies pollen as a threat and releases histamine, responsible for the symptoms.

Prevent as much as possible

A few simple habits can make a real difference:

• Keep windows closed during pollen peaks
• Use an air purifier
• Avoid drying clothes outside
• Rinse sinuses with saline solution

The key idea is to act early, before symptoms get out of control.

Interesting natural solutions

Several natural options can help reduce the intensity of allergies:

• Vitamin C (kiwis, strawberries) to reduce histamine
• Anti-inflammatory diet
• Nettle, turmeric, ginger
• Probiotics to support the microbiota

But the star is quercetin A natural compound found in red onions, apples and green tea. It acts as a natural antihistamine, stabilizing the cells that release histamine. The result: less sneezing, less irritation and a better-controlled allergic reaction - especially if taken as a preventive measure.

About the author

Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive health
• Hormonal health
• Stress and fatigue
• Memory and concentration
• Weight management

Frédéric Bisson, radio host at 104.7 FM

Host of the 104.7 FM radio station on the Cogeco network. Frédéric Bisson has hosted L'Outaouais Maintenant from 3 to 5 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.

Transcription

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

So we're making the most of the last few hours of sunshine before the rain and cooler weather return. Once again, it's a beautiful day. Spring is here, but when spring arrives, the little leaves come out. The pollen is there, and then you know, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose. It's pollen allergy season. And if you're one of the 15 to 25% of the population who suffer from what's officially called allergic rhinitis, you know exactly what we're going to talk about with Lynn Goneau, naturopath at La Boite à Grains. Hello. 

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, it really is that magical time of year when nature wakes up, then we sneeze like we're trying to beat a Guinness record here. Have you ever felt like your east was flowing faster than your wifi, that your eyes were watering just because a tree looked at you the wrong way? Well, that's the real nightmare of spring allergies.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

My God, Lynn, what a sense of humor.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

The weather is fine today.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Why do some people react and others not at all?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

In fact, it's a combination of genetics, environment and luck. If a parent sneezed every time a dandelion breathed too loudly, you've already got a VIP allergy pass.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

I know what you mean. I understand. So some people are already thinking. It's allergies I have. What are they? So what are the most common symptoms?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

The classic flurry of sneezes. So runny or stuffy nose, red itchy eyes, seasonal fatigue because it's also very tiring, and throat irritation. In short, it's a combo that can change with the hours, made small, because some people sneeze like it's an Olympic sport.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Yes, yes, yes. It's really awful. They're practically losing control is at a meeting, making something. You don't want it to look too good there either. So of course, you always wonder, is it possible to warn them first?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, there are simple ways to alleviate symptoms and even prevent them. The key is to act before symptoms explode. Then again, time is of the essence.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Because there's no big exit sheet.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

No, it starts simply. It's the buds there when you start, then a few simple gestures. Keep windows closed on very pollen-filled days, use an air purifier. I've got one. I think it's miraculous. Avoid drying laundry outside on the clothesline, because then you bring it indoors, and it's full of pollen. Rinse your nose with a little saline solution. This helps a lot.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

So if that's not enough, maybe we want to add some natural products or nutrients that might help.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, there's vitamin C, which breaks down histamine, found in kiwis, strawberries and all small berries. There's an anti-inflammatory diet, then an antihistamine diet. There's nettle leaf tea. It's very good to take and consume several times a day. Of course, there's turmeric, then the famous ginger.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Ginger is good for many things.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

You also have probiotics to support immunity. Because basically, the microbiota plays a super-important role. But the star of spring is quercetin.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Quercetin. That reminds me, we talked about this at the beginning of winter. It's a natural antihistamine. Why quercetin?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

A natural pigment found in red onions, apples and green tea, it acts as a natural antihistamine. It helps stabilize mast cells. These are the little cells that release histamine. This is the molecule responsible for itching, sneezing and inflammation. Interestingly, studies show that quercetin can reduce sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion by up to 50%, and even reduce anti-histamine production by almost 96%. The difference with antihistamines is that it acts before the allergic reaction begins, by calming the cells that release stamins. In short, it's a bit like putting a security guard at the door, rather than trying to manage the crowd once they're in.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Ah, that's good.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, that's what it is. What I like is the bioactive version of Natural Factors. It's designed to be better absorbed, so it's more effective, and Natural Factors is a Canadian company.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

So I see, it's a natural product because the name can sound like a medicine.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, indeed, it is a natural molecule.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

So if we want to buy this one, you say it's more effective from Natural Factors.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, it's much better absorbed.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

So Lynn, how about a private consultation?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, I can still be reached. All my contact details are on the La Boite à Grains. I think you have them here too on the 104.7fm website. They send me an e-mail. We find a time slot and that's it. We can talk about health.