Migration Allergies

Migration allergies are allergies that stop once you move to a different part of the country but develop from all new allergens in a few years after you've acclimated to your new environment.

"Snow birds" are migrating towards warmer climates. There's been a steady influx of people from all over the united states to the south and southwest. Often they rejoice too soon thinking they left not only the cold weather,but also their allergies, behind. The first few years of moving to a different climate, people can often be allergy symptom-free. Unfortunately, that usually only lasts a few years. Before they know it, migration allergies are hitting them like the rest of us.

After the first few years of migration or relocation, the immune system starts to adapt and change. People develop allergies to the trees, grasses and flowers of their new environment. Allergies are hard to escape for good. 20% of all people in the United States has allergies.

We have to remember that allergies are not caused by a weak immune system. On the contrary, the immune system is working too well and overreacting to allergens like pollen. This hyperactivity releases histamine which is the chemical that causes all those annoying symptoms. In the southwest, people react most often to the pollen from ragweed, olive trees, weeds, and grasses. Hay fever is probably the most common seasonal of desert migration allergies, with March through May being the height of the season.

Allergies are influenced by heredity and genetics, but it is possible to lessen your reaction to desert allergies. Following these 3 tips should help:

• Keep car and house windows closed and with the air-conditioning on as needed.
• Exercise keeps your immune system healthier. But avoid exercising outside during the morning and early afternoon hours during peak allergy season.
• Supplements like Allergena - Allergy Relief can help improve your immune system and keep migration allergies at bay no matter where you move.

These 3 steps alone can reduce allergy symptoms by 50 percent. Even though you leave the bad weather, doesn't mean you've rid yourself of allergies for good.