Allergy Relief and Histamine Balance Guide | Windback NZ

Allergy Relief and Histamine Balance: Feel Clearer This Season

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle or supplement routine.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies

Spring and early summer in New Zealand bring colour, warmth and longer days, and for many people they also bring increased sneezing, congestion and sensitivity. If things feel a little worse than usual this season, you are not imagining it. Pollen counts have been higher, and when the immune system is under strain, even mild triggers can feel more noticeable.

Allergies occur when the immune system becomes reactive to substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander or certain foods. When this happens, the body releases chemicals including histamine. This can lead to symptoms such as itching, congestion, swelling, headaches or general tiredness.

Histamine also plays an important role in digestion, circulation and immune defence. The challenge arises when histamine builds up faster than the body can break it down. This may contribute to symptoms that resemble allergies and can also cause less obvious effects such as bloating, irritability or foggy thinking.

Gut Health, Histamine and Internal Balance

Seasonal pollen is only part of the story. Your internal environment can influence how reactive you feel. A key enzyme known as DAO, short for diamine oxidase, helps break down histamine from food. DAO activity may reduce due to stress, inflammation, digestive imbalance, hormonal change or certain medications. When this happens, histamine can accumulate more easily, which may intensify seasonal sensitivity.

Supporting gut function, healthy digestion and the nervous system may help the body manage histamine more comfortably. This is one reason why traditional botanicals, including Reishi mushroom, have long been appreciated for general immune and stress support.

Reishi and Seasonal Balance

Reishi has a long history of use in traditional wellness systems. It is valued for its ability to support calm, balance and resilience during environmental or seasonal change. Its natural compounds, including polysaccharides and triterpenes, are known for their gentle, nourishing properties.

Reishi is often enjoyed as part of a morning routine. Many people start with a quarter teaspoon and increase to half a teaspoon if desired. It mixes easily into warm water, coffee, tea or a smoothie.

Eight Daily Habits to Support Histamine Balance

Choose low histamine foods where possible and focus on fresh whole foods rather than aged or fermented items
Consider supportive nutrients such as quercetin, vitamin C, magnesium and probiotics
Use calming botanicals like chamomile or lavender in teas or diffusers
Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night
Support the nervous system with gentle movement, meditation or time outdoors
Stay physically active to support natural lymphatic flow
Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Include daily fibre and histamine friendly probiotics to support the gut microbiome

Bringing It All Together

Allergies are influenced by both the environment around you and the environment within your body. When you support digestion, reduce histamine load and care for your nervous system, you help your body respond more comfortably during peak pollen season.

Experts including Dr Casey Means and Dr Andrew Huberman highlight the importance of balance and regulation for long term wellbeing. Approaches that support the body rather than suppressing it can create a steadier, more comfortable foundation.

To help you explore what works for you, enjoy 10 percent off Windback's already competitive prices with the code ALLERGY10 at checkout.

Featured Collections

Final Thought

Seasonal changes can impact how we feel each day, but consistent routines, balanced nutrition and caring relationships offer valuable support. With small daily habits, you can help your body feel steadier, clearer and more comfortable throughout the season.

Always read the label and use only as directed. Supplements should not replace a balanced diet or healthy lifestyle. Consult your healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist.