Spring Allergies

Causes and Remedies for Spring Fatigue and Spring Allergies

Spring fatigue is a condition that many people complain about, yet its exact cause remains unclear. There are actually several reasons behind the decline in performance experienced after winter:

During winter months, the lack of sunlight negatively affects both mental and physical performance. As days begin to get longer, changes can be observed in our biorhythms. Especially the switch from winter to summer time can cause significant sleep disorders. As the days lengthen, our body gradually regains balance, since our internal clock needs to reset itself.
Frequent infections and imbalanced nutrition during winter months can lead to a weakened immune system entering the spring season.
The body needs about a month to adjust to weather changes when transitioning from winter to
In spring, frequent temperature fluctuations can prolong this adjustment period. For individuals sensitive to weather changes, the variability in spring can overburden the circulatory system. As temperatures rise, blood vessels expand and blood pressure drops; when temperatures drop again, the opposite happens. These fluctuations can lead to headaches, dizziness, and circulatory issues.

Serotonin and Melatonin

Serotonin is essential for activation and a positive mood. It is produced under the influence of light. The more and longer the body is exposed to natural light, the more serotonin it can produce. Increasing sunlight in spring stimulates serotonin production.
As serotonin production increases, melatonin production is suppressed. Known as the "Dracula hormone" because it is released at night, melatonin (the sleep hormone) ensures restful, high-quality sleep.
Both hormones are largely regulated by the amount of light: During winter, early darkness signals the body to sleep, while in spring, earlier daylight signals the body to wake up.

Get in the Sun, Ground Yourself, and Spend Time Outdoors!

With outdoor activity and proper nutrition, it's possible to ease spring fatigue symptoms:

Benefit from the healing power of sunlight. Sun exposure helps replenish vitamin D stores depleted over the winter. Sunbathe daily without sunscreen until your skin slightly pinkens.
Spend more time outdoors; go for walks. Walking, exercising, and spending time outside trigger the release of hormones that boost mood and metabolism. Hydroxyl radicals, short-lived molecules formed between ozone and water in the atmosphere, have germ-killing effects without harming humans. Regularly ventilate your home to bring this effect indoors.
Walking barefoot on grass discharges the static electricity in the body, grounding you.
Alternate hot and cold showers (as tolerated) to stimulate the immune system and give your blood vessels a workout. If you have no chronic illness, consult your doctor about using a sauna.
End an active day with a calm evening. Declare Sundays a social media holiday.
If you experience fatigue or trouble concentrating, see your doctor.
Go to bed early and wake up early.
Stimulate your brain by wearing bright-colored clothes.

Watch Out for Spring Allergies!

Another important concern in spring is allergic symptoms. With the arrival of spring, increased pollen in the air can cause eye itching, stinging, and watering, along with sneezing, runny nose, and coughing. If sinusitis is present, it may lead to headaches, fatigue, and facial swelling. Speak with your doctor to identify allergens you may be sensitive to through allergy testing.

In April, pollens in the air typically come from trees like maple, birch, poplar, willow, linden, olive, elm, walnut, red oak, alder, hazel, cypress, beech, plane, as well as from grains and wild plants like cabbage, clover, ryegrass, pigweed, foxtail, timothy grass, mugwort, stickyweed, plantain, goosefoot, sorrel, daffodil, barley, wheat, oats, rye, and corn.
Pollen types in the air peak in May. Pollen counts decrease in summer and significantly drop by September.
Early spring brings tree pollens, while late spring and early summer bring grass and weed pollens. In late summer and early autumn, weeds like ragweed and wild marigold can cause hay fever.

Although each plant's pollen production period doesn’t vary much year to year, weather conditions greatly influence airborne pollen levels.

Allergy symptoms are minimal on rainy, windless days when pollen settles. Symptoms intensify in hot, dry, and windy weather.
Those with allergies should follow both weather forecasts and pollen reports to plan accordingly.

Tips to Reduce Allergy Risk in Spring:

Wash your hair every evening to avoid transferring pollen to your pillow.
Go outside in the afternoon or on rainy days when pollen counts are lower.
Spring-clean your home to regularly remove allergens like dust, mites, and pet dander.
Replace ventilation filters throughout allergy season.
Clean pets that go outdoors, as they can carry pollen into the home.
Use lint-free rugs or laminate flooring in your home.
Choose synthetic pillows and mattresses instead of feather or wool ones; use allergen-proof covers.
If allergy symptoms persist, consult a specialist for appropriate treatment.
If you're pregnant, closely monitor your symptoms and inform your doctor, as pre-existing allergies can worsen or improve, and new allergies may develop during pregnancy.
In children, changing environments and lifestyles may trigger allergic rhinitis. Try to limit your child's exposure to allergens.
Avoid using air conditioning unless necessary. Regularly air out your home, car, and office.
Try to avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen hours in the morning.

In our laboratories, we offer a special “Respiratory Allergy” panel to help identify your allergic sensitivities in spring. This panel includes the following allergens:

Early & late grasses (gs15, gs21), cultivated rye (g12), early & late tree mixes (ts23, ts24), olive tree (t9), mulberry tree (t70), wild weed mixes (ws19, ws20), house dust mites (d1, d2), cockroach (i6), feather mix (es2), cage birds (es173), cat (e1), dog (e2), horse (e3), cow (e4), goat (e80), sheep (e81), hamster (e84), molds like Penicillium notatum (m1), Cladosporium herbarum (m2), Aspergillus fumigatus (m3), Alternaria alternata (m6).

Health Check Before Physical Activity

Get a doctor’s check-up before starting sports or exercise. Ensure your heart, circulatory system, and joints are ready for physical strain.
Start with light training and warm-up exercises to reduce the risk of injuries, tears, or strains in your muscles and joints.
If you feel muscle or joint pain, pause your activity. Gentle stretching or massages can help relax tight muscles. If pain persists when you resume, stop the workout and contact your doctor.
To feel better and more energized, drink at least two liters of water daily. Even a light walk can lead to a loss of nearly a liter of fluids. Proper hydration is essential for healthy kidney function.
Physical activity also results in mineral loss: 1 liter of sweat contains about 35 mg of magnesium and 300 mg of potassium. Magnesium deficiency may cause muscle fatigue. Avocados are rich in magnesium and healthy fats. Bananas and apricots are rich in potassium.
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide a spring boost with their vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and rich fiber content.
Don’t neglect protein intake to support antibody production and strengthen your immune system. Consider alternatives like turkey, fish, eggs, legumes, or red meat. You may also support your immune system with black seed oil—consult your doctor if you have diabetes or asthma.
For Omega-3, include salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds; for iron, opt for raisins and lentils.
If you're experiencing sleep difficulties, eating a few raw almonds at night may help.
Completely avoid sugary and carbonated beverages. Instead, opt for natural vegetable juices and herbal teas like green tea.

To get tested in North Cyprus, please visit our branches in Nicosia or Kyrenia. Wishing you healthy days!

BLOGS

Spring Allergies