Do seasonal allergies cause weight gain?
Are you starting to feel the dread of hay fever season? Are your allergies flaring up worse than a teenager’s acne? And most importantly, are you worried that your allergies will be the leading cause of extra pounds on your scale? Fear not, this article is here to answer all your pressing questions about seasonal allergies and weight gain!
Let’s Get Down To The Basics
Before we get started, it’s important to know what seasonal allergies actually are. Essentially, they’re simply an overreaction of our immune system to harmless substances like pollen or animal dander. Symptoms can range from sneezing and runny nose(s) (yes plural…) to swelling or itching.
So where does weight come into play?
Some people believe that their allergy medications are causing them to pack on the pounds. Others think it’s due to all those comfort foods they gobble down when their symptoms flare up. And there’s a small group who swear that being allergic automatically means putting on extra lbs.
So what does science say?
Debunking Common Myths
First things first: let’s clear out some common misconceptions regarding seasonal allergies and weight:
Myth #1: Antihistamines = Pounds Galore
While most antihistamines may have side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth, recent studies have shown no concrete evidence linking their usage with actual weight gain in humans!
Myth #2: Being Allergic Means More Snacking!
People often confuse constant cravings with appetite increase because they’re not feeling well but in fact it doesn’t matter if you crave one bagel bite a day or ten boxes full – the calories add-up regardless! Saying otherwise would mean denying basic laws of physics…
What actually happens during allergy season
Despite debunked myths surrounding hyper-allergic-humans-aka-puffy-pastries, most studies agree that seasonal allergies can lead to certain bodily changes which could affect our weight. So what are they?
Inflammation
When we come into contact with something we’re allergic to (e.g., pollen), our body releases histamine and other inflammatory responses to fight it off. Translation: Inflammation galore!
Studies have linked inflammation with various forms of metabolic syndromes such as obesity – so naturally, people draw the connection between hay fever and expanding waistlines.
Hormonal Changes & Metabolism
Hormones play a considerable role in how our bodies process food. Allergy medications like corticosteroids may interfere with the balance of hormones in our bodies by increasing insulin resistance or reducing thyroid hormone function…
However, while some medications can contribute mildly towards hormone deregulation, controlling one’s diet can neutralize its effect.
Healthier Alternatives To Binge Eating
The quest for comfort foods during allergy season is SO real (we’ve all been there) but resorting to unhealthy food choices out of pure annoyance should not be an option -: these high-calorie foods will only worsen inflammation (you don’t need more of that!) and trigger worse conditions down-the-line.
Here are some tips on how you can avoid binge eating + eat healthily:
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Opt for nutrient-dense meals.
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As much as possible try steering away from processed foods – those pre-set dinner boxes aren’t going anywhere anyways…
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Focus on hydration – water helps flush toxins out faster
Conclusion
Does seasonal allergies cause weight gain? The answer is pretty simple — nope, but sometimes allergies’ symptoms require medication(s) which might interfere with certain hormonal balances within the body leading up to weigh fluctuations — Now here’s where conscious balanced nutrition comes into play!
So whether you’re battling grass pollen or fending off pet dander, remember to keep your allergies in check and your nutrition up-to-par. You’ve got this!
Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!
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