Allergy Season in Georgia: What You Need to Know

If you live in Georgia, you’re probably familiar with the phrase, “Pollen is Georgia’s snow.” There’s another old saying, and it goes like this. “If you don’t have allergies when you move to Georgia, you’re going to get them in no time.” Allergy season in Atlanta, Georgia, got kicked up a serious notch this year. The pollen in our city hit record highs, and Atlanta was blanketed with a golden pixie dust embedded with allergy consequences. If you’re suffering from allergy symptoms, you're not alone! More than a quarter of all US adults suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

So get ready to wave your sniffles goodbye! We’ve been helping our customers fight Atlanta’s notorious allergy season since we opened our doors in 1995. Our vitamin C-packed juices and wellness shots offer an all-natural way to ease inflammation and help keep histamine levels in check! Ready to take back control of your health? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about fighting allergies in Georgia. 

Understanding Georgia's Allergy Seasons

In Georgia, allergy season isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Down South, pollen can sneak in as early as January, while North Georgians catch a breather until February or March. And Central Georgia? You’re right in between of it all! Mark your calendars: peak pollen typically happens in April (trees), June (grasses), and September (ragweed).

Enter global warming, and we can expect allergy season to worsen. Warmer temperatures cause plants to bloom earlier and hang around longer. Today, Georgia's pollen season stretches an extra 2-3 weeks compared to 20 years ago. More pollen days mean more sniffles.

What Allergens Should You Watch Out for By Season? 

Spring: Tree Pollen

Spring in Georgia means oak, pine, hickory, maple, and birch pollen are painting cars yellow. But beware of the invisible oak pollen - that's usually the real troublemaker, setting off sneezes, itchy eyes, and even asthma flare-ups.

Summer: Grass Pollen

When summer rolls in, grass pollen steals the spotlight. Bermuda grass (yep, the kind you'll find on lawns and golf courses when you're trying to spend time outside), combined with Georgia's heat and humidity, can make every breath feel like an uphill workout

Fall: Weed Pollen

It's not just pumpkin spice season when fall rolls around; it's also ragweed season, a plant that releases billions of pollen grains traveling hundreds of miles. Other culprits like pigweed, lamb's quarters, and mugwort also join the fall allergy party. For many Georgians, fall allergies linger longer and feel more intense than so keep those remedies handy!

The Science Behind Natural Allergy Relief

Vitamin C as a Natural Antihistamine

Vitamin C isn’t just great for your immune system. It’s also an antihistamine! It helps your body calm down histamine reactions, easing symptoms like sneezing and blocked nasal passages. With vitamin C as your wellness sidekick, you can keep on enjoying the real treats of GA's seasons like park strolls, patio hangs, picnics, or wandering through Atlanta’s renowned farmers’ markets.

Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

Ever heard of spirulina? This nutrient-rich blue-green algae has shown promise in easing allergy symptoms. Similarly, black pepper extract (piperine) brings anti-inflammatory properties. 

At Arden's Garden, we've packed these mighty ingredients into two of our fan favorites: Our Sea Moss Gel for a soothing daily scoop, while our Golden Turmeric Shot delivers a quick, powerful sip for on-the-go relief!

The black pepper enhances your body's absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, by up to 2,000%, making it especially effective during peak allergy days. Regular consumption of turmeric shots can offer additional benefits.

Gut Health and Allergies

Did you know that your gut is your body's MVP when it comes to how you react to allergies? About 70% of your immune cells reside in your digestive tract. A balanced gut microbiome helps your body react appropriately, distinguishing harmless pollen from genuine threats. When your gut is in balance, your body’s more likely to say, “Hey, pollen? Not today” instead of going into full sneeze mode. Incorporating juices to improve your gut health can support this balance and potentially reduce allergy symptoms.

Regional Variations in Georgia

North Georgia

Up in the mountains (especially in popular destinations like Blue Ridge), North Georgia’s allergy season starts a little later but that doesn’t mean it holds back. Unique allergens like pine, alongside oak and hickory, will challenge residents each year.

Metro Atlanta and Central Georgia

Atlanta often hits national news for sky-high pollen counts. With our urban city heat and tree-packed neighborhoods, it’s no wonder we make the national headlines every spring. This can make city dwellers particularly sensitive to what’s in the air. On March 29th of this year, according to the Weather channel, Atlanta recorded the highest pollen count seen in 35 years, according to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma.

South Georgia

Due to milder weather, South Georgia experiences pollen from around February to May. Pecan and cypress trees are the usual suspects here, forcing you to keep the tissues and eye drops close by. 

How to Manage Seasonal Allergies

Natural Diet-Based Approaches

Your food is your first line of defense against seasonal allergies! Adding anti-inflammatory all-stars like apples, walnuts (omega-3s), pineapple, and ginger can ease your body’s allergy response. And cutting back on refined sugar and processed foods will provide noticeable relief quickly. 

Monitoring Pollen Counts

Does allergy season have you guessing? Stay one step ahead by tracking daily pollen counts on weather apps. Knowing what specific pollen (tree, grass, or weed) is high each day can help you strategize effectively if you’re more allergic to one type of pollen than another. 

Take Control of Allergy Season

Before learning these insights, allergies might have seemed unavoidable—just the price we pay for all this Georgia beauty. But guess what? With easy, natural remedies like our Grand Slam shot, dietary tweaks, and a little prep, you can thrive in one of Georgia’s stuffiest seasons. 

At Arden’s Garden, our mission is to make healthy living deliciously easy. With the right tools in your wellness bag, you'll say goodbye to constant sniffles and hello to fully enjoying our vibrant Georgia seasons.