Trees, flowers, breathtaking landscapes, and serenity of nature pose as the perfect relaxation for some people and torture for others. Seasonal allergies affect millions of children and adults who experience symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and many others. These allergies occur during specific times of the year e.g. spring or fall, usually when outdoor molds release their spores and plants release pollen. People with allergies sometimes feel helpless because they don’t know what to do anymore, and experiencing these symptoms can be quite frustrating. If you’re one of them, you came to the right place; this article lists ten tips that will, indeed, help you.
Identify triggers
Two primary culprits for the onset of seasonal allergies are ragweed and other weed pollens and mold. Ragweed is a very stubborn plant which grows on roadsides, in fields, vacant lots, and so on. It can produce up to a billion pollen grains per season, and these grains can travel about 400 miles due to their lightweight nature. On the other hand, mold grows in heavy vegetation, straw, and hay. Both pollen and mold increase during rain.
Identifying triggers of your allergic reactions (pollen or mold) allows you take necessary measures to avoid them.
Invest in proper bedding
One of the most useful things you can do for seasonal allergies is to buy high-quality, allergy-free cover for your mattress, pillows, and box springs. Also, don’t forget to wash the bedding once a week in very hot water to prevent dust mites from building up. This is particularly important because most people usually overlook the place they sleep when fighting against allergies.
Buy organic cleaning products
Most cleaning products contain harsh chemicals and their fumes trigger allergic reactions, particularly in the spring when the allergic response is elevated. You can easily avoid this problem with wiser shopping choices. Go for organic cleaning products that don’t contain harsh chemicals. It’s also recommended to wear a mask while cleaning.
Eat the right foods
Allergic reactions are strongly associated with the immune system which can be worsened or improved with diet choices. Unhealthy foods don’t strengthen the immune system which is why your body can’t ward off substances it considers harmful. On the other hand, antioxidants that are primarily found in fruits and vegetables fight inflammation, an essential factor in battling allergies.
In fact, a study published in the Thorax found that fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and other items characteristic for Mediterranean diet have a beneficial effect on symptoms of asthma and rhinitis.
Lose weight
Being overweight or obese aggravates symptoms of seasonal allergies. Why? It’s because excessive weight makes it harder for you to breathe. More fat around the abdominal area prevents lungs from fully expanding, and your diaphragm can’t move downward because they are restricted by the fat. The Australasian Medical Journal featured results of the research which showed that increased BMI was strongly associated with more severe conditions of both nasal and non-nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Researchers suggest that weight control should be considered as a potential strategy to improve the health status of patients with this allergy.
Increase your fluids
If you have postnasal drip from your allergies or feel congested, one way of getting relief is by drinking more fluids (water, juices, etc.). The reason is simple; drinking extra fluid helps thin the mucous in the nasal passages and makes you feel better. It’s even better if you opt for a cup of tea, soup, or broth because they add the benefits of steam that’s always practical for allergies.
Take your shoes off when you come home
A vast majority of people don’t have the habit of taking their shoes off when they come home after work, gym, and so on. This habit is both unhygienic, and it has a tremendous potential to aggravate your allergies. If you’re allergic to pollen or some other particles, you spread them all over your home if refuse to take off the shoes or change clothes. That’s why, taking shoes off, changing clothes should be the very first things you do once you’re home. Also, if you have a dog, wipe down his/her coat after a walk to make sure the canine doesn’t spread allergens as well.
Try chiropractic
Chiropractic care stands out due to its ability to release stress on a patient’s nervous system to allow the immune system to operate efficiently. Why is this important? It’s important because the stress-free body is more capable of warding off allergens without the consumption of harmful medications. Misaligned spinal vertebra or subluxations put pressure on the nerve, thus creating more stress on the nervous system and the consequence of these actions is body’s high susceptibility to disease. Read more here
Check your home for mould and pollen
Allergens enter your home in numerous ways, and it’s important to check your house or apartment frequently to make sure it’s trigger-free. For example, mold forms in the hidden corners of your house or even the office. On the other hand, pollen can enter your home through open windows or doors, on your clothes, even hair. It can stick in carpets, bedding, blankets, everywhere. It’s practical to vacuum regularly, clean carpets, wash bedding, check closets and all corners to eliminate allergens from your home.
Use oregano oil
Carvacrol, a compound found in oregano oil, has strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This is quite useful because allergies are strongly linked to inflammations. Furthermore; rosmarinic acid from this oil also contains anti-inflammatory benefits as well as anti-allergic effects. The study published in the BioFactors found that rosmarinic acid has a major potential to relieve seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Conclusion
Dealing with symptoms of allergies isn’t the easiest thing in the world mostly because people with this problem feel like everything they do only aggravate their condition. It’s important to know the exact trigger of your allergy to create a practical plan of action, check for mold regularly, and ensure you have a healthier lifestyle. Healthy lifestyle equals to a stronger immune system which plays a role in your allergy. Don’t forget to consult your doctor if you feel like you can’t find relief.
References
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-natural-ways-to-prevent-seasonal-allergies/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2117278/
http://amj.net.au/index.php?journal=AMJ&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=30
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-relief-10/seasonal-allergy-checklist
http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergy/acupuncture-may-help-seasonal-allergies-study-finds-6762.aspx