Here in the South, Spring is in full swing. That means the weather is nice (minus the tornadoes) and nature is blooming all around us. The downside? Pollen. Lots of pollen.
Chances are you suffer from some kind of seasonal allergies – whether it’s from pollen, grass, or weeds. No one likes the feeling of itchy, watery eyes, stuffy, running noses, or that all-around malaise that comes with it. While you can take OTC medications, I find it’s easier and better to focus on natural ways to fight seasonal allergies.
That’s not to say avoid allergy pills, but there are ways to ease seasonal symptoms that benefit your body in more ways than allergy relief alone.
6 Natural & Effective Methods to Fight Seasonal Allergies
#1) Keep on top of housework.
We Spring Clean for a reason. The indoors can be a haven from nature’s biggest allergens, but it can also trap you in an environment saturated with dust and dander. The best way to avoid seasonal allergies is to reduce your exposure to allergens, indoors and out. Make sure you’re taking time (or hiring out) to clean house, particularly when it comes to dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming. Pay special attention to rugs and carpets, dusty ceiling fans, and mold or mildew build-up in kitchens and bathrooms. Change overdue air filters in your house and in your vehicle! And don’t forget to wash the dog.
#2) Stay hydrated.
Getting enough water prevents a whole world of problems. Dehydration means your body doesn’t have enough water or moisture to function properly. This can lead to dry sinuses, which then overcompensate by producing mucus: hello stuffy, runny nose! Unfortunately, common decongestants dry out the nasal passage and/or throat, which only exacerbates the dehydration issue. Proper hydration reduces inflammation and controls histamine production. Histamines are released in part to protect moisture in the body, so dehydration will certainly trigger bodily inflammation.
#3) Ingest beneficial foods.
What you eat impacts immune function. As always, focus on getting your fair share of leafy greens, whole fruits, vegetables, and grains. When you’re feeling under the weather, up your intake of citrus, too. Skip the juices and go for the real fruit whenever possible. Have an orange, zest a lime, or squeeze fresh lemon in your ice water to get an antioxidant and vitamin C boost. In the same way, leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower contain quercetin, a bioflavonoid that helps regulate histamine production and release.
If the foods you eat can reduce inflammation and help your immune system fight back, supplements and OTC medications will have a lot less of the heavy lifting to do.
#4) Invest in a HEPA filter.
As much as cleaning house can help reduce contact with allergens, I recommend investing in a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter traps dust, dander, and other allergens by pushing them through a fine mesh, which then traps them. That means less cleaning you have to do with fewer allergens left to sit around collecting on surfaces or flying through the air when disturbed.
#5) Take your probiotics.
The verdict is still out on whether probiotics can significantly relieve allergy symptoms. With that said, there are some studies that link certain probiotic bacteria to T cell function (these cells are responsible for our major immune responses) as well as managing the production of immunoglobulin E, which rises during an allergic response.
Studies suggest that lactobacillus GG and L. gasseri are the best suited for allergy relief. Regardless, probiotics help regulate the gastrointestinal system and keep gut health in check. Allergies or no, there’s a big benefit to pursuing probiotics.
#6) Get physical.
While being active isn’t a surefire way to prevent seasonal allergies, it can alleviate your symptoms. Studies reveal that regular exercise can improve the quality of life for those suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma. Exercise gets your blood pumping, ultimately moving allergens out and reducing inflammation. Just be mindful of when you exercise. Dawn and dusk are the worst times for airborne allergens. Most weather apps will tell you what type of pollen levels are in your area, too.
When you can’t time it right or the outdoors are oversaturated with allergens, take your workout routine indoors at home or the gym.
How do you fight back against seasonal allergies? Share your tips & remedies in the comments.