Photo by Flickr user, Bea
With the start of spring comes the start of those dreaded allergies. Some people can begin suffering from seasonal allergies before the weather warms up. There are several over-the-counter drugs that help reduce the symptoms, but tend to be expensive and seem to only mask the problem. While you can’t be completely allergy free, here are some ways to lessen the effects of seasonal allergies.
1. Stay Indoors
Though we all want to be outside as the days warm, those of us suffering with allergies have to work around the pollen. Pollen count is highest in the morning. If you enjoy exercising, wait until the afternoon or evening. If you must be out early, wearing a mask can help filter allergens out.
2. Give the Dog a Bath
Speaking of outdoors, pets enjoy the beautiful weather just as much as we do. Pollen loves to cling to pet fur, so when your pet sheds in the house, their dander and pollen shed with it. Regularly bathing and grooming any pet that goes outside can reduce the effects of allergy symptoms.
Photo by Flickr user, Randy Robertson
3. When You Come In, Change Clothes and Shower
Just as pets spread dander and pollen, so do you. Keeping your hair and clothes washed, even though they may not seem dirty, can help reduce the spread of allergens throughout your home. Washing the sheets can help too.
4. Don’t Hang Clothes Out to Dry
As tempting as it can be to have that crisp freshness in your clothes, try to refrain from hanging them outside on a line to dry. Pollen from trees and small plants stick to wet fabric more than dry.
5. Eat Right
Eating the wrong foods can have negative impacts on your allergies. Several studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and nuts, have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can weaken the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Hate fish? Try a fish oil supplement.
Also, stay away from dairy. Dairy products contain acids that cause the bronchial tubes to restrict making it harder to breathe. This restriction triggers production of mucus and phlegm, worsening your current symptoms.
6. Freeze the Stuffed Animals
Kids are natural germ carriers. They are full of energy, running in and out of the house, touching everything. Their toys, particularly stuffed animals, hold onto germs and contain dust mites. Dust mites can be a key cause of allergies. To rid a stuffed toy of mites, try freezing them.
Put the toy in a sealed bag and place it in the freezer for two days. After it thaws, vacuum it to remove dust mites and their waste.
7. Clean or Buy New HEPA Filters
If you have central air, hopefully it has a HEPA filter. If you do not have a central unit, free standing air filters can do the trick. Put them in heavy fabric areas, such as the bedroom and living room. Change your filters at LEAST every three months for maximum performance.
8. Use a Humidifier
While too much humidity can make allergies worse, in early spring months, when air is still dry, try a humidifier in the bedroom. Allergens will connect to water droplets and become heavy, causing them to fall to the ground. Cleaning your floor regularly can help further clear the room.
9. Steam It Out
Another tip for quick relief is to use steam therapy. There are several oils (rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint) that help with nasal congestion. Squeeze a few droplets into a boiling pot of water, hold your face over it, and breathe deep. Exhale through your mouth. To capture more steam, place a light towel over your head.
10. Neti Pots
Neti pots have gained popularity with the recent rise of going green. They flush the nasal sinuses with salt water. While they can be intimidating to use at first, you can find easy-to-understand directions HERE.
Photo by Flickr user, Gaurav Mishra
Do you have any other great proven allergy relief methods? Leave us a comment and let us know!
10 Ways to Beat Seasonal Allergies by Liz