Are you looking for strategies that will give you rapid seasonal allergy relief? We have answers for you!
If you’re one of the 36 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies -- the runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion -- it’s time to reclaim the outdoors with five fast strategies for instant relief.
Know your triggers to ensure seasonal allergy relief.
Because allergens can vary by region, it’s important to discover your triggers.
Experts state that common culprits include weed pollens like ragweed, a stubborn plant that grows easily in fields, along roadsides and in vacant lots.
Each plant, having up to a billion lightweight pollen grains, can travel up to 400 miles.
Many outside molds, which grow in heavy vegetation (that can increase after rain) have also been found to be common annoyances.
For some, man’s best friend may be at fault. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 10 percent of allergy sufferers are allergic to household pets.
Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. About one in seven children between the age of 6 and 19 prove to be allergic to our fluffy friends.
Prevention is better than treatment.
Taking the following steps can drastically prevent or reduce your reaction:
- Wear a protective mask when doing yard work.
- Use filters in air conditioners to better trap pollen spores.
- Check pollen counts before you travel.
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen entering your eyes, while enjoying some fun in the sun.
- Wash your hair at the end of the day to prevent pollen transfer to your pillowcase and other clothing.
- Exercise in the morning or late in the day when pollen counts are typically lower.
- Got pets? Just like people, dogs and cats can carry pollen inside. If your pet has spent a good amount of time outside during peak pollen periods of the day, it may be a good idea to rinse them as well.
Take a natural approach to seasonal allergy relief.
If you’re on the go, chances are over-the-counter meds will just slow you down.
Try one of three simple natural remedies instead:
Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is an age-old remedy often recommended for a variety of health conditions (like heartburn) with great success. The theory is that its ability to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system makes it useful for allergies. It is also said to help digestion, weight loss and more.
Probiotics: New research links the presence of good gut bacteria with reducing the occurrence of allergies, states a 2005 study. According to the findings, allergies are the result of “an immune reaction that is out of all proportion to the antigenic stimuli.” So, it makes total sense that consuming enough of the gut balancing bacteria would have a positive impact on our reaction to common allergens.
Diet: If all else fails, it may be time to take a good look at your diet. While weeds and pets may be the first triggers that come to mind, other times, food allergies are responsible for severe allergic reactions. In this instance, you may need to consult a physician who can perform an allergy test to pinpoint exactly what’s giving you the sniffles, sneezes, rashes and more.
