While we should be enjoying the beauty of spring, many people suffer from seasonal allergies. From the birds to the pollen, there are many things that may cause suffering from the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
In fact, research shows that approximately 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, as well as hay fever. And, as the sneezing, scratchy throat and watery eyes become increasingly unbearable; many people will reach for pharmaceutical drugs to help lessen these symptoms. While these drugs may provide temporary allergy relief, drugs almost always come with undesired side effects.
Below, are ten natural methods for reducing the symptoms of allergies, as well as preventing them from happening in the first place.
1. Revamp Your Diet
As far as prevention is concerned, diet is a huge way you can influence your experience of seasonal allergies. Studies show that essential fatty acids coming from organic flax seed or hemp seed oil can help reduce seasonal allergies. Try avoiding mucous and congestion-causing foods such as dairy products, milk, processed wheat and sugar. In general, a healthy diet will boost your overall immunity to allergies. In fact, a scientific study done on the island of Crete found that nasal allergies were almost non-existent in this region. Why? The islanders’ food intake was composed mainly of cold-pressed olive oil, nuts, fish, fruits and veggies. This anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant diet was super high in grapes, tomatoes, oranges, nuts and apples, all foods known to prevent congestion and mucous buildup.
2. Invest in Non-Toxic, Organic Bedding
Dr. James R. Haltom from the Mississippi Allergy and Asthma Clinic has stated that the best thing you can do for allergies is to purchase a high-quality, allergy-free cover for the mattress, box springs and pillows. Also, wash your bedding once a week in very hot water to prevent build-up and help kill off dust mites.
3. Buy Non-Toxic, Natural Cleaning Products
Chemicals and fumes from most store-bought cleaning products have been shown to trigger allergic reactions, especially in the spring when our allergic response is already heightened. Instead, opt for organic cleaning products. They are a safe alternative to more traditional cleansers that contain many chemicals that can be toxic to your health. There’s no point in spraying these chemicals in your house, unless you absolutely need to.
4. Wear a Mask When Doing Yard Work & Gardening
It would be wise to wear a mask when you are doing springtime yard work or gardening, especially when you are mowing the lawn. Remember, pollen counts are greatest from 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so it’s best to do yard work or gardening after this time or in the evening.
5. Clean Your Living Environment
Eliminate allergy-causing pollen and mites from the air by investing in an air purification system that has UV & negative ion filter. Carpet harbors pet dander, dust and pollen from the outdoors, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms.
If possible, replace carpet with non-toxic wool, non-toxic hardwood or cork flooring. Also, get rid of the clutter, which collects allergens! A clean living environment is a GREEN living environment. For more details on how to clean your living environment, please refer to my green living cleanse.
6. Take a Good Quality Organic Oregano Oil
Many people report state that oil of oregano offers protection against allergies and asthma. Taking this supplement will also reduce the amounts of histamines found in the blood (this is the chemical that causes swelling and allergic reaction).
7. Check your house for mold and pollen
Mold is a huge cause of seasonal allergies. As the rains come down and the heat increases, mold begins to form in the unseen corners of our homes and offices. While there are many ways to get rid of mold, purchasing a high-quality dehumidifier will help prevent mold from forming, as well as lesson those disagreeable symptoms.
8. Thoroughly Wash Clothes After Being Outside
Remove and wash clothes that you have worn outside when coming back into your home. This will help prevent outdoor pollen from establishing itself in your furniture and bedding. Also, taking a shower before bed will keep pollen from your hair out of your pillow at night. I personally prefer to use Soap Nuts for my laundry detergent.
9. NRG Laser
I would highly recommend if you or anyone you know suffer from any form of allergies to look at the following website – NRGlaser.com. I have personally used and evaluated this device and it has completely eliminated allergies from people and children forever. There may be a practitioner near you who can do this.
10. Spend a spring vacation at or near the sea
Research suggests that pollen levels are lower around open bodies of water. If you are prone to allergies during springtime, take time to visit a lake or the beach instead of the countryside. You can also put some salt lamps in your office and home, which help reduce allergy symptoms.
With these easy tips, you can assure that your spring season will be allergy-free!
This month, as winter finally becomes just a memory, and spring is already turning into summer, I want you to take a few moments to reflect on three little words – change, excuses, and security!