15 Easy Actions to Improve Seasonal Allergies
SEASONAL ALLERGIES ARE COMING! For many, seasonal change can be very enjoyable but for those who suffer from seasonal allergies it’s a different story. For them the changing seasons bring the struggle of dealing with congestion, headaches, energy loss, and an unbearable stuffy nose. The good news is you’ve found a list of 15 proactive actions that will help you combat these allergy symptoms. So get ready to breathe easy and win this allergy season. Here I have taken the time compile a list of the best low cost allergen prevention techniques that are going to help you live normal and improve your allergies this season. Although all of the following actions are useful you don’t have to do them all. Incorporating just two or three into your regular routine this allergy season can make a difference. Action #1: Home Care- Vacuum – Thoroughly vacuum all carpet areas of the house to remove dust and allergens. Don’t forget about all the cloth covered furniture as well. If possible go a step further by shampooing or steam cleaning all of the carpet and furniture.
- Dusting – Dust is a top contributor to allergies so regular dusting is key throughout the allergy season. Make sure to be extremely thorough. Get in every nook and cranny, and don’t forget about the ceiling fan.
- Keep the Windows and Doors Shut - Keeping all windows and doors shut as much as possible will minimize the amount of pollen and other allergens that make it into your house. It also makes it easier to keep a clean house.
Allergen Blocking Air Filter[/caption]
Action #2: Clean Air
- Air Filter – Go to your return air for your a/c unit, remove the screen and check the filter. Most people forget to regularly clean or change these and it makes a major difference in reducing the amount of dust and allergens in the air. If needed replace it. I recommend purchasing one with allergen blockers so you achieve maximum air filtration. You can find these allergen blocking air filters here.
- Air Purification – Invest in a high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) air purifier. These are good for more than just outdoor allergens. HEPA air purifiers filter out almost all other air pollutants that might contribute to your allergy symptoms.
- Keep Your Pets Clean – bathe them as much as possible to reduce the amount of allergens on their fur.
- Wipe Them Down –Wipe them down with a wet towel or allergy cloth when they come in from being outside.
- No Pet Zone – Don’t allow pets in your bedroom or on the furniture. I know this is tough for some but it will reduce the amount of allergens you ultimately come into contact with. Animal fur holds pollen, dirt, and dust. If you allow pets on your furniture all of those allergens transfer to your furniture which can then transfer on to you.
- Change Clothes - Whenever coming inside from outdoor activities change clothes to prevent the spread of pollen and other allergens throughout the house. This reduces the amount of allergens that come in contact with your eyes and face, which helps prevent you from getting sick.
- Shoes – You may not think so but shoes accumulate large amounts of pollen as well so check them at the door. Take off your shoes when you enter the house to prevent the tracking in and spread of pollen.
- Clean Sheets – At least once a week try to clean your bed sheets. This stops the spread of allergens to your face because many allergens can get trapped in your hair and transfer to pillows when you sleep. Then you can inhale or get them in your eyes and cause all the red eye stuffy nose symptoms you hate.
- Clean Car – Keep the inside of your car clean. Vacuum the carpet and seats. Wipe down the dash board and all other surfaces you come into contact with regularly.
- Windows Up – Keep the windows up when you drive. This prevents you from coming in contact with pollen and allergens while driving.
- Recirculate – While driving recirculate the air so that you are not exposed to allergen enriched outside air.
- Honey – Go to a local farmers market and get some honey. Local honey is made with local pollen. Therefore enjoying a couple of tablespoons of raw local honey each day will help build your immunity to local pollen in your area.
- Clean Proteins - Eat clean proteins to boost your immune system and supply your body with necessary vitamins.
- Pineapple – Contains the enzyme Bromelain as well as large levels of vitamins B and C. These tend to reduce reactions to seasonal allergens.
- Probiotic Enriched Foods – Integrate probiotic rich foods into your diet. Yogurt, Kefir, sauerkraut, and miso soup are some of the more common probiotic rich foods to indulge in.
- Multivitamin – Go to any local pharmacy and purchase a multivitamin. Multivitamins are key because they give your body numerous essential vitamins that you may not get from food alone. Vitamins assist your immune system and help it remain strong.
- Probiotics – Yes you can get probiotics from food but often we do not get enough. Adding a probiotic supplement to your daily routine will help to boost your immune system so that it can function on a high level.
- Other Supplements – There are numerous vitamin supplements on the market that you can choose from as well. Although most of the essential vitamins you need can be covered with a multivitamin, you may find other vitamins that help as well. Or you may desire a higher dose of a specific vitamin the multivitamin contains. To find out some more information about supplements that improve seasonal allergies click here.
- Nasal – First there is nasal spray this is inhaled through the nose to clear the sinuses.
- Eye Drops – These you put in your eye to relieve irritation, itching, and redness.
- Pill – You usually take one of these a day by mouth and it helps clear you up all day.
- Liquid – Taken by mouth sometimes multiple times per day.
- Regular Exercise – Take 30 minutes to an hour out of your day to exercise. This will improve overall body health. Exercise improves your cardiovascular health and im
mune systems function.
- Walk/ Run
- Swimming
- Bike
- Weight lifting
- Outdoor Exercise – Pollen is most active during the mid-day so plan any outdoor exercise for early morning or late evening to minimize contact. If possible plan exercise for right after it rains. Pollen counts are lower at this time but you must be careful because pollen and mold counts normally spike in the days following rain.
- Healthy Diet – Eating healthy and as clean as possible is a must. I know sometimes it’s hard but focus on eating better and you will get results in how you feel. Healthy eating is necessary because your body gets the vitamins and nutrients it needs to fight off the allergens that attack your immune system.
- Hydrate – Drink water. Getting enough water is often overlooked. Staying hydrated helps to thin any mucus you may have which helps rid it from your body.
- Some Common Foods to Avoid –
- Alcohol
- Bananas
- Dairy
- Sugar
- Caffeine
- Shellfish
- Triggers – Knowing what triggers your reaction or symptoms is key when trying to understand how to prevent or avoid them.
- Trees
- Grass
- Ragweed
- Molds
- Dust
- Allergy Test – If you are unsure of what all you are allergic to you can get an allergy test. This requires going to a doctor but the good news is you can find out almost everything that contributes to your allergies.
- Symptoms – Knowing your symptoms will help you prevent further effects of the allergy season. Common symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes are all easy to notice, but there are some lesser known symptoms that might clue you in that your allergies are acting up.
- Headaches
- Sore throat in the mornings
- Behavior changes (grumpy/mean)
- Energy loss
- Symptom Awareness – You may wonder if being aware of the symptoms you have can help you in your daily life. Awareness will give you a jump on combating them with vitamins/medication, but also you will be aware enough to not let it change how you interact with others in your daily life. You might not get as angry or grumpy with someone because you know it’s just because you aren’t feeling well.
- Bathe Before Bed – Taking a bath or shower before bed will eliminate the allergens that are on your skin, hair and from getting on your pillows and sheets. This prevents them from transferring to your mouth, nose, and eyes when sleeping.
- Wash Your Hands – Like with any cold or flu season wash your hands often and avoid touching your face throughout the day.
- Wear a Mask – When gardening, mowing the lawn, or doing any outdoor activity wear a face mask if possible to prevent inhaling dust and pollen.
- Sunglasses – Wear sunglasses to keep dust and pollen from irritating your eyes.
- Premedicate – Take an allergy medication before doing any yard-work or other outdoor activity.
- Time of Day – Monitor the time of day for the most active pollen activity. Pollen counts are higher from the mid-day to afternoon range so plan any activities around times of day.
- Know Where – It’s helpful to identify the allergens that grow in your specific geographic region.
- Know When – Research the time of year that allergens in your area bloom.
- Plan – When planning any trip to another region it is wise to research any allergens that you may come into contact with in order to better prepare yourself.
8 years ago
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