I said it in yesterday’s post, and I’ll say it again in today’s; I am not someone who falls victim to seasonal allergies and I am damn grateful I don’t. For someone who spends the majority of their time working outdoors in close proximity to dander, dust and pollen, having to deal with allergy symptoms is not something I’m overly keen on experiencing, and while I may endure insignificant, random symptoms on occasion, I have nothing to complain about.
I know folks who suffer from allergies and they may as well be dealing with the bubonic plague. That shit is not pleasant.
Seeing as it is the time of year during which some of us become recluses because of allergies, I thought I would share some tips to combat allergy symptoms. Again, this information comes from humnutrition.com.
“4. HYDRATION: By now you might be sick of hearing about it, but let’s face it: Water will always factor into optimal health. This is also true when it comes to seasonal allergies. Studies show that dehydration contributes to increased inflammatory reactions from our immune system. With that said, be sure to adequately hydrate to protect yourself from aggravating symptoms.
“5. STINGING NETTLE: In medieval Europe, stinging nettle was used to treat joint pain. Since then, research has revealed more about its anti-inflammatory benefits. In fact, some clinical studies suggest it may be even more effective than over-the-counter allergy medications. You can try brewing tea from fresh or dried stinging nettle to see if it alleviates your seasonal allergies.
“6. EUCALYPTUS OIL: Studies show this cooling essential oil has antimicrobial benefits. It’s also commonly used to open up the lungs and sinuses. Add it to a bowl of hot water and cover your head with a towel over the mixture for a two-in-one facial and respiratory clearing. You can also keep dust mites at bay by adding a few drops to your laundry.
“7. PROBIOTICS: A review of 23 different trials with over 1,900 participants found that people with seasonal allergies who took probiotics showed improvements in symptoms. Be sure to choose a quality probiotic, as several factors can contribute to the efficacy of this tactic, including the variety and quality of bacteria in the mix. We’re partial to Gut Instinct, which delivers 25 billion organisms in each dose to support healthy digestion and immunity.
“8. ACUPUNCTURE: Needles in your face might sound like the last thing you want to try to alleviate your stuffed-up sinuses. However, researchers saw a significant improvement in seasonal allergy symptoms with acupuncture in conjunction with medication, compared to those who took medication without any acupuncture. Likewise, other scientific reviews support the efficacy of acupuncture in treating seasonal and perennial allergies,” the web page explains.
I sincerely hope someone out there can benefit from this information.