Seasonal Sniffles: Fighting Allergies Symptoms Naturally

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By Rachel Derry
Staff Writer LIFamilies

It seems as though if it's not one problem it's another; when the cold weather finally goes away, a wicked allergy season comes into full swing (trapping you inside either way). If you're a chronic allergy sufferer, you know the double edged sword of the changing seasons; you know that you either stay locked away or start popping pills immediately to keep the symptoms to a minimum. This allergy season, why not try a couple of natural strategies to help you get through the season unscathed, without all of the extra medications.

Start by keeping the daily damage to a minimum. Pollen, grass, and other allergens are at their worst in the early morning and late afternoon (around sunrise and set). Be sure to keep your windows and doors closed around those times. Keep any exercising around those times indoors, as well, either at home or the gym. Going for an outdoor walk or jog is inviting the spores to make themselves at home on your clothing and person. When you do hurry in from the outdoors, make sure to scrub both you and your pets down to wash off the extra allergen tagalongs.

Even once you've washed yourself down, however, there are still allergens hanging around for the long haul. When you breathe outdoors, pollen and other allergens get stuck to the mucus membranes in your sinus canals. Once there they continue their messy mayhem. One of the best ways to clear out this condition is the highly coveted (and loathed) neti pot. The saline solution in your neti pot washes out your nasal passages and clears them of debris; that is if you can hang with the neti. If you can't, there are always other nasal cleansing options, mainly saline squeeze bottles available at most drug stores.

Bring down much of the inflammation and irritation, which exacerbates allergic responses, by increasing your Omega-3 fatty acid intake. A great natural anti-inflammatory, Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in your favorite oily fish (such as salmon and tuna) and green leafy vegetables (such as spinach). To make sure that you're levels of Omega are high enough to keep the irritation away, it is suggested that you have 1 to 2 servings of oily fish a week.

To bring the inflammation down even further head to your spice cabinet. Turmeric and ginger are both known for their heal benefits, especially ginger. It is said that if you add 2 to 4 grams of turmeric to your food throughout the day, or 2 to 3 glasses of ginger tea, you can almost mimic the effects of most anti-inflammatory medications, without the side effects, and while also adding antioxidants.

Invest in a good acupuncturist. If you want to alleviate your allergy symptoms without pumping medications into your system; try the ancient medical practice of acupuncture. During the height of allergy season it is suggested that you have biweekly visits to your acupuncturist to keep your symptoms at bay; then, once the pollen has subsided, so can your visits.

Lastly, reducing the severity of your symptoms can be done as naturally as simply reducing the stress in your life. Just like during cold and flu season, the more agitated your body is by chronic stress, the worse your symptoms due to a stunted immune system. When stress isn't so easily alleviated, following an anti-inflammatory diet and deep breathing exercises can help you to manage your mind and system at the same time.

Long Island Green Living Articles > Seasonal Sniffles: Fighting Allergies Symptoms Naturally