Fight Your allergies Naturally
June 13, 2016
More than 50 million Americans suffer from nasal allergies, and as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. We spend millions of dollars every year on medication, but there are some techniques to help ease your symptoms from indoor and outdoor allergies naturally.
Control the quality of the air inside your house
During outdoor allergy seasons, keep the outdoor air outside your house as much as you can. Closing doors and windows helps keep the pollen count inside to a minimum. Dust and mold can trigger indoor allergies, so while you are at it make sure that your house stays clean and free of excess dust and humidity to avoid flare-ups of your symptoms.
In addition to keeping your inside air sealed off from outdoor allergens, air filtration systems in your furnace and air conditioner can remove up to 95 percent of particles that would otherwise share your home. This could make a huge difference in your response to the changing seasons.
Consider a Butterbur supplement
Some studies show that this supplement might actually work as well as some antihistamines.
Take a shower or bath
When we are outside we pick up allergens from the environment on our clothes, hair, skin, and shoes. Changing our clothes and taking a shower can help remove these particles and prevent an allergic response. Put your clothes directly into the washing machine for best results.
Rinse your sinuses, too
Rinsing your nasal cavity can remove harmful bacteria and mucus, which can help relieve allergy symptoms such as postnasal drip. One way to do this is to buy a saline rinse mixture, or you can make your own.
Maintain a balanced diet
Some studies have shown a link between healthy eating and an easing of allergic symptoms. This is not surprising since eating healthy foods has been shown to boost the immune system. One study showed that individuals who consistently ate fruits, vegetables and nuts displayed decreased reactions to allergens.
Increase your fluid intake
Adequate fluids can help remove excess mucus in your throat and nasal passages. Hot fluids are especially helpful because steam helps open the nasal passages. In fact, a quick, easy way to get relief from nasal congestion caused by allergies is to breathe in steam. Taking a hot shower, or boiling a pot of water and placing a towel over your head to trap the steam as you breathe, are effective ways to clear the nasal passages.
Although these tips may not leave you without any allergy symptoms, they may help ease your symptoms or help you reduce your reliance on allergy medications. Experts recommend that allergy sufferers pay attention to what triggers their symptoms, and do their best to avoid the triggers when possible. Your physician can help with any other questions or concerns you may have about reducing allergy symptoms to improve your quality of life.