Nip Those Allergies in the Bud! By Kennika Freeman Spring means flower buds and blooming trees; and for the millions of people who have springtime allergies, it means sneezing, congestion, runny nose and other signs and symptoms. In the early spring, the major culprit is wind-borne pollen from trees. In late spring, grasses start to cause trouble. The worst springtime allergy signs and symptoms occur during hot, dry or windy days when there's a lot of pollen and mold in the air. However, before you settle for plastic flowers and artificial turf, try these simple and effective strategies. You can't completely avoid springtime allergies, but you can reduce your signs and symptoms by being prepared. Here are some tips that can help. 1. Keep windows closed during spring allergy season to keep pollen from blowing into your house. Don't hang dry your clothing outside, and change your sheets as often as possible. 2. Shower and change your clothes when you return home after being outside. Pollen can rub off your clothing and cling to furniture and carpeting, so throw your clothing into the washing machine as
soon as possible. 3. Run your air conditioner and air filters to absorb the pollen from the air in your home. Don't use window or attic fans, which can bring more pollen into the home. 4. Get a warm towel and place it on your face to calm your allergies. Take a deep breath and remember that you won't sneeze forever. 5. Additionally try placing a small amount of Vaseline or olive oil around the inner rim of each nostril. This helps to catch pollen and other allergens before they can enter the body triggering an allergic reaction and is a effective way to reduce symptoms for many allergy sufferers. 6. Better, restful sleep also improves the immune system and a dust-free bedroom and sleeping on natural fibers helps to decrease sneezing and sniffling during the night. Organic cotton and wool that have not been exposed to chemicals results in healthier air in the bedroom and decreases the toxins and allergens that irritate and inflame the body. 7. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to balance the immune system to decrease seasonal allergy symptoms and colds. It also helps to decrease inflammation in the body caused by free radicals which increase during allergy season. Avoid vitamin C supplements packaged in plastic bottles and get the real deal from pesticide free oranges. A tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice makes any breakfast luxurious. 8. Pollen in outdoor spring air often gets get in hair that is then deposited on pillow cases. Wash bedding, sheets, and pillow cases regularly to avoid breathing in this second-hand pollen. To avoid chemicals, use unscented laundry detergents that are made to decrease allergens or make laundry detergent at home with borax powder and washing soda. 9. As vitamin E works in tandem with vitamin C in the body, get a healthy dose by eating almonds. Buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging; a handful of almonds are a healthy any-time snack. Add more vegetables and fruits for better overall health and whole food antioxidant sources. Buy local, pesticide free produce for better quality as it reaches consumers faster and for less impact to the environment. 10. Avoid mucus producing foods such as dairy products. Also avoid sugar, wheat and white rice.
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