While we should be enjoying the beauty of spring and summer, many of us are suffering from seasonal allergies instead. From the birds to the pollen, there are many things that can trigger a may cause classic allergic reaction.
In fact, research shows that approximately 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, as well as hay fever. And, as the sneezing, scratchy throat and watery eyes become increasingly unbearable many people will reach for pharmaceutical drugs to help lessen these symptoms.
While these drugs may provide temporary allergy relief, drugs almost always come with undesired side effects.
Top 9 seasonal allergy slayers
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my top 9 natural methods for slashing allergy symptoms, as well as preventing them from happening in the first place.
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #1: Re-Vamp Your Diet
As far as prevention is concerned, diet is a huge way you can influence your experience of seasonal allergies. Studies show that essential fatty acids coming from organic flax seed or hemp seed oil can help reduce seasonal allergies. Also, try avoiding mucous and congestion-causing foods such as dairy products, milk, processed wheat and sugar.
In general, a healthy diet will boost your overall immunity to allergies. In fact, a scientific study done on the island of Crete found that nasal allergies were almost non-existent in this region. Why? The islanders’ food intake was composed mainly of cold-pressed olive oil, nuts, fish, fruits and veggies. This anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant diet was super high in grapes, tomatoes, oranges, nuts and apples, all foods known to prevent congestion and mucous buildup.
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #2: Invest in Non-Toxic, Organic Bedding
Dr. James R. Haltom from the Mississippi Allergy and Asthma Clinic has stated that the best thing you can do for allergies is to purchase a high-quality, allergy-free cover for the mattress, box springs and pillows. Also, wash your bedding once a week in very hot water to prevent build-up and help kill off dust mites.
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #3: Buy Non-Toxic, Natural Cleaning Products
Chemicals and fumes from most store-bought cleaning products have been shown to trigger allergic reactions, especially in the spring when our allergic response is already heightened. Instead, opt for organic cleaning products. They are a safe alternative to more traditional cleansers that contain many chemicals that can be toxic to your health. There’s no point in spraying these chemicals in your house, unless you absolutely need to.
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #4: Wear a Mask When Doing Yard Work & Gardening
It would be wise to wear a mask when you are doing spring-time yard work or gardening, especially when you are mowing the lawn. Remember, pollen counts are greatest from 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so it’s best to do yard work or gardening after this time or in the evening.
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #5: Clean Your Living Environment
Eliminate allergy-causing pollen and mites from the air by investing in an air purification system that has UV & negative ion filter. Carpet harbors pet dander, dust and pollen from the outdoors, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms.
If possible, replace carpet with non-toxic wool, non-toxic hardwood or cork flooring. Also, get rid of the clutter that collects allergens! Also, you may want to consider a water purifier to remove chemicals and toxins from your drinking water. Remember, a clean living environment is a GREEN living environment.
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #6:Take a Good Quality Organic Oregano Oil
Many people report having great success using oil of oregano, which offers protection against allergies and asthma. Taking this supplement will also reduce the amounts of histamines found in the blood (this is the chemical that causes swelling and allergic reaction).
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #7: Check your house for mold and pollen.
Mold is a huge cause of seasonal allergies. As the rains come down and the heat increases, mold begins to form in the unseen corners of our homes and offices. While there are many ways to get rid of mold (see my tips here), purchasing a high-quality dehumidifier can help prevent mold from forming in the first.
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #8: Thoroughly Wash Clothes After Being Outside
Remove and wash clothes that you have worn outside when coming back into your home. This will help prevent outdoor pollen from establishing itself in your furniture and bedding. Also, taking a shower before bed will keep pollen from your hair out of your pillow at night. (I personally prefer to use Soap Nuts for my laundry detergent. Check Google if you’re interested in learning more about them.)
Seasonal Allergy Slayer #9: Spend a spring vacation at or near the sea
Research suggests that pollen levels are lower around open bodies of water. If you are prone to allergies during springtime, take time to visit a lake or the beach instead of the countryside. You can also put some salt lamps in your office and home, which helps reduce allergy symptoms.
With these easy tips, you can assure that your spring and summer seasons will be allergy-free!
Dr. Edward F. Group III has his Naturopathic Doctorate, Clinical Herbalist, Holistic Health Practitioner, Clinical Nutritionist certifications, and is a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition and the American Board of Functional Medicine. He founded Global Healing Center Inc. in 1998 which has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the Internet.
A dynamic author and speaker, Dr. Group focuses solely on spreading the message of health and wellness to the global community with the philosophy of full body cleansing, most importantly colon cleansing, consuming pure clean organic food, water, air, exercise and nutritional supplementation. Visit GlobalHealingCenter.com to learn more about living green and healthy!
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