9 Tips For Dealing With Fall Allergies

Dealing With Fall Allergies

People often think of spring as the only time seasonal allergies strike, but allergies can also wreak havoc in the fall. While there are numerous over the counter and prescription drugs available, it is possible to lessen at least the severity of your fall allergies with a natural approach. It’s always good to consult your doctor first, but trying to work with nature and help your body come back into balance is always a good thing.

What are allergies?

An allergy is an increased sensitivity to an outside substance (i.e. allergen) that causes the immune system to kick into high gear in an attempt to fight it. Fall allergies can be particularly aggravating to those who are sensitive to mould and ragweed pollen.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, fall allergies may also be aggravated by hay fever, mould, and lingering warm weather.

Allergies are sometimes associated with weak digestive and immune functions. The healthier you are in general, the better off you’ll be when allergens kick in or sprout up. While we may not control the outside allergens that aggravate us, we can take charge of things like getting adequate rest and proper nutrition.

In the end, taking good care of yourself every day will help keep you less susceptible to illnesses and allergies. In addition, here are nine natural ways that will help you cope.

#1. Avoid contact with allergens

Some swear by ionic air filters, but you need not break the bank to help your allergy symptoms. Keep your home ventilated, clean and dust-free, and stay on top of any filters that need to be cleaned or replaced. Keep your linens fresh as well, but try to avoid using any fragranced products to clean your bedding.

#2. Try a little honey

Head to your local farmer’s market and try honey that’s made from plants where you live. Many naturopathic doctors swear by the healing benefits of adding local honey to your diet. A daily dose of pollen from plants that grow nearby may help lessen the aggravating factors brought on by seasonal allergies.

#3. Up your antioxidant intake

Upping your antioxidant levels is easy and safe to eat more vegetables and fruit and eat fewer processed foods. Improving your immune system will benefit more than just your ability to stave off allergies.

#4. Up your leafy green intake

Check out this link for a list of the seven best leafy greens out there: https://www.myhealthcaretips.com/10-tips-for-losing-belly-fat-and-weight/.

#5. Hydrate

If you’re dehydrated, your allergies will worsen, as your symptoms may be more intense. More sneezing, wheezing, and coughing are in store unless you are well hydrated, so drink up. Try keeping a refillable bottle with you most of the day so that you can sip as you go. In addition, avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they both deplete you.

#6. Make sure it’s not something else

Have you looked at the laundry detergent, shampoo, and lotions you’re using? Have you recently changed brands or started wearing a new fragrance? All of these things could be the root of your troubles (rather than fall allergies), so take a quick look at the health and beauty aids you use.

#7. Try a neti pot

They’re not as difficult to use as you think, so try it out. I had a yoga instructor who advised that I use a neti pot every day as a self-care add-on (not only to cure any issues with my allergies), and it has had long-lasting benefits. I watched someone demonstrate how to do it in person, and it helped me understand how to self-administer on the spot. Try working a neti pot into your regimen and keep your nasal passages open all of the time.

#8. Herbs and supplements

Herbs like goldenseal, nettle, and peppermint have been shown to help lessen the effects of seasonal allergies. Some herbs steeped in hot water and taken as tea can help soothe a runny nose and sore throat. However, it’s smart to talk to a local herbalist or naturopathic advisor before trying herbs to remedy your allergy issues.

#9. Try key foods

Several specific foods have good reputations for helping with seasonal allergy symptoms. For example, try horseradish, carrots, wasabi, cayenne peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger. In general, orange and yellow vegetables are also a good bet.