Allergies Got You Down??

Springtime allergies are starting up again... don't let them get you down!  Here are a few good tips for nipping them in the bud early...

1.  Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

• Remove clothes you've worn outside
• Shower before bed to rinse pollen from your skin and hair
• Don't  hang laundry outside; pollen can stick to sheets and towels

2.  Take extra steps when pollen counts are high 

• Check for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels (find apps and widgets here)
• Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high

3.  Keep indoor air clean

• Use the air conditioning in your house and car
• Try a filter in your bedroom

4.  Try an over-the-counter remedy

• Oral antihistamines (a drug that inhibits some of the histamine that your body produces-the natural response in an allergic reaction is to make histamine), decongestants, and nasal sprays can help ease allergy symptoms (it is best to ask your pharmacist)

5.  Revamp your diet

• Carrots, spinach, mangoes, tomatoes, and other green vegetables that are high in vitamin A may work as a natural antihistamine
• Avoid alcohol and histamine containing foods (wine is particularly bad along with cheese, pickles, and sauerkraut due to the aging and fermentation processes
• Avoid yeast (give up your bread!)
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids - these help to fight inflammation and can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, etc.

6.  Clean out your sinuses 

• Use a good old fashioned Neti Pot

What do you do when your spring allergies get the best of you??