If you have hay fever, it’s about to be the worst allergy season yet. According to a recent study, the pollen count is higher than ever and allergy season is expected to last longer due to climate change.
But before you blow your money on boxes of Benadryl, you might want to try these expert-recommended tips first. Trust us, it’ll make the upcoming months a lot more manageable.
Get your home in good shape
“Prepare [your home] by replacing air filters in the heating and cooling systems. It’s also best to avoid opening windows and vacuuming fluffy carpets before bedtime since it can trap allergens,” says Dr. Richard Honaker, chief medical officer of Your Doctors Online. “Damp mopping helps too,” Honaker adds.
Shower after spending time outside
“[When you’re] outside, you pick up allergens and pollen from trees, especially in your hair,” says Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a pulmonologist and author of Cough Cures. So don’t forget to take a shower when you get home to get rid of any excess pollen!
Always wash your hands
“Handwashing is like a DIY vaccine,” says Dr. Ferrer. Run your hand under water for at least 15 to 20 seconds to effectively remove any germs – it’s both simple and effective!
Be mindful of what you’re eating
If you have a lot of mucus, you should try to avoid milk and dairy products. “Research shows that it makes mucus thick, thus worsening cough and post nasal drip,” says Dr. Ferrer. The same goes for sugary drinks as it can contribute to chronic nasal obstruction.
Consider taking a probiotic
“Seasonal allergies are essentially an overreaction of the immune system. And when you realize that more than 70% of your immune tissue is in your gut, it becomes clear that optimizing your gut health is of paramount importance to beating your allergies,” says Lisa Richards, certified nutritionist and the creator of The Candida Diet. Take probiotic supplements or add more fermented foods to your diet to help balance your microbiota count.
Stock up on some good moisturizer
“Allergy season typically means dry, flaky skin from humidity or excessive nose blowing,” Samantha Morrison, health and wellness expert for Glacier Wellness says. “With that being the case, it’s wise to buy a high-quality natural moisturizer that minimizes inflammation, promotes skin regeneration, and hydrates your skin.” Try looking for ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and coconut oil.
Are allergies still acting up? Try these six natural remedies to relieve allergy symptoms.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
