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1. Nasal Gel
Sticking gel up your nose to keep snot
from coming out of it sounds a little, well, icky at first. But Zicam's homeopathic allergy relief gel is backed by hard science. While it's not as targeted as, say, Benadryl, it
also doesn't have the sleepy side effects of antihistamines. The active
ingredients include galphimia glauca, a flower (how fitting!) known to help
with upper respiratory symptoms from rhinitis; histamimum hydrochloricum, a natural histamine thought to
lessen the body's histamine response over time by repeated small exposures; and
luffa operculata, the same plant used to make loofa bath
sponges.
2. Head to the Beach
Possibly the only good thing
about seasonal allergies: It's the perfect excuse to head to the water!
Typically beaches and other areas near the sea have a lot less pollen and mold
than the surrounding areas, thanks to the cleansing power of ocean breezes.
"If you can afford to live in that first quarter mile from the beach, it's
great," says Russell B. Leftwich, MD, an allergist in Nashville, Tenn. and
spokesman for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Not to mention all the fun exercise options the beach offers—running, swimming, or volleyball anyone? And for those of us stuck in the middle of the continent, experts say that heading up the mountains is almost as helpful, as less vegetation grows in higher altitudes.
Not to mention all the fun exercise options the beach offers—running, swimming, or volleyball anyone? And for those of us stuck in the middle of the continent, experts say that heading up the mountains is almost as helpful, as less vegetation grows in higher altitudes.
3. Anti-Allergen Laundry Detergent
Pollen and mold spores can collect on your
clothes, and it's crucial to get them off so you don't contaminate your house.
Step one: Vigorously shake your clothing out outside. Experts say this will get rid of a lot of the pollen. You can
then launder with normal detergent plus a little bleach or use a specific anti-allergen detergent. The last step is to dry your clothes
in a dryer. While you get points for eco-friendliness, hanging your clothes
outside to dry makes them pollen magnets.
4. Pollen-Resistant Clothing
Japanese clothier Sanyo has developed a pollen-resistant fabric that is used in making outerwear.
According to the company, "This new fabric blocks pollen from clinging to the coat and
reduces allergic reactions. It is breathable and releases moisture from the body
to keep you drier than ever." The fabric is called Microfit SX and is also
designed to be ultra silent and super soft. So not only will the jacket help
your allergies, but it'll make you a ninja as well! The only downside: Designs
are pretty limited at this time, but more options will likely be available soon.
5. Allergy
Mask
Not for the fashion-conscious or heavy
breathers, allergy
masks with built-in HEPA filters are one of the best options for people who
are seriously disabled by their allergies. You don't need to wear one all the
time to reap the benefits (thank heavens), but they're recommended for chores
like mowing the lawn, raking, and gardening. It might
not be ideal for those after an even, sun-kissed glow, but it can go a long way
in keeping symptoms to a minimum.
6. Acupuncture
While the jury is still out on this
traditional Chinese technique, one promising study found that children who underwent a
three-month course of acupuncture suffered from fewer minor allergy symptoms. If
your allergies are fairly mild and you want to stay away from medicine,
acupuncture might be worth a try.
7. Tart Cherry Juice
One of the most delicious options for
allergy prevention is a shot of tart cherry juice. While
whole cherries are equally tasty and provide many health benefits, juicing them
concentrates a compound called quercetin, which has been
"demonstrated to prevent the immune system from releasing histamines in
laboratory tests, leading researchers to believe that quercetin-containing foods
like cherry concentrate may help reduce allergy symptoms" according to the University of Maryland
Medical Center. We'll drink to that!
8. Close Your Windows and Crank the AC
Nothing wakes up your senses like fresh
spring air. But if you're prone to allergies, then having your windows open,
especially at night, can have you so busy rubbing, wiping, and scratching that
you won't even get to enjoy it. Plus, experts say that using an air conditioner will help clean and dehumidify the air
in your home.
9. Knowledge is Power
For those of us with watery eyes and
itchy noses, the first stop on your running route should be your computer. Check
out the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's national allergy map. Updated daily, this site gives you the
pollen and mold counts in your area, along with a handy meter for determining
the threat level. Numbers in the high range? Consider keeping your workout
indoors or popping an over-the-counter allergy pill 45 minutes before you head outside.
Posted by Smooches
Courtesy:www.shape.com
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