Springtime is always such a bittersweet season. On one hand, winter is over. The days are longer, the weather is better, the grass keeps getting greener, and everything is in bloom. However all of that blooming nature means that you get to spend the next few weeks rubbing your eyes and stifling your sneezes. Get your hankies ready, it’s allergy season.
Spring brings a plethora of pollen, spores, mold, and dander that can trigger all sorts of allergic reactions in people. If you suffer from allergies, you don’t need to be told that this can be an unpleasant experience. Itchy eyes, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing are just a few of the symptoms people face with the change in seasons. Luckily, there are some measures you can take to get ready for allergy season.
One of the best defenses against seasonal allergies is good health. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season, and cut out unhealthy junk food. Exercise regularly and maintain a proper diet to ensure that your body can handle whatever comes its way.
Many people are firm believers in local honey, convinced that it can relieve allergy symptoms. It’s the same concept as an allergy shot. The pollen in honey exposes people to the pollen in the air, allowing them to build up a tolerance. However, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there is no scientific proof to support claims that raw honey effectively suppresses allergic reactions.
Turmeric is another food that people associate with staving off allergy symptoms. Unlike honey, there have actually been studies to support this. Turmeric is rich in curcumin which works as an anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce allergy symptoms. Curcumin inhibits molecules associated with inflammation.
If pollen is one of your allergy triggers, get in the habit of checking the pollen forecast for your area. This can easily be found online, and provides you with information on how bad the pollen will be for a given day. Keeping up with pollen reports can help avoid planning outdoor activities on days when the air is thick with pollen.
Doing spring cleaning can also help during allergy season. Allergens and pollutants can accumulate in carpet fibers and settle as dust all over your house. Be sure to vacuum regularly and dust to remove as many of these allergens as possible. While you’re at it, go ahead and clean your air vent grates and replace your air filter. This will help improve the air quality in your home.
For some, seasonal allergies might manifest as a runny nose that goes away in a few days, but allergies can be a big issue for others. Schedule an appointment with your physician to make sure you are truly ready for allergy season.