5 Easy Ways to Fight Seasonal Allergies at Home—AaaaChooooo!
Seasonal allergies suck.
We live smack dab in the middle of the country where there are many different kinds of trees, bushes, flowers and weeds. My middle son gets hit the hardest every Spring. He starts sneezing, his eyes itch and get red and swollen and he gets super congested. Through our allergist we have learned some tips to use at home to help lessen the affects of seasonal allergies. By following these 5 Easy Ways to Fight Seasonal Allergies at Home, hopefully you and your family won’t be hit as hard. These do not replace any medications your doctor may prescribe, but might help add some relief.
1. Take a shower before you go to bed. The warmer the water the better.
If you have allergies and you’ve been outside at all–doing yard work, going to soccer/baseball games or taking a walk around the neighborhood–you need to take a shower at night before you go to bed. All of that pollen that has been playing havoc on your eyes, nose, throat and head is all over your body and in your hair. Wash it away before you head to bed so your bed stays allergy-free while you sleep.
2. Do a sinus rinse.
Sinus rinses are not so fun, but highly effective. Everyone in my family does them from time to time. Just like a shower, sinus rinses wash the allergens out of your sinuses and clear congestion (for a while). Some people swear by this so much so that they do maintenance sinus rinses. Be sure to follow the instructions. Our allergist recommends this sinus rinse: NeilMed Sinus Rinse, which we use and recommend. If you prefer a Neti Pot, we have this one too: NeilMed Neti Pot. My kids bounce back and forth between the two. The Neti Pot is gentler, but not as effective.
3. Shut your windows and don’t use your attic fan. Use your air conditioner.
I know, I know. There is nothing more wonderful than opening up a window when the weather gets nice to let the cool breeze in. Unfortunately, you are letting in all the things that trigger your allergy misery. Keep your windows shut and just open up your blinds. That also means don’t use your allergy fan, I mean attic fan, either. All it does is bring in all the allergens from outside and swirls them around to every part of your home. Stop the misery! Shut your windows, turn off your attic fan and turn on your air conditioner!
4. Eat yogurt.
Some studies suggest that eating foods containing probiotics (healthy bacteria that live in your digestive tract), like yogurt and Kefir drinks, might reduce allergy symptoms such as runny nose and congestion. You can also get probiotics as supplements.
5. Drink Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar.
Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar is full of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria. It can support immune function, help with blood sugar and constipation and it can help fight allergies by balancing the body. The best way to use apple cider vinegar for your allergies is on a consistent basis. It may take several weeks before you see any positive results. Never drink apple cider vinegar straight. It could harm your teeth enamel. Always dilute 1-2 Tbs in water or some other beverage. You might want to try my Super Duper Detox Drink that uses apple cider vinegar. It actually tastes good :)! For kids, adding 1 Tbs to orange juice seems to hide the sour taste well.