Q: What can I do to manage my allergies?

 

A: Along with blooming trees and flowers, spring can bring sneezing, sniffling and coughing. While some people might mistake these symptoms for a cold, it could actually be seasonal allergies.  Depending upon where you live, certain plants in full bloom right now. Your symptoms may be a reaction to these plants, along with dust stirred up from Spring-cleaning.

 

Allergies are very common, affecting at least 2 out of every 10 Americans. Conventional medications can sometimes provide relief of symptoms but are known to have numerous side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, irritability, headache, and stomach upset.  Luckily, there are natural alternatives that can help relieve symptoms without unwanted side effects.

Homeopathy is a gentle but effective holistic medicine that stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Allium cepa is a popular homeopathic medicine when allergies present with a watery runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.  Euphrasia is another remedy commonly used for allergies when, in addition to the runny nose and sneezing, the eyes are inflamed, irritated and watery.

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There are also combination homeopathic remedies such as Hyland’s Seasonal Allergy Relief that contain multiple homeopathic remedies that are commonly used to treat allergies. If allergy symptoms are chronic or continue for more than a few days with no improvement, it is best to consult with a professional homeopath.

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Another natural treatment that helps relieve allergies symptoms is nasal lavage.  Also called nasal irrigation, nasal lavage involves spraying saline solution into each nostril. This can be accomplished using a bulb syringe or a device called a neti pot.  Nasal lavage helps remove mucus from the nose and sinuses and relieve allergic symptoms.

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Since allergies are an inflammatory condition, anti-inflammatory foods and supplements such as fish oil may help prevent or relieve symptoms.  Fish oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and help decrease inflammation in the body while animal fats contain omega-6 fatty acids which tend to be more pro-inflammatory.

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Don’t let allergies run you down this spring.  Choose natural therapies that will help you maintain a healthy immune system so you’ll be prepared for the cold and flu season ahead.  Below are some tips for preventing and treating seasonal allergies.

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10 Tips to Fight Allergies Naturally:

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​1. Eat a well-balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidant rich foods.

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2. Use a neti pot or bulb syringe for a salt-water nasal lavage.

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3. Keep on hand homeopathic remedies such as Allium cepa, Euphrasia and Hyland’s Seasonal Allergy Relief.

4. Have a smoke-free home.  If smokers visit your home, ask them to take it outside.

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5. Use particulate air filters in your air ducts and consider placing air purification units in the bedroom and living area. Change air filters frequently and clean air ducts at least once a year.

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6. Reduce allergens such as dust and dust mites by washing bedding in hot water at least every 2 weeks.

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7. Use covers for pillows, mattresses and comforters. Avoid stuffed animals, overstuffed furniture and down-filled bedding or pillows in the bedroom.

8. Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen that may have collected in your clothes and hair.

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9. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and reduce the chance of mold growth.

10. In moist areas, run a dehumidifier and fix all leaky faucets.  Standing water and moisture can encourage mold growth.