The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the weather is beautiful. What season is it? You guessed it! Allergy season! Springtime can be miserable for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Right when the weather starts to get warm, the last things you want are puffy eyes and a runny nose. If you fight seasonal allergies, there are several steps you can take to help you get through the season. For tips on how to fight seasonal allergies, try the simple strategies below.
Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses are great for the sunny spring weather, but they can do so much more than serve as an accessory. Along with protecting your eyes in the sun, sunglasses can keep pollen out of your eyes. If you suffer from pollen allergies, make sure to keep a pair of sunglasses handy whenever you head out.
Do Homework on Houseplants
Houseplants are a great way to bring the beautiful spring season into your home. But if you have a pollen allergy, these plants can make the season even more difficult to deal with. Below are a few common plants you should avoid if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
- Daisies – Daisies have a high pollen count that can make allergies worse.
- Chamomile – Although it is great as a relaxing tea, chamomile plants are related to ragweed. For anyone with a weed allergy, chamomile should definitely be avoided.
- Male palm plants – Female palms do not produce pollen but male palms shed a lot of it! If you have a pollen allergy and love palm plants, definitely go for the female.
Keep the Pollen Outdoors
Pollen can make it into your house in many ways. It can get trapped in your hair and clothes and follow you into your home, making it difficult to get rid of quickly. On days with high pollen counts, make sure to wash clothes and shower immediately before the pollen gets on furniture. If you have pets that go out often, be sure to bathe them often so that the pollen trapped in their fur doesn’t get spread all over your home.
Travel Wisely
Another strategy to fight seasonal allergies is to routinely check the pollen count in the area before making plans to be outside for extended periods of time. Plan outdoor activities like picnics and hikes on days with a low pollen count. On days with a high pollen count, plan activities indoors so you can avoid the pollen outside altogether.
Take Natural Supplements
Adding natural supplements to your diet can help fight allergies. The following supplements can significantly help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Vitamin C – Everyone knows that Vitamin C helps with colds, but many people know that Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. Adding it to your diet is a natural way to fight your allergies.
- Butterbur – Butterbur is an herb used in medicine that can help reduce hay fever flare-ups caused by grass pollen.
- Stinging Nettle – This supplement also provides natural allergy relief. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the body’s allergic responses.
Local Honey
Add local honey to your diet. Local honey has bee pollen which provides natural allergy relief specific to your local area and boosts the immune system.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, there are a lot of strategies you can implement to help fight them. If you would like to learn more about fighting seasonal allergies, the SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation can help. Call 803-749-1111 today to set up an appointment.
