Making it through the fall allergy season can be tough—both physically and mentally. If you’ve ever experienced any of the following symptoms, you know exactly what I’m talking about: scratchy throat, stuffy nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, sneezing fits, and coughing spasms that last all night long. Sounds pretty awful, right? The good news is that there are ways you can lessen your suffering during this time of year…without resorting to over-the-counter medications. Here are seven tips on how to get through fall allergies without having to suffer needlessly.
1) FIND THE ALLERGY SOURCE
The main culprits are ragweed, infrequent housekeeping, and dust allergies. To find out if you’re reacting to dust mites, it’s a good idea to request a dust-mite test for the mattress and pillows from your home. Once you find the allergy source, keep that in mind as you move through this list. For instance, if ragweed is the problem, there’s not much to be done other than treating yourself with a saline nasal spray to keep handy during the fall months. Dust can easily be countered with deep cleaning at least once a week. Keeping your home clean will not only keep you happy but healthy too!
2) BUY AN AIR PURIFIER
Part of staying healthy during allergy season is deep cleaning your home. This includes vacuuming and dusting all surfaces, along with scrubbing any mold you might find in the bathroom. A great way to protect yourself from mold allergies is by buying an air purifier. The truth is that even if you clean your home, there will be allergens coming in from outside. So owning an air purifier will help with the possible mold spores coming in from outside.
3) REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER
Changing your air filter will help reduce the amount of dust, pollen and other allergens that are circulating in your home. It’s a quick fix that can help you sleep better at night. If it’s difficult for you to replace your own air filter, enlist a family member or friend to help. If they don’t live nearby, ask them to pick up an air filter when they’re out.
4) WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
When you’re outside, dress in layers and wear a hat and scarf. Wearing protective clothing will help prevent the allergens from getting through your clothes and into your skin. Wool is an excellent material for these outer layers, as it helps protect against allergy-causing substances by trapping them. Use an anti-allergen pillow case or wash all bedding regularly so that any mold spores are removed. Keep windows closed when the dust is blowing outside so that none of the particles get inside your home.
5) TAKE NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS
If you’re not ready to take medication, there are a few natural supplements that can help. One of the most popular is a neti pot. Take a teaspoon or so of salt and mix it with warm water in the neti pot. Then, tilt your head over the sink and insert the tip of the pot into one nostril while breathing out through your mouth. Let gravity pull the liquid through your nasal passages and out of the other nostril, allowing all those allergy-causing particles to be flushed away!
6) CONSUME ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS
Allergies can be triggered by a number of factors, including the environment, certain food items, and emotional stress. Studies show that many allergy sufferers have an increased sensitivity to inflammation and may need to watch their diet for things like dairy products and gluten. If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy skin, or any other allergy symptoms this fall season, try adding these six foods into your diet:
Buckwheat – Buckwheat is rich in zinc which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling of mucous membranes in the sinuses. Zinc also helps maintain healthy immune function. Add some buckwheat cereal to your morning breakfast bowl and top it with berries!
Watermelon – The high levels of lycopene found in watermelon make it one of the best sources of antioxidants. Lycopene has been found to relieve nasal congestion as well as asthma, dermatitis, hives, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Enjoy some slices when you wake up with some cold filtered water!
Coconut oil – Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid (a type of saturated fat), capric acid (another type) and caprylic acid (a third type) all three have potent anti-inflammatory effects.
7) KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN
If you have asthma, you might find that your symptoms are worse in the fall because mold and other allergens can build up when the air is dry. Cleaning the air in your house regularly with a damp cloth or humidifier will help keep the air clean and make it easier for you to breathe. The final step is to take a shower every day- even if you don’t feel sweaty or dirty! Inhaling through the nose is one way of clearing out sinuses from pollen and dust particles.
CONTACT BEYOND EXPECTATIONS CLEANING SERVICE
The team at Beyond Expectations is here to help with all of your residential and commercial cleaning needs! We offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleaning in Brunswick, Georgia, as well as as-needed cleaning. Our company also offers cleaning services in surrounding areas, including Glynn County, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, St. Simons, and more. Call us today at (912) 230-4990 to schedule a cleaning service or visit our website, b-expectations.com to get started. You will be delighted with our service!