It’s that time of year again: the trees are starting to bloom, but the mornings are still crisp. You can’t sit in your car during lunch without the AC on, but you also bring a jacket when you walk out of the door. Allergy season is almost upon us here in north Raleigh, and as primary care clinic, we know that we’ll start seeing a lot of patients coming in for remedies.
Over-the-counter medications can be quite helpful when it comes to dealing with pollen and seasonal allergies, but many patients find that the side effects and drowsiness that come with OTC anti-histamines are almost as bad as the allergy systems themselves. No one wants to spend most of the year having to constantly take medication to get through the day, especially when that medication doesn’t work as well because it’s built up in your system.
While there is no 100% no-side-effect cure for allergy season, there are activities, natural supplements, and basic lifestyle changes that can dramatically reduce your allergy symptoms without resorting to medication.
Lifestyle Changes for Allergy Season in North Raleigh
- Shut Your Windows. While it might sound silly, reducing pollen and other allergens’ access to your home can dramatically help your allergies. While outside air can be refreshing in the spring and summer, shutting your windows and doors will keep pollen and dander outside where it belongs.
- HEPA Filters. HEPA filters aren’t a brand, it’s a particular standard that an air filter meets. HEPA standard filters are fine enough that they trap or absorb pollen, smoke, pet dander, and dust mites. Ensuring that your vacuum and air purifier use a HEPA filter will help keep allergy triggers out of your home and workspace.
- Wear a Mask. No, you don’t need to look like Hannibal Lector – a disposable mask, similar to what is worn in medical clinics or hospitals, can help keep your allergies at bay. You don’t have to wear it all the time either, you can limit it to activities or times when you know your allergies might be particularly terrible.
- Saline Rinse. Salt water rinses for your nasal cavity and sinuses can break up mucus and cut down on you seasonal stuff nose. Rinse kits and neti pots are readily available at many stores – just be sure to use distilled water and non-iodized salt.
- Eat Healthily. While every physician in the world has probably said “eat healthier” their patients, we’re going to say it again. A body that is being fueled by clean food that is good for it can more easily battle allergies when they show up – you’ll just feel better. We have heard that utilizing green tea, turmeric powder, and red juice can drastically help with allergies.
- Drink Water. When you’re suffering from allergies, staying hydrated has the same effects as when you’re suffering from a cold or flu. Mucus begins to thin out and your body has the proper amount of fluids to be able to fight the symptoms that you’re experiencing.
Allergy Season Natural Remedies and Supplements
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Diluting apple cider vinegar with water and drinking it can have remarkable effects on your allergies. The vinegar helps break down mucus, and the potassium in apple cider vinegar will help your nasal passages.
- Probiotics. Gut bacteria is essential when it comes to the strength of the immune system, and that is no less true when dealing with fighting off allergy symptoms. Adding probiotics, either by themselves or through yogurt and other dairy products, can help alleviate your allergies.
- Stinging Nettle Tea. Stinging nettle has been used for centuries to treat many things, especially allergies as it doesn’t cause drowsiness or heart problems like many anti-histamines. Drink the tea, use a tincture, or ingest it in capsule form, it will be certain to help your allergies.
- Butterbur Extract. Named for its leaves use in wrapping butter, the butterbur plant extract blocks chemicals that cause your nasal passages to swell. Lacking any drowsy side effects works well for fever, nasal allergies, and headaches.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C can actually be vital to fighting off your allergy symptoms. Taking vitamin C will block histamine formation along with boosting your immune system.
- Quercetin. A bioflavonoid call quercetin is quite adept at relieving your asthma, hay fever, and itchy eyes. Quercetin is actually derived from onions, so if you’d prefer not to take more supplements, prepare a few more onion-heavy dishes.
Stay Current with Allergy Recommendations from Med One Medical Group
Unfortunately, allergies are cyclical – you can expect them to come back in a day, a month, or year. Sign up for Med One Medical Group’s newsletter today to stay current our tips, recommendations, and blog posts for staying healthy and vibrant.
Sometimes your allergies are just terrible enough that you need a professional. When seasonal allergies are making your life unbearable, contact Med One Medical Group to get your life back by calling 919-850-1300.