More allergy tips!

Last year I had a post on allergies, tips and supplements.  Since I usually am quite the allergy sufferer I wanted to share some more info on seasonal allergies and some ways to avoid or at least limit them.

1. Tree pollen is the highest in the morning, a lot of the reason allergies are bad in the morning and get better as the day goes on.  Avoid opening your windows in the morning or keeping them open all night if tree pollen usually triggers you.
2. Clean or change your furnace filters regularly.  This will help with limiting the pollen, dust and mold from circulating throughout your home.  You can also put in a HEPA air filter to help suck up lingering allergens.
3. Visit www.weather.com to check the pollen count that day.  If pollen is really high try to do more indoor activities.
4. Buy some good sunglasses.  They can block airborne allergens from blowing into your eyes.
5. PROBIOTICS!  You can get these through supplements, yogurt, drinks and more.  The probiotic Lactobacillus (L. caasei) has shown to reduce allergy symptoms when taken regularly.
6. Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA to be exact. They reduce inflammation which allergies cause and can be found in foods like salmon.
7. Lower your stress!  If our bodies are already filled with stress hormones it will be hard to fight off pollutants.  Do some activities you enjoy or rest up to limit your stress.
8. Workout when pollen counts are lower.  If you cant do that, try working out indoors.
9. Take your shoes and coats off at the door.  This will limit the amount of pollen you drag in and around the house.
10. Eat organic!  This will limit the toxins and un-necessary pollutants in your body.
11. Shower daily to remove pollens from your hair, nails and skin.  Make sure to open a window or turn the bathroom fan on to keep mold from growing, which can be another allergy trigger.
12. If all else fails, take an antihistamine.  Its better to stay on top of your allergies and not waiting until you have an attack to take meds.  Zyrtec is the most potent over the counter med.  After you take a med for sometime you can build up a tolerance to it.  Try to rotate your meds to maximize effectiveness.  Most generics are the same as the name brand.  Make sure to read the packages though to make sure.  If the antihistamine makes you drowsy take it before bedtime to help you sleep.

Food triggers:

A lot of pollens collect on the foods we eat.  If you suffer from allergies avoiding certain foods will help limit your exposure and help you get through allergy season!

If tree pollens trigger your allergies avoid:

• almonds
• apples
• celery
• cherries
• hazelnuts
• pears
• parsley

If grass pollens trigger your allergies avoid:

• melons
• oranges
• tomatoes

If weed pollens trigger your allergies avoid:

• carrots
• celery
• fennel
• parsley
• pepper
• sunflower

If ragweed pollens trigger your allergies avoid:

• bananas
• cantaloupe
• cucumbers
• honeydew
• watermelon
• zucchini