10 Easy Allergy Prevention Techniques
For people who suffer from seasonal
allergies, the season change can be the worst time of the year, but with
these 10 tips you’ll make it through this difficult time with ease. To
overcome skin rashes, headaches, or a running nose, one doesn’t need to
go to the pharmacy. By following these tips will help you ward off the
allergens in the air and save you hassle and money for expensive
medication.
1. Use Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has a pleasant and powerful aroma, which can help the
body deal with irritation to the skin, as well as the airways. The
secret is the eucalyptus’ anti-inflammatory properties, combined with
the powerful smell that can help clear congestion. To relieve skin
irritations, use a couple of drops and massage it into the skin of the
irritated area. Eucalyptus oil is very potent, so using too much may
lead to skin irritation, and in such cases one should stop using the
concentrated version and instead use 10-20 drops in a hot bathtub and
soak for a bit.
2. Drink Pineapple Juice
This delicious fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which reduces
congestion and opens up the airways. Another benefit worth mentioning is
the pineapple’s high concentration of Vitamin C – 3.5oz of fresh
pineapple contains about 80% of the recommended daily intake for an
adult. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that, among other things,
strengthens the immune system.
3. Eat Spicy Food
Spicy foods are not just delicious and nutritious, but also great at
clearing nasal congestion. “Spicy” doesn’t refer solely to hot peppers
but also to onions, ginger, horseradish, etc. You can get your dose of
spiciness by seasoning your food with it, or by adding it to an
infusion.
4. Shower as soon as you come home
Before summer weather is upon us, many people don’t feel sweaty and thus
don’t feel the need to wash – which can lead to irritations in the skin
and airways. By spending time outside, we expose our clothing to
contaminants such as pollen, dust, and even tiny insects. The sooner we
wash it all away, the better.
5. Change Your Diet
Aside from spicy foods, there are many other kinds of foods that can
help you combat allergies and maintain your health. Reduce your
consumption of fatty and sugary foods – these types of foods can
exacerbate allergic reactions. Eat more citrus and greens, and check out
our list of foods that help you deal with allergies.
6. Don’t Forget Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, but they can also
protect our eyes from harmful particulate in the air, such as dust,
spores, and other allergens. A research from 2013 showed that sunglasses
are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to protect your eyes from
irritants and infections during seasonal transitions.
7. Drink Mint Tea
Mint tea contains a potent antioxidant called Epigallocatechin Gallate
(EGCG for short). EGCG was shown to be more effective than Vitamins C
& E in halting allergic symptoms well before they become a nuisance,
making mint tea one of the most effective prevention treatments out
there.
8. Keep Your Windows Closed
At home, in the office or in your car, if you don’t need to sit by an
open window – don’t. As pleasant and refreshing as a cool spring breeze
may feel, it’s also the main way for allergens and contaminants to enter
your environment. If you suffer from allergic reactions, close any open
windows once you enter a room and avoid drafty areas.
9. Plan Your Time Wisely
NIAD (the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases) found that the time of day with the highest amount
of allergens in the air is the afternoon, so avoid being outside during
that time of day. Furthermore, extended sun exposure can increase your
skin’s sensitivity to rashes and irritations, so if you have to be
outside, be sure to minimize your exposure by wearing long clothes,
sunglasses (and some sunscreen couldn’t hurt).
10. Roll Up Those Rugs
Rugs add color and warmth to the house, but they also accumulate
contaminants, making them your worst enemy. It doesn’t matter how much
you clean your carpets; they’ll always collect dust, dead skin cells,
pet hair, etc. When spring arrives, roll up that rug and put it in the
garage (maybe even send it to get cleaned) until allergy season’s over.