I got excited a couple days ago – there were buds on the trees! Soon there will be leaves, flowers, green grass, and, for too many people, seasonal allergies. With winter finally behind us, it would be such a shame to miss out on the joys of spring and summer because your eyes are itchy and your nose is running. Fortunately there are several things you can do to set yourself up for a season without the sniffles.
Eat healthy foods.
While it’s always a good idea to eat a healthy diet, one of the best things you can do to avoid allergies is keep inflammation in your body to a minimum. A good way to do this is by eating more fruits and veggies, high quality fats, and reducing sweets and processed foods. For more information on what changes to make, check out this blog post.
Have local honey.
Honey is loaded with pollen and local honey has local pollen. By taking in a small amount on a regular basis we give our bodies time to get used to the pollen in our community. Keep in mind that honey is still a sugar so it’s important not to go overboard.
Use a good air filter.
This is something that can also help with pet dander as well as pollen. They are easy to find and easy to use. While it won’t help you when you’re outside, it will make a difference indoors. Breathing easier at night will help you sleep better and set you up for a better day the next day.
Move!
Keeping our bodies moving is of course important overall. When it comes do dealing with and avoiding allergies keeping the muscles in your neck and shoulders loose can be surprisingly helpful. Take time to stretch your neck and shoulders on a regular basis. If you are someone who needs outside accountability or motivation, consider finding a yoga teacher or working with a trainer.
As the seasons change, I hope you get out and enjoy it. If you do find yourself struggling with seasonal allergies in spite of making changes acupuncture and herbal medicine is a great way to help. Don’t hesitate, book a consultation!