Surviving the Summer Allergy Season
Susan Randolph, M.S., R.D.
Nutrition Communications Specialist

Are you one of the 22 million Americans who sniffles, sneezes, and wheezes their way through summer? As pollen from trees, grass, and flowers bursts into the air, legions of the snuffleheaded flock to the drugstore for relief.

You basically have three options – limit your exposure to the offending substance, take a pill, a liquid, or a spray, or get a shot. But these can be costly, and who wants to be drowsy all day? Many people believe that a better road to relief is paved by herbs, foods, or phytonutrients. A variety of all-natural treatments may help – often at less expense and without those pesky side effects. Vitamin C, stinging nettles, and quercetin – found in apples, grapes, onions, and green tea – have been shown to have antihistamine activity.


Stirring in the kitchen

Consider turning to your kitchen cabinet. Try cooking up hot, spicy foods. Why? The spicier the dish, the better it thins mucous secretions, which in turn can clear nasal passages. The best spices to try include cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onion, and garlic. And they’re tasty, too!


Allergy action plan

The best allergy symptoms are the ones you don’t suffer from. Here are a few tips to help you design your own plan to prevent symptoms before they take hold.

• Protect your eyes. Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors so pollen doesn’t get into your eyes.
• Wash your hands. Remove clinging pollen by washing your hands whenever you return from the outdoors.
• Go take a shower! If you are outdoors, you’ve almost certainly brought allergens back inside on your clothes and hair. Take a shower or bath and change your clothes when you come back inside. Consider taking a shower before you go to bed.
• Clean up. Keep floors clean with a damp rag or mop rather than dry dusting or sweeping. Vacuum rugs and carpets often and change bedding frequently.
• Filter it out. Use a high-quality air filter in your home and work space. Experts recommend HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, which are particularly good at pulling allergens out of the air.
• Keep laundry indoors. Don’t hang sheets or clothes outside to dry. They make excellent pollen and mold collectors.
• Don’t drown your indoor plants. Over-watered plants inside your home can encourage mold growth. Avoid sopping wet soil and don’t collect too many plants.

Outdoor exercise checklist

Don’t let allergies keep you inside or encourage you to skip your fitness routine.

• Check your calendar. Pollen seasons are predictable, so if you know what plant triggers a reaction, find out when the season starts in your area. You can treat yourself before the pollen flies.
• Check the weather. In general, pollen counts are highest on warm and breezy mornings and low on cool and rainy days.
• Sometimes, opt for less intense activities. If the pollen count or pollution levels are high, skip your usual jog or bike ride and choose a less intense form of exercise. Do stretching exercises, or yoga, or weight training instead. You’ll get a good workout without increasing your risk of a flare-up.
• On bad days, exercise indoors. Most of the time, exercising outdoors should be OK. But when pollen counts or ozone levels are high, exercising indoors may be a good temporary solution.
• Timing is everything. Check with your doctor about the best time to take your allergy treatment. The best time may be at night so peak levels are reached before you head outside in the morning.

Summer driving tips

Here are simple steps you can take to control summer allergy symptoms before hitting the road:

• Check the local allergy forecast at your destination to prepare for high pollen count days that may cause symptoms to flare.
• Before getting in your car, turn on the air conditioner and open the windows for at least 10 minutes to help remove dust mites and molds that may be in the system.
• While you’re driving, keep the car windows closed and turn on the air conditioner to circulate clean air.
• Turn off the air conditioner before you leave the car and let the blower run for a short time to dry the vents and prevent moisture collection.
• Keep your treatments with you, just in case.

Did you know?

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, between 2000 and 2005 the average amount Americans spent on allergy treatments jumped from $350 per person to $520 per person.

Sign up for your free monthly issue, and forward it to anyone on your list who might appreciate your help. And for Independent Business Owners, there’s even more …

Contact Us | Change Your Email Subscription Preferences | Read Our Privacy Policy

To ensure you continue to receive this email, please add us to your address book. You can also mail in your request to Change Your Email Subscription Preferences to:
Quixtar Inc., Email Preference Change, 7575 Fulton Street East, 58C-2A, Ada, MI 49355