I was checking out the explosion of budding flowers that have improved the view from my porch, when my husband asked, “Aren’t your allergies killing you?”
This is the first spring in years that I’m not a snotty mess with a pocket full of damp tissues.
Not too long ago, I was buying Claritin in bulk.
Have you ever read the possible side effects on those OTC antihistamines?
Here’s a few: Constipation, weight gain, skin rash, mouth dryness, congestion…congestion, really?
Sounds worse than why I was taking it!
I’m sure you know plenty of people devoutly taking their allergy medication but still not enjoying the outdoors.
Taking the natural route to healing your allergies (instead of masking them) can be just as effective, or in my case, more effective, than medication.
Here are simple steps to naturally start feeling better today.
Use a Neti Pot
I discovered this while pregnant and have been obsessed ever since.
Like a mini teapot, you fill it with warm water and a bit of salt, breathing through your mouth as you tip it into one nostril at a time.
Yes, rinsing out your nasal passage might seem like self-imposed waterboarding but I promise, once you get over the initial weirdness, it feels fantastic.
After the mucus is washed away, you will have superhuman breathing powers!
At the peak of allergy season, I do this once in the morning and before bed. Here’s a simple kit to get started.
Hydrate
Drinking lots of water will thin the mucus. You know that “Uh-hem” throat clearing thingy you hear people do 20 times a day? Yeah, it will help with that.
Hot decaffeinated tea or just hot water with lemon is great too.
Stay away from sugary beverages like fruit juice, soda and sports drinks. Too much sugar suppresses the immune system and prolongs inflammation.
Eat this
Leafy Greens clear out toxins and are jam packed with vitamins that pump up your immune system. Try kale, mustard greens, romaine and broccoli (Not a leafy green but eat it anyway!).
Raw honey
Start adding local raw honey and bee pollen to your diet. You can find both at local farmer's markets.
It’s really important it’s local because it acts as a vaccine to the pollen in your area. So if you’re in Chicago and your honey is from New Zealand, it’s not going to work.
In the future, start adding it to your diet six weeks before allergy season.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are a fantastic anti-inflammatory.
I’m sure you’ve heard that children who are breastfed are less likely to have allergies. It’s the Omega-3 in the breast milk that helps give them that advantage.
Omega-3 rich foods include wild salmon, sardines, walnuts, ground flaxseed or fish oil. Food is always the best way to get your nutrition but these are quality fish oil supplements.
Avoid this
Dairy, alcohol and sugar are all mucus forming foods and will make you more congested.
Until your symptoms clear up, swap out your beloved ice cream and wine with an alternative treat you can look forward to.
Probiotic
I swear by this probiotic. Take on an empty stomach each morning. However, fermented foods are also a fantastic way to get in your probiotics.
Fermented foods include miso, kimchi and sauerkraut (not the kind in a can).