Holistic Ways To Control Spring Allergies

Springtime is a beautiful season, but many people contend with uncomfortable daily allergy symptoms. Between the watery eyes, relentless coughing, sinus pressure, and runny nose, enjoying this season to the fullest can be tough.

Your spring allergy symptoms might have you reaching for a nasal spray or antihistamine pill, but these aren’t your only options. Ahead, learn some holistic ways to control your spring allergies to get back to feeling like your regular self again.

Keep Your Living Environment Allergen-Free

A clean home is important to your health. Regular cleaning can keep pollen and other allergens outdoors where they belong. Dust and vacuum your home’s carpets, upholstery, and windowsills with a HEPA filter vacuum. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to remove pollen that has settled indoors.

Additionally, invest in a high-quality air purifier for your bedroom and living areas. This device can drastically reduce airborne pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. Leave shoes by the door, and change clothes immediately after being outside to prevent tracking pollen into your home.

Harness the Power of Nutrition

What you eat also affects how you feel. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts—as well as leafy greens, berries, and turmeric—are known to reduce inflammation.

Rinse Away Allergens

A simple saline solution can wash pollen and irritants out of your nasal passages. Neti pots and nasal spray bottles work well for this purpose. Rinsing off after spending time outside also removes pollen from your skin and hair, reducing the risk of transferring allergens to your pillows or furniture.

Check Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system does more than provide heating and cooling; it can also affect your spring allergies. Untended HVAC systems can develop mold, and dirty filters fail to trap contaminants. Changing fan settings, running the humidifier, and keeping the filter clean can all help, as can upgrading an older HVAC system to a more efficient model.

Support Your Immune System Naturally

A balanced gut microbiome produces healthy immune responses. Foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut can introduce beneficial bacteria to your digestive system. Supplements such as quercetin, a compound found in apples and onions, may stabilize histamine production. However, always consult a health-care provider before adding new supplements to your routine.

Practice Mindful Outdoor Habits

You don’t have to keep yourself indoors all spring, but be smart about how you spend your time outdoors. For instance, monitor pollen forecasts. Many websites and apps provide to-the-minute pollen counts. On high-pollen days, plan indoor activities or go outdoors strategically to limit pollen exposure. Also, applying a small amount of petroleum jelly around your nostrils can trap pollen before it enters your airway.

Although spring allergy symptoms can be uncomfortable, you don’t have to let them ruin this lovely season. These holistic ways to control spring allergies will put a pep back in your step so that you can spend your spring days to the fullest.