Sniffling and Sneezing and Wheezing… Oh My!
Healthy Tips to Banish the Spring Sniffles
– by Hallie Price
Spring is here!
With the exceptionally mild winter and warmer than usual temperatures, those afflicted by spring allergies are in the prime of their irritating symptoms. Seasonal allergies are often the result of the body’s inflammatory response to things like pollen and dust. The increased pollen in the air causes many people a range of symptoms that are just plain nuisances.
What Are Allergy Symptoms?
Symptoms include:
runny nose- itchy, watery eyes
- frequent sneezing
- sinus congestion
- sinus pressure
- post-nasal drip
- wheezing
- coughing
- fatigue, often from difficulty sleeping due to congestion and sniffling
Thankfully, there are a number of natural options for calming down symptoms!
Trusty Tips To Banish Spring Sniffles, Naturally!
Water, Water, Water! Staying hydrated with ample spring water flushes our systems and helps rid the body of irritants, like pollen and dust. Going overboard with water really does the body good. It is crucial to stay hydrated by avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which both contribute to dehydration
Nutrition: Eating lots of antioxidant rich foods like dark, green leafy veggies, berries, along with other water-rich produce like celery, cucumbers, asparagus, apples, etc. not only hydrates the body, but they also are anti-inflammatory which is crucial 24/7, but especially during those inflammatory responses of allergies.
Might I suggest… daily green smoothies? Yum!
If you are congested or have post nasal drip you might also want to consider the possibility of food intolerance. Gluten and dairy are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to inflammatory foods causing these symptoms. Personally, staying away from all gluten and dairy has given me huge relief from the post-nasal drip and sinus pressure that used to really bother me. So I can honestly offer a suggestion to give up gluten and dairy for a couple weeks and see how you feel. You know your body better than anyone else so you’ll be able accurately monitor improvements or differences on a day to day basis.
Supplements, such as quercetin and grape seed extract are said to be effective for lessening the severity of allergies. Quercetin is a plant compound naturally found in foods such as onions, apples, and berries.
Sun Glasses: Wearing a pair of shades outside shields your eyes from the pollen and debris in the air. Grab your pair before you head out for the day.
Showering before bedtime: Taking a shower and washing your hair with natural products before bedtime reduces the load of allergens on your body before you get your beauty sleep. This will help keep you comfortable and sound asleep so you don’t wake up with puffy eyes from scratching them during the night. Another tid bit to consider is washing your pillow case and sheets a little more often during allergy season to promote a clean surface area for your face and body.
Nasal Rinses: Irrigating nasal passages with salt water helps clear out the pollen and debris, helping to thin the mucus. It is especially beneficial for alleviating post- nasal drip and sinus pressure. Doing a nasal rinse on a daily basis helps keep your symptoms at bay.
Nasal Rinses and How To Use Use A Neti Pot
Rinsing the nasal passages comes from an ancient yogic cleansing technique. It is very simple. I have a bottle called a Sinus Rinse and I know many people who have Neti Pots. Both do the same job, they are just different sized containers. When I feel any congestion coming on, I do a sinus rinse and I do feel substantial relief.
Here’s an easy way to make your salt water saline solution:
- Gently blow your nose
- Wash your hands
- Then, wash out your sinus rinse bottle / neti pot with hot water and natural soap.
- Fill bottle/pot with 8 oz. spring water
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (Celtic or Himalayan)
- Add 1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking soda
- Put cap on bottle, cover opening on top of the bottle with a finger and shake until contents are dissolved.
- Standing over a sink or shower, tip head forward and squeeze sinus rinse bottle or pour the neti pot into right nostril.
- Water should flow out of the opposite nostril. Sometimes water may flow out the mouth so just make sure not to laugh because this is a sure cause – been there, done that!
- Blow your nose lightly.
- Switch sides, squeezing water into left nostril.
- Blow your nose again.
- Wash out your bottle/neti pot with hot water and natural soap.
You have just completed your nasal rinse and you should be proud of yourself! You’re on your way to clearer nasal passages and some relief from allergies and sinus pressure!
I hope these tips are helpful for making the most out of this wonderful Spring season for everyone with or without allergies. I also hope your symptoms improve and hopefully subside!
Hallie Price
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Do you suffer from spring allergies? What are your tried, tested and trusty tips for banishing spring sniffles? Tell us! Leave a comment before and share.
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