Tips for Handling Spring Allergies

Allergy flare ups can cause unexpected problems. As a parent you want to enjoy the fresh air with your kids, but are simply exhausted. You may not even be aware that allergies are the thing that is holding you back. A recent article in Women's Day says that sleep problems may be the result of spring allergies. So even if you do not have the tell tale runny nose or itchy eyes, allergies may be behind nonstop fatigue as the pollen starts flying. Inflammation due to allergies lowers the natural production of energizing hormones which will disrupt your sleep. Find relief in less than a week by adding some of the following five tips to your daily routine.

1. Prevent flare-ups with a nasal wash. It may seem a bit unusual, but the energy gain you will have makes it worth the initial discomfort. You can experience a dramatic improvement in symptoms within 72 hours. Make your own nasal rinse with a few supplies found in your local drugstore. You will need a neti pot or squeeze bottle as well as 4 cups sterilized water, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon pickling salt. Mix and heat to help the salt dissolve. Follow the instructions on the neti pot or squeeze bottle to administer.

2. Supplement to beat dust bunnies. Pollen is not the only spring allergy trigger. Dust mites multiply quickly in damp spring weather. Kick start your body's production of anti-inflammatories naturally. In the book, Alternative Cures that Really Work, author Ronald Hoffman, M.D. says that 500 mg to 1,000 mg of vitamin B5 can really help knock out this sneaky problem. Vitamin B5 is also known as pantothenic acid and is found in both plants and animals products including vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, milk and meat.
The fact that dust mites can cause fatigue is another good reason to tackle the spring cleaning with gusto! Get behind those appliances, wash lines with hot water and dust everything.

3. Cook your food. If you notice more fatigue or other nagging allergy symptoms after eating fresh apples, carrots, zucchini or tomatoes, it is a good idea to heat these particular fruits and vegetables before consuming. Cooked carrots and zucchini with garlic or other spices for a healthy side dish. Bake your apples and enjoy with some cinnamon. Canned tomatoes may have to suffice until allergy season passes, or other natural remedies start to work to strengthen your system.

4. Skip the nightcap. Cutting back on alcohol can help you sleep more soundly. Alcohol can make you more sensitive to pollen and can increase the severity of your symptoms. During allergy season, cutting back to three drinks a week will allow your immune system to do it's job. Isaac Eliaz, M.D. says that the reason behind this is due to the yeast, grains and other compounds in alcohol that can interfere with your bodies natural healing properties.

5. Hit the road, then drop and give me twenty. People who carry excess weight around the belly can be more prone to having problems with sneaky allergy symptoms like fatigue. A 20 minute daily walk and other body weight exercise such as push-ups can help shed pounds which in turn will reduce belly fat, up your energy level, and allow your body to fight allergens.

6. Skip antibacterial soaps. This tip may surprise you, but research suggests skipping special antibacterial cleansers. These may kill off bacteria, but it also prevents your immune system from learning to destroy these invaders itself. This does not mean, do not wash your hands, but it does imply that overusing hand sanitizers may be doing more harm than good.

7. Keep plastic out of the microwave. Reheating food in plastic containers can up your risk for spring allergies. Prevent further problems by keeping plastic out of the microwave. The plastic can leach BPA into your food which will confuse your immune cells and bring an outbreak of allergies to your home. Protect your kids and yourself by avoiding this practice.

8. See a doctor. If these natural tweaks do not work to relieve your allergy symptoms, even the subtle symptom of fatigue, then see a doctor. Wheezing, shortness of breath, sinus problems or symptoms lasting more than 2 months should be checked out by a professional.

Many of these tips can be adapted for your children if they suffer from allergies. Making sure they receive the proper amount of sleep can make a big difference in their demeanor and performance throughout the day. Don't let allergies rob them of their rest.



References
Women's Day March 14, 2011
Alternative Cures that Really Work, Ronald Hoffman, M.D.



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