All posts by Sebastian Mealer

Seasonal Allergies Are Here Again


Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. With spring in full swing across the country, allergy sufferers are looking for ways to lessen their symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, you could be experiencing spring allergies:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Runny nose

Unfortunately, there is no cure for seasonal allergies. The good news? There are many ways to treat the symptoms. From prescribed medication to home remedies, there many effective ways to enhance your quality of life during the allergy seasons.

How Can You Reduce the Occurrence of Seasonal Allergy Attacks?

Trying to reduce the amount of seasonal allergy attacks you experience at all is the best place to start when treating your allergies. Here are just a few of the ways you can make sure your allergy attacks are minimal.

Frequently replace bedding, rugs, and window treatments— No matter how many times you wash your bedding and vacuum your rugs, they’re still two of the largest contributors to allergen-causing dust in your home. You sleep in your bed every night and if you don’t shower before you go to bed, everything you came into contact ends up in your bedding. Washing bedding once a week can help cut down on allergy attacks, but don’t forget to replace your bedding on a regular basis.

Rugs, carpet, and window treatments are more expensive to replace, so be sure that in between replacements you are vacuuming frequently. If your allergies are severe, you might consider getting rid of carpet and rugs altogether. It is much easier to vacuum and mop allergens away on flooring than carpet.

Store stuffed animals in airtight containers— Another source of hidden allergens are the stuffed animals in your children’s room. Kids are likely in and out of the house throughout the spring and summer, bringing with them pollen, dander, and more allergens from the outdoors.

While stuffed animals are a source of comfort, they could also be a source of allergies, for you or your children.  If possible, store the stuffed animals not necessary for bedtime in airtight containers to keep them from collecting pollen and dust.

Shower before bed— Pollen and other allergens can stick to your skin, hair, and clothing. During allergy season, it can be beneficial to shower at night before you get into bed. You won’t spend the night breathing in all those allergens, which could decrease the frequency and severity of your allergy attacks.

Consider the foods you eat— Eating whole, healthy foods you prepare at home will significantly cut back on inflammation you may feel from eating foods out. Dairy and refined sugar are two foods you should consider avoiding if you are an allergy sufferer. Both are known to be inflammatory and could worsen your symptoms.

Treatment Options

There are many over the counter and prescription medicines you can take. If your symptoms are out of control, always consult with your doctor to ensure you are in fact suffering from allergies. For at home remedies, check out this list we have put together for you.

Raw, Local Honey

By taking a spoonful of local honey every morning, you can cut down on the impact on your body pollen has on your body. Local honey is made from local bees, and these bees collect pollen from flowers in your area. Eating this honey helps your body build up an immunity to the allergens.

Supplements

Taking a supplement of zinc can help support a healthy immune system. Your immune system is needed to fight off the allergens that cause your symptoms. Taking 200-400 mg of vitamin C can help reduce histamines that are released in response to allergens and cause your symptoms.

A probiotic protects the healthy bacteria that’s required for your gut to work properly; this healthy flora also improves the function of the immune system. Studies have shown that taking a probiotic can reduce allergy symptoms by boosting the immune system.

Essential Oils

The combination of lavender, peppermint, and lemon is a well known essential oils blend that can help fight off allergy symptoms. Rubbed behind ears and on back of neck 3-4 times a day will help reduce symptoms and leave you smelling wonderful, too!

Chiropractic Care

You probably know chiropractic care is effective for back, neck, or shoulder pain, but did you know that regular chiropractic adjustments are a great way to treat seasonal allergies? It’s true! Adults and children alike By correcting misalignments in your spine and neck, your chiropractor can strengthen your immune system.

Seasonal allergies can weaken your adrenal glands as well; when your spine is in proper alignment, your adrenal glands will function better, reducing allergy symptoms. Additionally, chiropractors can offer you helpful lifestyle changes that can improve your overall wellness, which can help to reduce allergy symptoms.

To learn more about how routine chiropractic care can help you with your allergy symptoms, call our offices today or click here to take advantage of our New Patient Special by scheduling online.