Spring is such a lovely time of year. However, if you suffer from allergies to flowering trees, grasses, and wildflowers, this time of year can be just miserable. The sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes are not only annoying but for some who are severely allergic, these symptoms can be dangerous. However, there are several ways that you can help combat allergy symptoms and improve the quality of your indoor air to provide relief.
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Why Do I Have Allergies?
Why do some people react so strongly to pollens and others don’t? Pollens are considered a foreign invader inside of our bodies and we have a built-in defense system to ward off these invaders. When we inhale pollen, pet dander, dust mites, smoke, and other pollutants, our bodies immune system creates antibodies which are released to send messages to our cells to tell them to stop the invaders from penetrating into the bodies system.
Once the cells receive the message, they then release a substance called histamines which causes blood vessels to dilate, the nose to run, and sneezing fits. All of this is an effort to get rid of the foreign invaders. Some people, however, over-produce histamines and have severe swelling, sneezing, and often their throats become constricted and breathing becomes difficult. When this happens, they are forced to take a medicine called antihistamine to control the reaction.
There are two categories of antihistamines – sedating antihistamines and non-sedating ones. Sedating antihistamines are for severe allergy attacks and often cause drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision. While non-sedating antihistamines aren’t quite as potent, they still are powerful medicine and must be taken properly. According to the National Poison Center, if you take too much of the antihistamine, you have the potential to have a seizure or hallucinations and the medicine may be particularly harmful to children. If you must take antihistamines, always consult with your physician.
How Do I Know if I Have Allergies?
While not everyone will have the same reactions to allergens, these are the most common symptoms.
- Runny nose.
- Itchy nose.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sneezing.
- Itchy eyes.
- Watery Eyes.
- Under Eye Dark Circles.
- Itchy Throat.
If you have mild symptoms, you may want to consult with your local licensed naturopathic physician or licensed homeopathic doctor and consult with them about alternatives to over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
How Can I Prevent or Alleviate Allergy Symptoms?
There are several ways that you can prevent strong allergic reactions and there are things you can do inside of your home to improve the indoor air quality. According to the Government of Canada, nearly 90% of Canadians spend their time indoors. As a result, the air inside your home should be as clean and fresh as possible. During pollen season, however, you may need to keep the doors and windows closed. In that case, it is important to add mechanical ventilation to airtight homes. Let’s take a look at ways to keep your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) high.
Install Air Cleaner Systems
When the house is closed up, in order to have fresh air in your home and to eliminate the pollen that floats around, adding an air cleaner or air purifier can help to reduce allergic symptoms and reactions. An air purifier has fine mesh filters that trap tiny particulates of pollutants, including pollen before they come into your home.
Another appliance you can add is an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). This systems expels stale air from inside the house and brings in fresh, clean, pre-conditioned, filtered air. The ERV is designed to not lose any cooled air inside of your home if you are running an air conditioner, which helps you save money on energy bills. Consult with your local licensed HVAC contractor to discuss the installation of products to help improve your indoor air quality.
Keep Your House Clean
One of the best ways to reduce allergy symptoms is to keep your house clean! Be sure to dust often, and when cleaning, be sure to use natural household cleaners. Many regular cleaners have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in them which can cause allergic reactions as well. You can make your own household cleaners, and there are many brands that make natural household cleaners. Good old fashioned apple cider vinegar and baking soda are excellent, affordable cleaners that have no harsh chemicals or VOC’s.
If you have carpet, you want to vacuum daily. Look for a vacuum cleaner that has a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. This type of vacuum cleaner is much more efficient in gathering and holding dirt and pollutants that is sucks up, keeping your home much cleaner.
Build Your Immune System
The body works hard to eliminate pollens and pollutants from your body. Consider going on a 9-day or 30-day Isagenix Nutritional Cleanse to help your body build back the immune system.
The nutrients and proteins in the Isagenix IsaLean Shake will help to boost your metabolism. The Cleanse for Life drink will nourish your cells and can be used for a couple of days of intermittent fasting so that your body can take a break from digestion and focus on rebuilding your body.
In addition, take Isagenix IsaMune with Zinc to help support your immune system while it is fighting off allergies.
Use Isagenix Essential Oils
Isagenix has a wonderful line of essential oils called Essence, that may help to reduce symptoms of allergies and bring relief. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils all help to relieve congestion of the nasal and respiratory tract. These essential oils should NEVER be ingested, but work wonderfully when a few drops of the oil are put into a diffuser. Isagenix Essential Oils blends have a fabulous mix called Airway™ that blends eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, Tea Tree, and other botanicals to help with relief. Add a few drops of this beneficial and aromatic oil to the Isagenix Cool Mist Diffuser and breathe easier.
Keeping your immune system strong, eating healthy, and keeping your home clean can help you deal with spring allergies so that you can enjoy the lovely spring weather.