A Unique Approach: 6 Ways to Beat Allergies Naturally
If you are into all things natural and homeopathic, you probably think you know it all when it comes to beating your allergies without harsh, chemically-laden medication, but Reader’s Digest continues to surprise people with obscure solutions to all sorts of everyday issues. One article written by Lauren Gelmen offers unique natural solutions to allergies.
Here are six suggestions easy to incorporate into your routine that are natural and recommended by medical experts.
1. Saline Rinse
The beauty of Reader’s Digest is the journal is factual and consults with knowledgeable people throughout the world. In writing her piece on natural remedies to allergies, Gelmen consulted with Nathanael Horne, who is a medical doctor at New York Medical College. Horne recommends rinsing your sinuses with a natural saline solution in the morning and at night. This rinses away pollens to help prevent a reaction to them. I prefer to make my own homemade saline solution that I am sure is truly natural and pure.
Homemade Saline Rinse:
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon iodine free natural table salt or sea salt (no preservatives or additives added)
- 1 Cup of Filtered Water
Directions: Put in pan with a lid on top and bring to a boil for 15 minutes. It’s best to have a time set so that you don’t let it boil too long. I like to add 1 tsp of baking soda after it has cooled down but, make sure you stir the baking soda thoroughly until the water is completely clear. Make sure you store your saline solution in a sterile glass jar. It will last about 2 weeks.
You can use your saline rinse it in a neti-pot or put the solution in a small spray bottle and spray it in your nose or if your choose use it in your mouth making sure it gets to your throat or gargle with it.
2. Chicken Instead of Beef
Author Nina Teicholz would agree with the second suggestion on Gelmen’s list. If you don’t know who Nina Teicholz is, she is an author who believes that saturated fat is part of a healthy balanced diet despite its bad press. Gelmen reports that a two-year study of 334 adults who suffered from hay fever found relief of their symptoms by reducing the amount of trans oleic acid in their diets, i.e. chicken instead of beef. If you subscribe to Teicholz’s theory, this gives you some saturated fat but not a ton.
3. Take Fish Oil
If your allergies cause asthma, consider popping a fish oil supplement daily. Those who have a diet high in fish oils, such as Asian and Mediterranean diets have lower levels of leukotrienes in their system. Leukotrienes are the chemicals that cause allergic reactions, especially for those who suffer from asthma. If you don’t eat a ton of fish, take a fish oil supplement daily to keep your leukotrienes under control.
4. Protect Yourself From the Sun
Allergy sufferers might be surprised to know that sunscreen isn’t enough protection from the sun’s rays when it comes to hay fever. When you head outdoors, don a wide-brimmed hat and some cool shades. This prevents pollens from getting into your eyes, which not only causes burning and itching but also introduces the pollens into your sinuses through your tear ducts. Be a movie star when outdoors and hide behind a hat and shades.
5. Take Butterbur
WebMD reports that butterbur is a natural herb with a proven track record against pollen-induced allergies. You may also take butterbur for headaches, according to University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program founder David Rakel, MD. The nice thing about butterbur is it is effective without the nasty side effects that come with antihistamine usage, such as drowsiness and fuzzy-headedness. No more staring at your computer at work.
6. Acupuncture
Traditional medicine treats allergies with methods that have only been in existence for a century or two. Acupuncture, a form of Chinese medicine, has been used for thousands of years. Although uncertain, scientists suspect acupuncture works well on allergies because it “curbs inflammatory immune-system responses,” but who cares how it works as long as it’s safe, which it is, and works. A licensed acupuncturist can put you on a routine to keep your allergies at bay.
These are just six ways you can combat seasonal allergies that are void of nasty or frightening side effects. A bonus suggestion is to take into account what annoys your sinuses. If you have pets, keep the house clean and enlist the help of HEPA filters to keep the fur and dander under control. If you notice irritation after something you eat, a food allergy could be exacerbating your symptoms. Is it something outdoors? Remove it from your yard and try to avoid it when out and about.
If you have any tips of natural remedies that you have found that work for allergies please share them in the comment section!
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