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Fall has arrived and along with it, the onslaught of allergens. Most people may go unaffected, but pollen, ragweed, and mold are taking their annual toll on allergy sufferers across the country. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, roughly 20 percent of Americans suffer from allergies and another 20 percent from hypersensitivities to food, environmental substances or stimuli.
If that sounds like you, give these ten tips a try. You'll breathe easier, feel healthier, and can focus on just enjoying fall.
1. Take magnesium for easier breathing
Some immunologists suggest that 400 mg of magnesium daily helps with nasal allergies and breathing problems. Taking more than that can cause diarrhea. If you want to supplement your diet with magnesium-rich foods, the best sources are nuts, beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and bananas.
2. Wear sunglasses when going outside
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, creates a certain amount of photosensitivity. Wearing sunglasses helps reduce your sensitivity to light and thus prevents your eyes from excessive watering.
3. Bring a cold pack
When you are at an outdoor sports event, periodically place a cold pack over your eyes and on your face to reduce inflammation and help relieve some of your symptoms.
4. Drink a lot of cool water
Rehydrating is one of the best ways to eliminate toxins from your body. It cools you down and provides some symptom relief.
5. Stay away from dairy
If you have hay fever, eating dairy will produce even more phlegm and make you feel worse.
6. Use your bathroom exhaust fan when taking a shower
This will help prevent the growth of mold in the shower. If you have mold sensitivities or asthma, replace your liner every month or two.
7. Keep your dryer vent clear
Build-up of lint in the dryer vent will cause an excess of dust in your house. Clean your vents regularly to avoid aggravating your allergy symptoms.
8. Get rid of clutter--and dust
Allergy sufferers need to be especially careful about controlling dust in their homes. Clutter is a major source of dust and dust mites, and there's nothing green about clutter.
9. Get tested for food allergies
Many people who have allergies are also sensitive to different foods. These multiple sensitivities build on each other and stress the immune system. Find out what foods you are sensitive to and either eliminate them from your diet or get treated for them so you can eat those foods symptom-free.
10. Take a whole food-based Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine. Dr. Richard Podell, author of When Your Doctor Doesn't Know Best: Errors That Even the Best Doctors Make and How to Protect Yourself, recommends 1000 mg of vitamin C (Ester-C) twice daily to help with allergies and asthma.
Thanks to ChicagoHealers.com, an integrative health practitioner network, for the great tips.
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