Sneezing in the spring and fall…itchy eyes when the seasons change...sounds like someone suffers from allergies.
Dealing with allergies is a frustrating thing. From constant sneezing to itchy eyes, a struggle with allergies is an endless battle of wills. Just when sufferers think allergies have subsided, they come back with a vengeance.
Many people are hesitant to take medications for allergies. Consequently, they make an effort to deal with allergies naturally.
Here are six ways that those who suffer from allergies deal with symptoms without taking medications. Next time you’re sneezing, give these natural remedies a try. And always remember to consult your doctor for any serious condition.
1. Neti Pot
Sure, neti pots may look like tiny teapots. But many who struggle with allergies swear by these little contraptions. That’s because neti pots actually wash out the nasal passages. Warm, sterile water is mixed with pure salt in the pot, then users tilt the head slightly to one side, place the spout in the nostril on the elevated side of the head and saline solution is allowed to drain through the nasal cavities and out the other nostril. Here’s the thing: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about the dangers of using neti pots improperly. For starters, it’s essential to use sterile water when using a neti pot. In other words, tap water is not a safe option. Further, it’s important to care for the device correctly so that it stays clean and germ-free. Neti pots are available at health stores as well as many drug and grocery stores. Just make sure to visit the FDA website to learn how to avoid the dangers associated with neti pots.
2. Honey
Honey is an awesome additive when it comes to tea and other warm drinks. But honey can help with one particularly annoying allergy symptom, too! It’s no secret that nasal drainage associated with allergies can cause coughing. This is where honey comes into play. Studies have proven that honey can help with coughing. A Mayo Clinic report found that children age 2 and older with upper respiratory tract infections who were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime coughed less at night, and sleep improved. In fact, in the study, honey appeared to be as effective as a common cough suppressant ingredient, dextromethorphan, in typical over-the-counter doses. That said, some claim that honey can help with actual allergies. The jury is still out on this concept. While the Mayo Clinic says that this has not been proven, they say the idea isn’t one to rule out completely. Honey can contain traces of flower pollen -- an obvious allergen. And one treatment for allergies is repeated exposure to small amounts of allergens. For those with plant-based allergies, honey could be therapeutic.
3. Nutrition
Nutrition is an essential part of allergy management. That’s because food itself can cause allergies that we are often unaware of. In addition, some say that certain foods can contribute to inflammation experienced with allergies. To combat this effect, experts often recommend an elimination diet to rule out any possible triggers of allergy symptoms. This can give a clear view of how foods affect the body. “Allergies can be exacerbated by foods, especially inflammatory foods,” says Kristin Lund, a certified health coach specializing in diabetic nutrition. Lund says that there are seven elements in foods that can contribute to allergies. Those are corn, soy, wheat, dairy, eggs, sugar and peanuts. If food appears to make allergies worse, consider meeting with a nutritionist or physician who understands the concept of elimination diets.
4. Vitamin D
If you have sinus issues, vitamin D may help. And studies back this up. Studies have shown a link between vitamin D levels and the risk of getting a respiratory infection. People who have low vitamin D levels tend to have a higher chance of developing a respiratory infection, according to the Vitamin D Council. An experiment done in Sweden in 2012 examined adults with a history of repeated respiratory infections. Researchers gave them either 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day or a placebo, for one year. They found that people in the vitamin D group had fewer respiratory and sinus symptoms and were on fewer antibiotics throughout the year. So try adding a multivitamin with vitamin D to your routine. Just make sure to get a high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade supplement.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture may seem scary. But when it comes to allergies, it could help with symptoms. Doctors agree with this concept. Dr. Sandra Lin, an associate professor of otolaryngology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine told NPR, “Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with perennial allergic rhinitis and may help with seasonal allergies too, according to several studies. Thus, it could be an option for people looking for nonpharmaceutical treatments.” To find a reputable acupuncturist, visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine website. There’s a great search tool available to help with researching the right practitioner.
6. Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Experts say that proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids arm the body against illness. This concept can also apply to allergies. “There are certain fats that the body can’t make that you must consume to be healthy. Omega- 3 and omega-6 fatty acids are two of them,” Lund says. “In the proper diet, a person would consume these in a ratio of 1:1. You need both responses,” Lund says. So to counter this, try to get omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids balanced. Your body will thank you later.