Health

These Natural Remedies and Tips Provide Instant Relief for Allergies

Exercise Daily Another simple solution to your allergy problems is to get up and move! Even moving for a mere thirty minutes a day can bring… Trista Smith - December 4, 2019

Let’s face it: most of us deal with some allergy, whether it be all year round or just a seasonal occurrence. While we may be fully aware of how allergies affect our bodies, we may still be in the dark as to what allergies really are. In short, allergies happen when the body’s immune system overreacts to a non-harmful allergen such as dust or pollen. When the body overreacts to these substances, it produces antibodies (in this case, it is Immunoglobulin E that is produced most often as an antibody). As a result of this antibody production, you may experience a stuffy or runny nose, scratchy throat, cough, or red and itchy eyes.

Now that we understand how allergies happen, it may be useful to know what time of the year allergies are most likely to strike. Spring, summer, or fall may have the potential for producing symptoms; these seasons provide an abundance of allergens, including pollen from trees, grasses, ragweed, and mold. Typically, an individual will have the same allergy pattern year after year.

How do you determine which allergies you have? The only way to do this is to be examined by a doctor. A physician will ask about your allergy history and specific symptoms you experience as well as check your ears, nose, and throat. In rare cases, blood work is needed to determine precisely what is causing the problem.

What is the best treatment for allergy symptoms? One of the most common and well-heard medications is antihistamines. Why do they work so well? When the body produces those IgE antibodies (discussed previously), they combine with the allergen, which causes your body to produce histamine. Histamine itself increases blood flow to the area of the body the allergen is affecting. This, in turn, causes inflammation of the area as well as mucus production. This whole process is what causes the typical symptoms of allergies to manifest. Antihistamines work directly against histamine, which ultimately blocks the symptoms from occurring.

When is the allergy season? It depends on what allergen we are talking about. March through June is tree pollen season. June, July, and August are the worst for grass pollens. August through October is weed pollen time; mold also peaks during this time.

For those of us who do deal with allergies at least part of the year, we know that medication alone is not always enough to combat symptoms. So why not compile a list of things you can do to help decrease allergy symptoms? Here are some tips to consider when dealing with your allergy symptoms.

Hanging indoors might be best. Pixabay

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Stay Inside

Although this may not be the solution you were looking for, it is one of the easiest ways to keep exposure to allergens down to a minimum. If the weather is dry and calls for lots of wind, it may be better for your health to stay indoors. Allergens are easily carried on wind currents, which is why symptoms flare on windy days. The best day for allergy sufferers to wander outside is right after rainfalls; the rain will cleanse the air of allergens.

Don’t let the allergens inside your home. Pixabay

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Close the Windows

An easy solution to keep pollen from aggravating your symptoms: close all windows in the house. This tip is useful when pollen counts are high (usually at night), which is easy enough to check on any weather app. If it is a particularly windy day, it is imperative you close the windows; remember, allergens are easily carried on breezes!

Invest in suitable AC units. Pixabay

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Keep Indoor Air Clean

If you forget to close your windows on high pollen days, there are steps you can take to clean the air in your house so your allergies can be kept in check. There are certain filters you can add to your air conditioning unit called HEPA filters; it automatically filters the air coming through the unit. If you have a furnace, feel free to add a flat or panel screen here to reduce allergens in the air.

Another easy tip to follow is to keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier. You can also keep the air clean in the house if you vacuum regularly using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. If regular cleaners irritate your allergies, you could also try making natural cleaners using vinegar or baking soda.

Ask someone else to do the outdoor chores. Pixabay

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Avoid Outdoor Chores

During your particular allergy season, it may be best to stay inside. If this is the case, make it a point to make others responsible for the outdoor chores. The two most common culprits for allergy irritation are lawn mowing and weed pulling; you will have an easier time with your symptoms by having others complete these tasks for you.

Taking medications can help. Pixabay

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Try Medications

There are both prescription medications and over-the-counter medications that are made widely available for allergy sufferers. You have a choice from the following: oral antihistamines, saline nasal rinses, corticosteroid nasal sprays, decongestants, leukotriene antagonists, and immunotherapy. There are some special notes to consider for some of these treatment options: oral and nasal sprays must be used daily if it is to be effective at preventing symptoms, while decongestants should only be taken for three days tops.

Taking a shower can help. Pixabay

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Keep Your Skin Clean

The air inside your house is not the only thing you can keep clean of allergens: it is also essential to keep your body free as well. If you do happen to spend a significant amount of time outside when the pollen count is high, make sure to shower immediately after coming inside and put away the clothes you wore out as well. This tip will ensure that pollen from your old clothes does not come into contact with fresh clothing.

Itchy eyes can be annoying. Pixabay

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Take First Generation H1-Antihistamines

Although we have already discussed medication types, it is worth going into detail about the most common relief type. These medications are typically taken orally and are most recognized by patients. This type of drug can be purchased without a prescription at a low cost. The medicines under this classification are Benadryl, Aller-Chlor, and Tavist. The only downfall of these drugs is that they cause drowsiness.

Washing the allergens out of your clothes will help. Pixabay

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Use Your Dryer

While saving money by hanging laundry out to dry during the summer may sound like a good idea, it may be harmful to those who suffer from any pollen allergy. The wet laundry attracts allergens and entraps them in the material; when you bring the dry clothing inside, it is full of allergens! If you suffer from seasonal allergies, use your dryer on all laundry to save yourself from unnecessary suffering.

Antihistamines are good at relieving symptoms. Pixabay

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Try Second Generation H1-Antihistamines

These are the medications most sought after from allergy sufferers; they work just as well as first-generation drugs but without the drowsiness side effect. Remedies under this classification are Xyzal, Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec. All of these treatments can be purchased over the counter, although they typically run higher in price compared to first-generation drugs. For best results, it is recommended that you start taking antihistamines two weeks before symptoms typically present themselves.

All that pollen won’t be good for you. Pixabay

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Wear a Pollen Mask

If you must be the one to venture outdoors on high pollen days, there are solutions to help keep your symptoms at bay. When outdoors, wear a pollen mask to keep those allergens from entering your body, which is how the immune response is triggered. Try to avoid performing any outdoor activities early in the morning, as this is when pollen counts are typically the highest.

Your local weather report has pollen levels. Pixabay

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Check the Pollen Levels

Although this was touched on briefly before, it is worth mentioning again. If you do plan on participating in outdoor events, be sure to check either the television, newspaper, or internet for the forecasted pollen count for the day. This gives you time to prepare; before you head out, be sure to take allergy medication to stop symptoms from starting in the first place.

Clearing your sinuses can help. Flickr

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Rinse Your Sinuses

This technique is useful if you suffer from nasal congestion. It is inexpensive and straightforward; all you do is rinse your nasal passages with a saline solution. The saline solution effectively flushes away mucus and allergens.

To prepare the saline solution, you will want to obtain a squeeze bottle or neti pot. Add water that is either distilled, previously boiled and cooled, sterile or filtered. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out your container after each use with similar water and leave it open to air dry.

Butterbur is an excellent natural extract for your allergies. Pixabay

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Use Butterbur

If pharmaceuticals are not the solution you are looking for this tip may be for you. Some natural remedies have been investigated in their effectiveness in treating seasonal allergies: one of those remedies is butterbur. Butterbur is a shrub extract and one of the most researched natural resources. An extract made from the shrub called Ze 339 is as effective as antihistamines at curbing allergy symptoms. Other natural remedies that may provide some relief include spirulina, Phleum pratense, and pycnogenol.

These can be unpleasant, but they will help. Pixabay

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Purchase Nasal Sprays

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are considered the most effective for treating nasal symptoms of allergies. If the nasal spray does not give you total relief, try combining it with oral antihistamines. Nasal sprays currently available include Beconase, Flonase, and Nasacort. Comfort can be achieved a few hours after use, but it usually takes a few days for symptoms to disappear completely. Side effects may include nasal irritation and minor bleeding.

There are also antihistamine nasal sprays available for use. These can be purchased over the counter and include Patanase, Astepro, and Nasalcrom. All three are considered mast cell stabilizers and are typically less effective than corticosteroid nasal sprays. Side effects include drowsiness and a bitter taste in the mouth. A third option is intranasal anticholinergic agents such as Atrovent. These medications work to reduce mucus production and can be used in conjunction with other medication types.

Alternative remedies can work too. Pixabay

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Do Acupuncture

There is some evidence out there to suggest that acupuncture may help to lessen allergy symptoms, so if you are looking for a natural remedy to try, look no further! These tiny needles target certain areas of the body in order to help alleviate pain, stress, and other health ailments. If you are afraid of poking yourself over and over again, maybe this allergy remedy is not for you.

A proper diet boosts the immune system. Pixabay

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Eat Healthily

Studies have shown that changing your diet and some superfoods may help to alleviate allergy symptoms. Increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits, and nuts, in particular, seem to help. Specifically, it was found that grapes, oranges, and tomatoes decreased the frequency of allergy symptoms.

One of the best things you can do for your allergies is to change your diet. The diet should be low in fat but high in complex carbohydrates. What should be included in your diet are onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne, horseradish, green leafy vegetables, nettles, bamboo shoots, cabbage, beet tops, carrots, yams, and yellow and orange vegetables. What should be avoided includes alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, wheat, bananas, citrus fruits, sugar, chocolate, red meat, food coloring, and peanuts.

Cough syrup can relieve scratchy throat and swollen sinuses. Pixabay

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Buy Decongestants

Though touched on before, it is crucial to make a few notes about this particular medication type. While decongestants are excellent at relieving nasal symptoms, it is not recommended to take them daily. Side effects of these drugs are staggering, including increased blood pressure, headache, insomnia, and irritability. Decongestants are often found in combination drugs, such as being added to antihistamines, pain relievers, and cold and flu medications.

It is imperative to remember only to use decongestants for up to three days in a row; using it more frequently causes rebound congestion, which can actually make symptoms worse as soon as the medication is ceased.

Simple enough: stay hydrated. Pixabay

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Drink More Fluids

Not only is eating healthy, extremely beneficial but so is drinking lots of fluids. Approved liquids include water, juice, and other nonalcoholic drinks. If you start feeling stuffy or you are suffering from postnasal drip, try sipping on fluids to relieve these symptoms. The extra liquid helps to thin out the mucus being produced by histamine in your body; warm fluids like tea, broth, and soups help immensely due to their steam production.

Hot tea or a shower generates steam to soothe sinuses. Pixabay

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Take Advantage of Steam

If hot beverages are not your cup of tea, you could try steam all by itself! All you have to do is inhale the steam through your nose. The warm air helps to ease your stuffy nose and makes breathing easier. You have a few options on how to prepare your steam: you can put hot water in a bowl or sink and hold your head over it with a towel around your head to help trap the steam, or you can jump into a really hot shower.

Runny noses can be annoying. Pixabay

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Learn About Leukotriene Antagonists

In the body, there are agents called leukotrienes that are released when allergens are detected. When they are released, they cause a narrowing of the tubules in the lung; they also increase the production of mucus. Leukotrienes may also cause inflammation and swelling. The only agent of this kind currently on the market is Singulair; it works best for those who have asthma as well as allergies.

Cigarette smoke agitates allergies. Pixabay

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Avoid Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke is an irritant and can aggravate allergy symptoms. Other irritants may include aerosols and smoke from wood-burning fireplaces. All of these agents may worsen nasal symptoms and can cause watery eyes. While your symptoms are flaring, try to avoid anything that might cause further irritation such as smoking.

A shot can be your cure. Pixabay

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Get Allergy Shots

If symptoms are hard to control and other remedies have not soothed your symptoms, it may be time to try an allergy shot. When receiving an injection, a patient is given some of the allergy triggers, with each dose becoming larger each successive injection. Although they do not work for everyone, allergy shots are supposed to work by keeping the body from overreacting to an allergen.

Pet dander can aggravate allergies too. Pixabay

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Keep Your Distance From Pets

Allergies to pets are quite common; what causes the allergic reaction is the saliva or dander from the animal. If pets trigger your allergies, it may be best to keep them outside (weather permitting). It may help your allergies if you do not allow your pets into your bedroom and also wash them regularly. We know you love your four-legged friends, but you might have to keep your distance for a little while if you don’t want to wash, clean, and shower everything constantly.

Timothy grass provides an excellent extract to treat allergies. Pixabay

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Use Oral Extracts

Four types of oral extracts can be used to alleviate symptoms of allergies. Oralair is explicitly used for grass allergies; it is placed under the tongue and should be given four months before allergy season starts. Grastek is used against Timothy grass only. It is also provided under the tongue, but it must be started twelve weeks before allergy season starts. Ragwitek is used for ragweed. Odactra is used to treat symptoms associated with dust mites. Again it is given under the tongue.

Make sure to stay away from any mold. Pixabay

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Stay Away From Mold

Most people have an allergy to mold, whether they know it or not. The best way to reduce the occurrence of mold is to wipe down any moist surfaces such as the shower or bathtub. Also, you can try running a ventilation fan while you are showering to decrease the incidence of mold. If you are allergic to mold, try keeping the humidity in your house below sixty percent to hinder mold growth.

If you do have a mold allergy, it may be helpful to avoid any areas of the home where mold can quickly grow, such as the basement, compost heaps, barns, crawl spaces, and garages. If you cannot avoid these areas, it may be best to install dehumidifiers in these rooms. Make sure to clean them every week.

There are other ways to prevent mold from accumulating in the home. Make sure all clothing is dry before it is put away into storage. When it is laundry day, make sure to switch over your loads promptly; leaving damp clothing in the washing machine for too long can encourage mold growth. Take some mold-killing cleaner to the bathroom where it is easy for mold to proliferate.

Put filters in your AC units. Pixabay

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Utilize Air Conditioning

Since it was advised earlier to keep your doors and windows closed, especially during the morning and evening hours, it is a good idea to run your air conditioning when it is warmer out to keep allergens outside. Remember to equip your A/C unit with a filter to make sure that the air in the house is free of any allergens. If you do not have a screen, you can try using cheesecloth to trap allergens. Do not run a fan! This action may actually stir up dust, which sets off allergy symptoms for some people.

Shades can keep your eyes safe. Pixabay

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Protect Your Eyes

Protecting your eyes will ensure that pollen and other allergens do not enter the body through the eyes. Wear sunglasses when venturing outdoors to keep yourself safe. You will be surprised at how many millions of little pollen flakes are trying to get into your eyes. Sunglasses are a simple defense that can shield your body from pollutants and allergies.

Plastic covers make it easy to clean up allergens. Pixabay

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Use Plastic Covers

It is almost impossible to keep every allergen that causes you allergies out of the home. To help prevent allergens from making it into your system, try covering surfaces with plastic covers. The most useful places to cover up are pillows, mattresses, and box springs. It might seem like you are sleeping over at your great-grandma with all that crinkly-sounding furniture, but it will keep you healthy and clean.

Clean the furniture regularly. Pixabay

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Clean the Furniture

If you happen to suffer from seasonal allergies, some types of furniture should be avoided. Any overstuffed or down-filled bedding should not be used with someone with allergies. It is also important to wash any bedding every week with hot water during allergy season.

Throw rugs are also a no-no; they happen to be prominent collectors of dust and mold and could exacerbate symptoms. If you already have an eclectic mix of rugs, make sure to wash them in hot water as well regularly.

It may also be helpful to switch your blinds; Venetian blinds and long drapes help to collect dust. Shades and shutters are a safe alternative to help keep allergens out as well as to decrease the number of allergens inside.

Using apple cider vinegar is a natural way to boost your immune system. Pixabay

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Try Apple Cider Vinegar

This at-home natural remedy has become a bit of a craze. It is another natural remedy for allergies, apple cider vinegar, helps to boost the immune system, support lymphatic drainage, and help break up mucus. Please do not take it straight by itself; however, try mixing one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice up to three times a day for relief.

Did you know that certain scents relieve sinuses? Pixabay

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Diffuse Essential Oils

It is thought that essential oils help to detoxify the body, fight infections, bacteria, parasites, and other harmful toxins. Essential oils may be added to a bath, tea, massage oil, or an oil diffuser. Specific oils that have been linked to allergy relief are peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Peppermint oil works through its anti-inflammatory properties, while eucalyptus oils work by killing off any microbes in the area. Another standard oil used for the relief of allergy symptoms is frankincense oil.

Probiotics also boost the immune system. Pixabay

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Eat Probiotics

As was mentioned earlier, allergies occur because of the body’s immune system overreacting to a specific allergen. Research has shown that individuals who have more healthy bacteria in their gut were less likely to suffer from allergy symptoms. Probiotics also help the immune system by helping to produce immune-enhancing substances. It is best to take one in the morning and another one at night to achieve the best results.

Pineapple is a good source of bromelain. Pixabay

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Consume Bromelain

Have you ever heard of bromelain? This ingredient is another extract that can be used to help combat allergy symptoms. Bromelain is an enzyme that is found naturally in papaya and pineapple. The protein is thought to act by reducing swelling in affected areas.

What can’t broccoli do? Pixabay

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Try Quercetin

This strange word is a chemical that can be found in food. Researchers believe that it acts upon the histamines that are released in your body by your immune system during an allergic reaction. You can find quercetin in broccoli, cauliflower, green tea, and citrus fruits. It is recommended that two to three grams are taken daily; if symptoms are especially bad, increase the dose to six grams.

An orange a day can keep the doctor away. Pixabay

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Intake Vitamin C

Another supplement that is a natural way to curb allergy symptoms includes vitamin C. It is recommended that patients take two thousand milligrams of the supplement each day to keep histamine levels in check. Be careful about how much of this vitamin you choose; it could cause diarrhea.

Honey is a good source of sweetness to help the throat. Pixabay

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Use Honey

While no scientific data are present to back up this finding, honey is one of those common-sense items worth mentioning. Using a teaspoon of honey can help alleviate a sore throat caused by chronic coughing. It naturally coats the esophagus, which is probably causing you some serious itchiness. Honey is also yummy compared to some other options on the list!

Spicy food encourages runny noses. Pixabay

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Eat Spicy Foods

Are you looking for ways to clear out all of that mucus without pumping yourself full of drugs? Look no further. Eating spicy foods can help thin out mucus and clear congestion. If you are used to eating spicy foods, you probably already know this tip for reducing allergies. Try eating some spicy peppers, hot sauce, or even a steamy bowl of tomato soup, and your nose will start running almost immediately.

Gingko acts as a natural antihistamine. Pixabay

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Go For Herbal Medicines

While we have talked about prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal medicines have not been given much attention. There are about a handful of natural herbs that can be used to help treat allergy symptoms.

  • Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) and stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) can be used as an anti-inflammatory as well as a natural antihistamine.
  • Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis) acts to reduce congestion and secretions. It is especially useful for itchy eyes, sneezing, and mucus.
  • Gingko (Gingko Biloba) contains bioflavonoids, which act as a natural antihistamine. It is also a good antioxidant.
  • Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) helps to minimize all aspects of an allergic reaction and supports liver function.
  • Red clover (Trifolium pratense) aids the body in naturally building up a resistance to allergens.
  • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can be used to help reduce congestion and mucus secretions.

So what do you do after you choose the herb you want to use? Make tea! Drink three to four cups a day for maximum results. If the herbs come in tincture form, take one to three drops three to four times a day.

Euphrasia is good at soothing your throat. Pixabay

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What About Homeopathy

Besides these herbal medicines, there are other substances out there that can be used in the treatment of allergy symptoms. The standard dose for all of the following contents should be three pellets every four hours. Relief should be felt after two doses. By the third dose, if symptoms are still persistent, try another remedy.

  • Allium cepa can be used if you are experiencing discharge from the eyes and nose. It may also help reduce hoarseness.
  • Euphrasia can also be used to combat discharge from the eyes and the nose; it can also help to reduce coughing, sneezing, and diarrhea.
  • Natrum muriaticum, again, can be used for discharge but is more well known for combating cold sores. It may also get rid of the headaches caused by congestion.
  • Nux vomica helps to relieve both a runny and stuffy nose and sneezing.
  • Wyethia gets rid of that itchy feeling in the back of the throat and nose.

Carrots are just great for your health overall. Pixabay

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Try Carotenoids

More natural remedies are coming your way! Carotenoids are found in plants, with the most popular being beta-carotene. Although it may not be beneficial to start consuming carotenoids after symptoms begin, research has shown that individuals with more carotenoids in their diet experienced less inflammation in their airways. Foods that contain this beneficial substance include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.

Walnuts are rich with good fats. Pixabay

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Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This tip offers another natural remedy that can be acquired naturally through the diet. Research has shown that these essential fatty acids help to reduce inflammation throughout the body by reducing the production of natural inflammatory-causing chemicals throughout the body. Good sources of omega-three fatty acids come from fish oil capsules, flaxseed oil, and walnuts. You can also take supplements if you have a hard time incorporating these into your diet.

Rosemary reduces the reaction of the white blood cells, reducing allergy symptoms. Pixabay

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Use Rosemary

If you suffer from allergies, look no further than your kitchen spice rack! Not only does rosemary help with allergies, but it has also been shown to provide relief for people living with asthma as well. How does it work to combat allergies? Rosemary contains a chemical called rosmarinic acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

This acid can also suppress the immune response of some white blood cells, which will hinder allergies from occurring in the first place. A word of caution here: it may be worth it to take rosmarinic acid with food as it may cause mild stomach pains when taken alone.

Turmeric also reduces the body’s overall allergic response. Pixabay

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Cook With Turmeric

This food is a spice commonly used in Indian cooking. The active component in this spice is called curcumin, which has been shown to reduce the overall allergic response. If turmeric is consumed over a long period, individuals will notice relief from sneezing and congestion. Try looking up some basic recipes that call for this ingredient and you can start benefiting from its healthy uses right away.

Keep that body fit for a healthier life. Pixabay

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Exercise Daily

Another simple solution to your allergy problems is to get up and move! Even moving for a mere thirty minutes a day can bring about relief. It is believed that exercise helps to produce anti-inflammatory effects in the nasal passages. If you cannot get outside for a good workout, try pumping iron indoors. Besides, you should try to exercise on a regular basis even if you don’t have allergies.

Sources:

WebMD – Natural Ways to Defeat Allergies

Intermountain Healthcare – 10 Easy Ways to Beat Seasonal Allergies When the Pollen Count Spikes

Mayo Clinic – Seasonal Allergies: Nip Them In The Bud

Drugs – Seasonal Allergies: Top Prevention Tips

WebMD – Seasonal Allergies: 4 Routes to Relief

Sedera – Natural Ways to Defeat Seasonal Allergies

Healthline – Home Remedies for Allergies

WebMD – Relieve Allergy Symptoms Without Drugs

Very Well Health – Natural Remedies for Allergies

USA Health – Best Herbs for Spring Allergy Relief

Food

The Truth About Red Meat and Other Healthy Lifestyle Advice

Health plays a significant role in leveraging the lifestyle of human beings. Whether it is the right eating habits or regular exercising regime, each and every… Trista Smith - December 2, 2019

Health plays a significant role in leveraging the lifestyle of human beings. Whether it is the right eating habits or regular exercising regime, each and every tread towards healthy habits is a substantial move towards a healthy lifestyle.

Humans tend to depend on food items that are harmful to their bodies. For instance, sugar-coated and carb-filled affect health in the long run. It is essential to prioritize our health and incline towards a healthy lifestyle. Diet plays a significant role in leveraging the lifestyle. It is often said that we are what we eat. No matter what you eat, good or bad, it tends to affect the body.

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There’s no denying the fact that diet is what makes your lifestyle. Your eating and exercise habits create a significant difference in your lifestyle. Your body needs the required nutrition to sustain the basic functionalities of the body. From pumping the blood to controlling the hormones, diet varies in different food items. It is crucial to prioritize the nutrition needs of the body and make sure that it gets abundant minerals, vitamins, and other natural supplements that are needed.

You must ask why proper nutrition is necessary. Well, we have some pretty good reasons to advocate the fact that it is essential to prioritize nutrition in the diet. Your food choices affect your health directly. Proper nutrition is vital to ensure that you lead a healthy lifestyle. There’s no denying the fact that your food choices cultivate your lifestyle. The requirement for nutrition is endless. It plays a critical role in bone formation and density maintenance. Take a look at the possible benefits of prioritizing nutrition in your diet.

Obesity is when a person’s BMI is higher than average and is a step above overweight. Shutterstock.

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Weight Loss

One of the significant health concerns that have been haunting people for many years is weight gain and obesity. There can be multiple reasons for your sudden weight gain that often leads to several other health ailments. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body mass can help you steer clear from significant health issues, including heart diseases, cancer, cholesterol, etc. You need to choose your nutrition in the right way to promote weight loss. For instance, shifting to whole fruits and vegetables from processed food is a great option to lower your calorie intake. Increase the consumption of fiber and eat a plant-based diet for better results.

There are specific food items that are known to promote healthy weight loss. Starving yourself and restricting your nutrition intake is never the right way to shed some pounds. Instead, adopt a healthy and nutrition-filled diet that will help you in gaining healthy weight and lose all the extra fat from the body. You can also seek assistance from your nutritionist to get a better understanding of what to avoid and include in your diet that will best help in your healthy weight loss.

Remember, your body reflects what you eat, so wisely choose each and everything you eat to treat your body. It’s never too late to prioritize your body mass, as it is one of the crucial issues faced by a majority of people in the world. You would not want to find yourself in a situation where your body weight creates obstacles for you. Start eating healthy to keep your body fit.

Did you know that you can lower your risk of cancer by eating the proper diet? Pixabay

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Reduced Cancer Risks

Though cancer can be developed for any reason, an unhealthy diet can be one of the prominent reasons. You would not want to lose the battle against life-threatening diseases just because you didn’t pay heed to the nutritious diet. Would You? Different types of cancer are formed in the human body, and a nutritious diet can help in taming the symptoms to some extent and making the situation less bad for the patient. A diet plan that is brimmed with fruits and vegetables helps in strengthening the immune system and making the person strong enough to fight off the cancerous cell.

A study has also proven that a fruit diet can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal tract cancer. Another study showed that food rich in vegetables, fiber, and fruits would eventually lower the risk of colorectal cancer and liver cancer. So, there are ample reasons to shift to a nutritious diet to steer clear from cancer. There are several phytochemicals in fruits, nuts, and vegetables that work as antioxidants to help the cells from cancer damage.

Keep your diabetes under control by adhering to a particular diet. Pixabay

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Diabetes Control

One of the growing health issues that have been taking a toll over people’s health, diabetes can put you in grave danger if neglected. Caused by the fluctuation in blood sugar levels, diabetes can make a person suffer from multiple ailments at a time. Apart from the medications and therapies, doctors also recommend bringing positive changes in the diet as a part of their treatment. There’s no possible cure for diabetes; all you can do is manage it properly and not let it get heavy on you. A healthy diet can help a diabetic person to keep his/her diabetes at bay.

There are several particular food items that a diabetic person must include and remove from their diet, and it is essential to check those food items before you start a diabetic-friendly diet. A diabetic person should restrict or lower the consumption of food items with excessive salt and sugar. It is also advised to say no to fried foods that contain trans and saturated fats. If you also have diabetes and have not yet thought about eating healthy, then you must consult a nutritionist to prepare a diabetic-friendly diet for you.

Focus on your heart health one plate at a time. Pixabay

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Heart Health

Your heart is the most crucial and sensitive organ that requires special attention. The human heart is prone to diseases that are caused by multiple reasons. According to the Health Journal, around 92.1 million people in the US alone are affected by a cardiovascular disease that primarily has a heart or blood vessel issue. Around 80% of heart disease and strokes can be prevented by taking charge of your lifestyle and making healthy changes to it.

A healthy diet, along with a physical regime, will help in keeping your health safe and sound. It has been found that vitamin E can prevent the blood clots that are the common reason for heart attacks. Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, green veggies, etc. are highly rich in vitamin E.

So, if you want to keep your heart healthy, then you must include these food items in your diet to make it vitamin E rich. It is also essential to reduce trans fat from the dead to lower the level of lipoprotein cholesterol. This form of cholesterol is responsible for the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that create blockage leading to heart attacks. Reducing blood pressure is also an excellent means to protect heart health, and that can be done by minimizing the intake of salt.

It is recommended that people with blood pressure issues should consume 1500 milligrams of salt a day. Salt is also present in many processed food, so you must check or probably avoid such food items.

You have to be aware of your health risks at any age. Pixabay

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Next-Gen and Millennial Health

Apart from learning to practice a healthy lifestyle, it is crucial to make your children adopt one too. Generally, children learn healthy practices from their parents or adults. Be it washing hands before eating and brushing teeth before bed; every little habit of kids comes from the adults. Hence, it is important to prioritize a nutritious and healthy diet so that your children can follow it too. It is advised to make a habit of eating at home and minimizing the amount of eating at food joints. You must prepare meals for your kids daily so that they are not compelled to eat from outside.

It is quite evident that processed food is not at all healthy for the body. Hence, it is vital to remove them from your kids’ diet as much as possible. Parents who are successful in cultivating healthy eating habits in their children can rest assured that their kids will have a nutritious lifestyle. Eat wholesomely and try to cook it in the most organic ways.

A study has found that kids are less likely to develop health issues. Include more veggies and fruits in the diet and make the food as enjoyable as possible. It is found that children who follow the practice of eating at home are bound to make a healthy lifestyle.

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Strong Teeth and Bones

Your teeth and bones might be the most active parts of your body, but they also need an adequate amount of nutrition to sustain its functionality. While bones keep our body structured and flexible, teeth help in tearing and chewing down food. Both have distinctive significance in the human body. A right amount of calcium and minerals are necessary to keep bones and teeth healthy. Calcium and minerals help in strengthening bones and teeth, further making them functioning. Bone health is also essential to check on the risks of osteoporosis and arthritis.

To prioritize your bone health, you must shift to food alternatives that are highly rich in calcium and minerals. For instance, broccoli, cauliflower, tofu, legumes, cabbage, etc. are rich sources of calcium. There are many kinds of cereal and low-fat dairy products that can provide you with the required calcium. Magnesium is also a critical component to keep your bones healthy. Whole grains, nuts, green vegetables are abundant with magnesium.

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A Refreshing Mood

Your food determines your mood. What you eat directly reflects your attitude. It is proven that food items that we consume trigger some emotions resulting in mood fluctuations. There have been plenty of studies conducted to show the evident relationship between diet and mood. There are plenty of mood-related issues that hamper your mental health. For instance, depression, fatigue, and stress can take a toll on your life.

A high glycaemic diet is found to increase the chances of depression and fatigue. Hence, it is important to choose food items that are ideal for your body and mood. Soft drinks, cakes, bread, biscuits are high in glycemic content, and you must stay away from these food items to keep your emotions and mood stable.

Wholesome fruits and vegetables are considered ideal for mood as they have low glycemic content reducing the risks of depression and other mental ailments. Though a nutritious diet will help you keep your mood stable and mental health in check, if you have been suffering from any severe mental illnesses, then you must consult with our doctor before shifting to any particular diet plan for yourself. A nutritionist can probably help you figure out the appropriate food items according to your condition.

You can be mentally strong thanks to a proper diet. Pexels

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The Amazing Memory

Memory loss can happen to anyone. Sometimes it is blamed on the age, and other times the lack of concentration, either way, memory loss is a grave concern for all. You would not like to forget things that you shouldn’t be. Hence, sharpening your memory is highly relevant. And what if you can do that just by eating good food? Yes, you can make healthy changes in your diet to enhance your memory. A healthy diet can even reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive diseases. It is crucial to adopt food items that are rich in vitamins and minerals as they are known to boost memory and improve concentration power.

Vitamin D, C, and E, along with omega-three fatty acids, are ideal for memory aid. Lemons, almonds, fish, and beetroot are some of the food items that you can consume to increase your memory. The Mediterranean diet is famous for its memory enhancement capabilities, and even doctors officially recommend this diet to sharpen the mind in no time. Other than this, you must consult your nutritionist to get a better idea regarding what to and what not to eat for memory enhancement.

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Good Gut Health

The gut is almost the neglected body part that we never particularly pay attention to. But, the reality is gut holds a significant position in our body as it tends to affect the entire body control. The colon of the human body is brimmed with naturally developing bacteria that assist in digestion and metabolism. It is essential to keep the bacteria alive so that the body functions are not interrupted. Some bacteria are also known to produce Vitamin B and K which help the colon in several ways. These typical bacteria also fight off with harmful bacteria and viruses.

Hence, it is more than necessary to treat the bacteria in your gut. Low fiber and high sugar diet can influence the gut microbiome generating inflammation in the gut. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole-grain intake will provide your stomach with the adequate amount of nutrition that it requires to sustain its functionality. These food items have a combination of prebiotics and probiotics that helps the bacteria to survive in the colon. You can also incline fermented food items such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, etc. to increase the probiotic level in your body.

Around 80% of people looking for nutritional advice have found contradictory advice. Pexels

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Nutrition Advice: A Conflicting Matter

There’s no doubt in asserting that nutrition is essential for our body. Whether it is strengthening our muscles or improving metabolism, the nutrition content in different food items helps in making our body healthy and fit. But, when it comes to taking nutritional advice, people often get different views from different places that further make them confused regarding their food choices. It becomes a daunting task to filter through each nutritional advice and decides what might be useful for your body. Like any other subject matter, nutrition is also seen from a different perspective.

Every nutritious food is perceived differently according to their benefits and drawbacks. If you are new to the world of nutrition and planning your diet for the first time, it is advised to take ideas from every source and customize your menu accordingly. Even experts recommend not to change your diet plan by adhering to one study/source. You must explore the options and see what the world has to say about that particular food item.

Is red meat really good or bad for your health? Pexels

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The Truth About Red Meat

Over the years, you must have heard both negative and positive reviews about red meat. Rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins, red meat is healthy for your body to some extent. As it is also a high source of saturated fat, it is naturally advised to cut short on red meat. There have been several studies across the decades that debate the drawbacks of red meat and its consequential effect on health. Owing to such findings, people have started to avoid red meat from their diet. Everything was going well; health-conscious people had already removed red meat from their diet until a controversial study was released last week.

Annals of Internal Medicine has turned down the long-standing belief regarding red meat and sparked a fresh controversy. The study found that cutting back on red meat and eating less processed meat will bring any health benefits. They proved that there is no statistical data that shows removing red meat from the diet is right for your health.

Contradictions and flip-flopping of nutritional advice is not a new thing. Every other food item, including, eggs, coffee, and even chocolate, have gone through these nutrition dilemmas. You cannot possibly ignore these whiplashes in the nutritional advice; they are everywhere. It’s significant to ask what to trust among these varying opinions. Let’s delve deep into the matter and learn how you can possibly avoid these fluctuations.

It is essential to know why this nutritional guidance keeps changing from time to time. Pexels

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Why Does Nutritional Advice Keep Altering?

A survey conducted on 1,009 Americans showed that 80% out of the lot had encountered conflicting nutritional advice, which led 56% of them to doubt and change their diet choices severely.

Trust me; you are not the only one who gets confused by the nutrition news. The above statistics are the accurate depiction of how much people are influenced by even the slightest news on nutrition. People have started realizing the significance of food in life, and maybe, that’s what something is making them more concerned about every little nutrition news. It is compelling and fascinating to check out the new facts and data regarding any particular nutrition choice. Without realizing that researches keep on changing, people tend to believe in every information that is provided with some facts and figures.

You can really rely on the studies as a result found from the subjects/participants of studies vary according to their personal preferences as well. It is impossible to detect whether the results are authentic or not. You cannot possibly predict what worked for them would work wonders for you. Hence, nutritional guidance keeps changing with time. Researchers are always using new and improved technology to prove their point regarding nutritional advice. Even when researchers find the dietary link between a food item and its benefits for our body, it is quite challenging to determine whether it is true or not.

Take the red meat case; people who don’t eat red meat at all might have a healthy body. But, those who eat less red meat and shift to other rich sources of saturated fat might not have a healthy lifestyle. So, red meat cannot be blamed, and it doesn’t prove that cutting back on red meat will bring a more vigorous edge to your lifestyle.

Researchers collect a variety of data from different sources to prove their point. These facts keep on changing with time, hence the change in the findings. With factors and circumstances, researchers offer people a brand-new approach and perspective to look at a particular food item.

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How To Steer Clear From Nutritional Guidance Whiplash

Nutritional advice keep on changing, and you cannot stop that from happening, These studies give you a new perspective about what’s healthy and unhealthy for your body. People tend to believe in studies and start making significant changes in their diet.

There can be conclusions regarding limiting the consumption of a specific food item, and a decade later, another result will come saying it’s good to have more of this food item, does not really mean that people were wrong a decade earlier. It is as simple as that. This nutritional advice only changes the way you perceive things and not the way you must believe in it. The nature of research basically keeps searching for answers that people are looking for.

The main motive of these studies is to educate and inform people regarding the changes in the nutritional content of a particular food item. Maybe it can be entirely or partially correct, but you must never rely on these studies blindly and make changes in your diet. Science is moving at a lightning-fast pace, and these researchers are getting more power and substance to authenticate the findings. So, it has become more than impossible not to give all ears to these studies.

You need to decide for yourself what is possibly useful and harmful for your health. Every human body has different requirements that need to be catered differently. You cannot believe in a food item that worked well for somebody else’s health system. It is as simple as that. Never blindly trust what the studies have to say about a particular food item. Instead, research on your end and experiment with your own diet choices without changing it drastically based on a specific study.

If you want to prioritize your health, you must believe in your diet choices and steer clear from the nutritional news whiplash. You will be thronged with such inconsistencies daily, and you cannot sit and alter your diet plans every day. Streamline your hassle and filter these studies accordingly.

You can also check with your doctor or nutritionist. Pixabay

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Nutritional Guidelines That You Should Trust

There’s no possible escape from the nutritional whiplashes. They are everywhere. All you can do is take these sparking news with a grain of salt. Otherwise, you will find yourself drenched in the never escaping pool of nutritional conflicts.

When a study feels too good to be authentic and hardly believable, you must instantly drop the thought of it before it takes a toll over your mind. It is always advised to not go after new studies, which is not supported by ample evidence. Instead, you must adhere to the long-standing research that has proven the fact regarding a concerned food item with adequate and authentic facts and figures.

While these contractions are inescapable, you can find your own little way out of it. There are plenty of food items that never fall bait to these nutritional studies as they are considered so conventionally healthy for the human body. For instance, whole fruits and veggies are something that every nutritionist would advise you to start brimming your diet with this wholesome goodness. Your diet choices must change with your age, and your body needs not with some nutritional study that further makes you doubt your own diet.

Relying on a particular study just because it is changing your perspective towards an individual food item is not at all the right way to go about your health. Make wise choices when it comes to food. As you are what you eat and you should probably eat well rather than eating what these studies say you should.

Try to avoid conflicting information by seeking credible sources. Pexels

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What Does the Future Hold for Nutritional Advice?

Nutrition is essential to keep the body functioning. There’s no denying the fact that it’s the nutritional content in different food items that keeps us going. It is essential to shift towards a nutritious diet that includes all the necessary food items rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, calcium, magnesium, and others. You need to source out the food that provides your abundance of nutrition. But, what if you have been struggling with what to pick and what to drop?

Nutritional whiplashes are quite reasonable these days. Every other day a new study or research will pop out just to tell you that you have been doing it wrong all this while. Juggling between food items and shifting the trust from one to another often hampers your health quotient. It is essential to steer clear from such nutritional whiplashes and not rely on just one finding. You must not change your diet choices based on only one study. Instead, you should be a stickler to long-standing research. Furthermore, concentrating on lean protein and including fruits and vegetables in your diet can never go wrong, and you don’t need to rely on any study to believe that.

Red meat is one such controversial food item. While nutritionists are still struggling to find the answer to whether red meat is good or bad for human health, there’s no proof that cutting short on them will bring a miraculous change in health. The saturated fat content is an arguable point, but removing red meat entirely from the diet is also not a great option. You can eat red meat in a considerable amount, which means neither being addicted or nor remaining ignorant of it.

Science is advancing over time, so it’s quite natural to witness such conflict in nutritional guidelines. You must pay attention to all the studies and see what it says, but never let each study make drastic changes in your diet. Changing your diet very often is also not considered as the best way to treat your health. When you choose a diet plan and follow it strictly, your body tends to become used to it and starts reacting accordingly. A slight change in the diet would be googly to your body that may cause you health troubles.

Don’t let these whiplashes affect your diet choices. If you believe eating a specific food item has brought healthy changes to your life, then stick to the belief and ignore the debates. After all, when it comes to health, it’s all about what you believe in.

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