GREENSBORO, N.C. — Everywhere you look, everything you see, covered in a blanket of yellow. It's pollen season folks, and you know what that means, allergies. I'm talking about sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and congestion for two or three weeks.
I suffer from seasonal allergies; have been for years. And if you're like me, you know that yellow dust is not a welcome sight.
Keeping the allergies under control is a must to get through the day during this season, especially if you work outside.
So here's a few of my solutions, and some from the experts.
Let's start with medication. For some of you, it may be too late.
Experts recommend taking allergy meds at least two weeks before the season starts. So if you just started popping Claritins like they're Pez candies, you're a little late, and you should probably slow it down.
Find a medicine that works for you. There are tons of allergy medications, and experts recommend getting the most natural pills you can find.
Avoid dyes and fillers that you might find in Benedryl and other name brands.
Next, delay your morning work out. Pollen levels are usually much higher in the morning, so take the exercise inside. If you can't get to a gym or prefer the outdoors, exercise in the afternoon or evening.
When your day is done, take a shower. If you go to bed after a day in the sea of yellow, tiny particles will stay in your nose and throat for eight hours of sleep.
Taking a shower is key. It washes off the blanket of pollen, and keeps your blankets pollen-free.
Third, your diet can affect allergies too. Pineapples, oranges, turmeric, and onions. All can be a big help.
Pineapples have an anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromaline. It's great for allergies.
Oranges and turmeric also have anti-inflammatory compounds. Onions have a potent anti-oxidant that acts as a natural antihistamine.
Lastly, avoid alcohol. Skipping happy hour doesn't sound ideal, but it can help lessen the spread of fluids to your sinuses.
Alcohol makes you vasodilate, or widen your blood vessels. The more blood flow and fluids reach your sinuses, the worse you're going to feel.
Ultimately, the best thing to do is prepare. Talk to your doctor about allergy medications, and take them two weeks before the season starts. Many of them are over the counter.
And if the pollen is painful enough, just stay inside as much as you can. The season will come to an end, and eventually the dust will settle.