How to Live With Allergies to Pollen

Every spring and fall, millions of people suffer from what is commonly known as a seasonal allergy. The culprit is often wind-borne pollen, which is released from trees, grass and flowers in order to fertilize other plants. Much of it, however, ends up giving us watery eyes and runny noses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Allergy Free Matress Covers
• Allergy-free Bedding
• Yogurt
• Antihistamines
• Coenzyme Q10
• Nettles
• Vitamin C

1. Stay indoors as much as possible when the pollen count is high.
2. Plan outdoor activities during low pollen counts.
3. Keep your house sealed during this time. Use air conditioning.
4. Try air-filtering devices in your house. They not only help clean the air of pollen, but of other pollutants as well.
5. Try using over-the-counter antihistamines and/or nasal sprays. Use according to directions. Some antihistamines can make you drowsy, so use with care.
6. See an allergist if your symptoms are severe. There are many prescription medications on the market. Use according to directions.
7. Consider getting allergy shots if you are really miserable during pollen seasons. Allergy shots work by desensitizing you to the allergen.
8. Keep your pets indoors as much as possible - or keep them outdoors all the time - because pollen can stick to their fur.
9. Eat yogurt at least three times a week. Some studies show that eating yogurt daily can significantly reduce allergy attacks resulting from pollens.
10. Wash your hair after spending a lot of time outdoors. Pollen can stick to your hair. Change your clothes - or at least the top layer - after you come inside.
11. Add 1,000 to 5,000 mg vitamin C plus bioflavonoid complex daily in divided doses, along with 500mg quercetin twice daily. They help to minimize allergy symptoms and strengthen the immune system.
12. Take 100mg bromelain twice daily. It enhances quercetin absorption.
13. Add the herbs burdock, dandelion and echinacea to your diet. Take as a tincture or in capsules, or drink as a tea. They help relieve allergy symptoms.
14. Supplement with 100mg coenzyme Q10 daily. It helps the immune system, and research is under way to determine whether it helps relieve allergy and asthma symptoms.
15. Use stinging nettle and mullein leaf to help relieve allergic reactions. They are good for respiratory reactions. Take as capsules, tea or tincture.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people find that beginning their medications a week before the allergy season, and then continuing during the season, helps minimize symptoms.