Seasonal Allergies – Part II.
Addition
Received this question from a few clients recently:
I want to exercise outdoors, now that the weather is improving, but my allergies are worsened when I’m outside. When I return from a run or outdoor sport, my allergies have me itchy, sneezing, and miserable? Any suggestions?
Exercise, especially outside, is so important to overall health and vitality. Many people feel rejuvenated and invigorated by being outdoors and enjoying the beautiful spring changes and I strongly encourage it. There are ways to beat the allergy blues! The preventative measures mentioned in the previous blog would be important to add to your lifestyle; furthermore, I would recommend the following:
- Try to exercise outdoors when the offending allergens are at their lowest; mornings between 5-9 am is a good time. Later in the evenings is another low pollen time.
- Try taking quercetin supplements or 1-3 oz of good quality raw dark chocolate before leaving for your outdoor exercise routine. Raw cacao is high in flavinoids and quercetin (types of antioxidants) which are natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine agents.
- Check the weather and take note of heavy pollen days. You can check pollen counts at www.pollen.com. According to webMD.com (http://www.webmd.com/allergies/living-with-8/exercise-allergies), if it is a warm and breezy day, take extra precautions or choose to hit the gym instead.
- Health expert Jenny Hadfield (http://www.jennyhadfield.com) believes that breathing through your nose instead of your mouth may also help you feel less symptomatic throughout outdoor activities.
- After being outside remember to shower and wash your hair. You want to remove all the pollen and allergens from your body.
- I recommend using a nasal lavage after exercise outdoors to clear your nasal passages of pollen, dust, and other allergens. It can also relieve some pressure in your sinuses and clear mucus. You can purchase a neti pot at most healthfood stores. Watch this video on how to use a neti pot correctly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFEXjzGagMI).
- Of course, if you are prone to asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions, keep your rescue medications (such as benedryl or an inhaler) close by while you exercise. Sometimes simply knowing that they are with you provides anxiety relief.
- As a Naturopathic physician, I sometimes create an acute asthma or allergy tincture for my patients to take. Prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs can serve an important role in a serious allergic/asthma situation; however, I use them sparingly and only as necessary.
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