Healthy Bytes - Allergies

That tell-tale yellow pollen is a sure sign that spring is on the way and renewal of plant life and beautiful flowers and tasty fruits and veggies won’t be far behind. However, pollen means allergies for many people. Here are some tips that will help minimize your sniffling, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.

o   Eliminate all dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, etc…). Dairy products contain histamines which cause our immune system to flare up and kick mucus production into high gear.

(Image Borrowed from NotMilk.com)

o   Invest in a Neti pot – the use of Neti pots is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been effectively clearing peoples’ sinuses for centuries. A Neti pot is inexpensive and can be found at any health food store or pharmacy. The Neti pot flushes the sinus cavity with an isotonic saline solution and water which removes allergens and pathogens from the sinuses and nasal passages.

o   Eat a tablespoon a day of organic, locally farmed honey. The local honey will help build up your tolerance for local pollen and allergens.

o   Drink lots of pure, mineral-rich water. Hydration will help your body flush out toxic intruders.

o   Don’t touch your face with your hands! You touch the car door and viola – you’ve got pollen on your fingers – next thing you know you’re putting on yellow makeup in the rearview mirror along with your eyeliner!

o   Visit a sauna or steam room daily. The hot air and steam not only help open up sinuses and nasal passages, but also help your body’s white blood cells and macrophages multiply quicker, thus strengthening your immune system.

o   Skip the drugs – they often create side effects worse than the actual symptoms you are taking them for!