5 anti-allergy life hacks to get you through spring

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? If so, then you know that the first several weeks of spring can be the most trying time for allergy sufferers. As trees bud, flowers bloom, and grass begins to germinate, pollen levels will soar and simply stepping outdoors can trigger watery eyes, a runny nose and a day's worth of sneezing fits.

While over-the-counter allergy medicines like antihistamines and decongestants are a great start to curb your allergy symptoms, there are a number of simple tricks to keep up your sleeve for those days when allergic reactions are at their worst. Here are a few anti-allergy life hacks to keep in mind before allergens are at their peak.

Eat local honey

One of the oldest natural allergy remedies is the ingestion of local honey, which acts as a type of natural vaccination against seasonal allergies. Local honey contains a variety of the same pollen spores that are present when flowers and grasses bloom in your area, and introducing these spores in small amounts to the body can build up its natural immunity. This can limit the body's immune response of histamine production when exposed to allergens, and this daily dose of honey could be an effective means of controlling your symptoms this allergy season.

Practice saltwater irrigation

Salt water irrigation through the use of Neti pots is one of the best natural remedies to alleviate allergy symptoms. These devices are used by millions of Americans to treat sinus problems, provide relief from nasal congestion in the event of a cold or virus, or to clear out breathing passages during the height of allergy season.

Neti pots utilize a nasal saline solution that mixes salt and warm water to thin nasal secretions and flush out bacteria/allergens/environmental irritants to help curb seasonal allergy symptoms. Aim to use saltwater irrigation twice a day during allergy season.

Indulge in sushi

If you're contending with allergy symptoms in the early spring, stop into a sushi restaurant and ask for extra wasabi! This pungent green paste is already great for opening up your nasal passages and helping you breathe more easily, but it also fights inflammation naturally. Ingestion of wasabi can limit the body's production of histamine and can reduce the effects of seasonal allergy symptoms.

Enjoy some green tea

When allergy season kicks off, make the switch to green tea each morning to provide your immune system with a boost against allergens. Green tea contains natural antihistamines to combat the body's immune response to the presence of allergens, and it can be a great addition to your spring diet to combat sneezing and nasal congestion.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water throughout the day supports a wide range of physiological functions, and this holds special significance for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Being dehydrated sparks the release of histamine in the body to prevent future water loss, which can contribute to the worsening of allergy symptoms. Make an effort to increase your water consumption in the early spring to lessen the severity of allergy symptoms.

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