One of the most common errors made in the fall is mistaking allergies for a cold — and vice versa — especially when it gets colder. If your muscles aren't aching, it's probably allergies. However, you still need to pinpoint what is causing your allergic reaction. Once you know, you can take the right steps to significantly reduce your allergies in the future, instead of resorting to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Your doctor can perform a very simple skin test to determine what allergens affect you most. If you want a more thorough analysis, a blood test might be necessary.
Avoid Certain Fruits and Vegetables
One of the most common causes of fall allergies is ragweed pollen (i.e., hay fever). If you are allergic to ragweed, there are certain fruits and vegetables that, if eaten regularly, can mimic the effects of hay fever, and they can even make you more allergic on days with high pollen counts. The fruits, vegetables and seeds you should watch out for are bananas, melons, cucumbers, zucchini and sunflower seeds.
Spend the Morning Indoors
With cooler temperatures and better weather, it's tempting to enjoy the fall mornings outdoors. Unfortunately, this is when pollen counts are at their peak. In fact, there is more pollen in the air between 10 a.m. and noon than at any other time of the day. So if you're planning on doing yard work or exercising outside, try to do it in the late afternoon or early evening.
While you're indoors, try using a Vicks® humidifier to help you breathe easier.
Shower Before You Go to Bed
Most people like to wake up with a shower. However, if you've been outside for more than an hour during the day, consider showering before you go to sleep. Your hair and skin are natural allergen attractors. Going to bed without washing off the gathered pollen, dust, mold and dander could have you waking up with a sneeze instead of a stretch.
Try a Nasal-Rinsing Neti Pot
There are a plethora of antihistamine drugs and sprays that can help alleviate your allergies. But if you want to try something a little more natural to clear up your sinuses, consider an old-fashioned neti pot.
A neti pot basically looks like a miniature teapot. First, fill it with warm, lightly salted water. (Distilled water works best.) Then, tilt your head to one side and slowly pour the solution into your top nostril. The fluid will come out of your bottom nostril. It might feel strange at first, but millions of people around the world swear by this homeopathic sinus-clearing remedy.
Before you give it a try to see how it works for you, be sure to consult a physician.
