Breathe Easy
Allergies are a very common but rapidly growing concern. But it affects people of all ages in different ways. Environmental changes, Global warming, modern & healthy lifestyles, and changing dietary habits have played a major role in the rapid spread of allergies across the world. It is believed that 20 to 30% of Indians are suffering from some allergic disease or the other.
Here are some common allergy symptoms, like itchy skin, rash, or hives, watery eyes. sneezing, difficulty in breathing, swelling of body parts that come in contact with the allergen, stomach ache and vomiting etc.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to things that are usually safe. These things are called allergens and can include pollen, dust mites, some foods, insect stings, and certain medicines. When the body sees an allergen as harmful, it reacts strongly. This response leads to the release of chemicals, which cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, rashes, or difficulty breathing. Allergies can also change with the seasons; as different allergens are more prevalent at different times of the year.
Seasonal Allergy and Cognitive Health
Seasonal allergies can affect your cognitive health in several ways. It becomes tougher to achieve daily targets due to loss of concentration, focus and stress that is caused. Allergies give nasal congestion making it difficult to breathe at night which further cause disturbances in the sleep patterns affecting memory and retaining capability of a person. Regulating mental health is quite necessary for better brain function to reduce brain fog so that one can make healthier decisions & think more clearly on daily basis.
How to Prevent Allergies - Daily Tips
By being aware of above mentioned seasonal triggers, we can better manage our symptoms and maintain our well-being.
Foods to Balance Seasonal Allergy
Including specific food products into your daily diet can help you manage seasonal allergies. Fruits and vegetables such as berries, and citrus fruits that are rich in Vitamin C act as antioxidants that boost the immune system. Green leafy vegetables and ginger provide essential nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties, nuts and seeds like walnuts and flaxseeds offer omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains contribute fiber that supports gut health, further influencing overall immunity.
Cover Your Face
Covering your face with a scarf or wearing a mask can act as a barrier against the allergens that may enter your mouth or nose. (Especially if you are around someone suffering from allergies). Keeping your face covered can soothe the airways and reduce the amount of irritation that one might experience in the nasal passage or throat.
Cover Your Eyes / Use Glasses
When you go out, wearing glasses can provide a physical shield from the irritants present in the atmosphere. As you move out of your house make sure you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust, and other allergens. Wearing sunglasses can minimize dryness and wind exposure of your eyes.
Start Medication
If you want to start with a personalized approach, you may consider taking a supplement with Ashwagandha to calm your nervous system which will also aid in boosting your immune system. Or start medication under a healthcare professional who can help you keep track of your symptoms and trigger patterns.
Keep Your Surroundings Clean
Allergens can accumulate in various areas of your house, clean environment prevents dust and allergens from building up over time. Timely wash the bedsheets, curtains, or carpets that may carry allergens from outside.
Avoid Smoking
Eliminate smoking as it takes you a step closer to numerous harmful chemicals. Cigarette smoke has negative effects on overall health it aggravates allergic symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion leading to inflammation in the nasal passage.
Keep Your Pet Clean
Pets can collect particles in their fur when they go outside therefore you must manage your pet’s hygiene. If you have a pet, then regular brushing and bathing can reduce the amount of dander your pet releases. Make sure you clean your pet regularly so that dust, pollen, and other irritants do not enter your house as, improved air quality can promote better respiratory health minimizing exposure to these triggers.
As the saying goes, your well-being is the masterpiece of your life—paint it with care. Allergies do teach us to appreciate every clear breath.
One must implement effective strategies for prevention that are mentioned above for a holistic lifestyle approach.