Four Tips To Control Allergies This Summer

Don’t let allergies ruin your summer fun!

If you’re not familiar with what seasonal allergies are, consider yourself lucky! Those of us who feel the effects of these allergies typically suffer from a runny nose, itchy throat and eyes, sneezing & coughing, due to a reaction to plant pollen. While Spring usually gets a bad rap for being the worst for allergies, each season has its own unique pollen contributors, and you can be exposed to many different types of allergens depending on your surrounding environment. We know allergy symptoms are no fun, but your plans don’t have to be ruined by allergies. Here are four tips to help you get in control of your allergies this summer!

Tip 1: Reduce Your Exposure to Allergy Triggers

While you unfortunately can’t avoid allergy season altogether, you can reduce your exposure to the triggers that cause allergies. Pollen is everywhere outside, and it’s the most common trigger for allergies during the summer. Common symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth
• Swelling around the eyes

The good news is you can get an idea of pollen counts from some trusted resources. Many local weather websites are able to provide allergy forecasts. They provide a breakdown of the tree pollen, grass pollen, and ragweed pollen. For most people, the best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to minimize the amount of pollen you allow into your home. Here are some helpful ideas:

• Keep your windows closed and change air filters in your home regularly.
• Change clothing when you go back inside, and shower at night to remove pollen from your skin & hair so it stays off your sheets.
• If you have pets, keep them bathed & groomed especially if they’re spending a lot of time running outside. 
• When driving, try to keep windows rolled up, and change your air filters regularly.
• Keep your home, car, and workspaces clean and free of dust.

Tip 2: How to Combat Seasonal Allergies

If you have seasonal allergies, here are some tips to help you deal with them. The most popular treatment of course, is over the counter medication. However, allergy relief medication can also make you drowsy and come with other side effects when used long-term. So find medications that work best for you and that don’t interfere with your daily tasks. When dealing with a stuffy nose, nasal sprays and saline irrigations can be effective, but most importantly make sure you are not touching your face regularly. Avoiding touching your face and eyes will help reduce what gets into your body from the things you touch. 

For more natural remedies to combat seasonal allergies, consider things like raw, unfiltered, local honey (to get your body used to local pollens), butterbur (which can be equally as effective as antihistamines for itchy eyes), probiotics (to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis), and of course loading up on Vitamin C (around 2,000 mg daily can reduce histamine levels). As always, consult with a medical professional before beginning any new medications, supplements, or home remedies to be sure they are safe for you.

Tip 3: Fight Allergies with The Funk Fixer

A powerful way to combat allergies is with The Funk Fixer, an allergy relief drip that contains one liter of IV fluids, a minor pain reliever for that headache, an anti-inflammatory to help with those congestion symptoms and some vitamins to boost your energy. Our drips can help you build up immunity so you can continue to enjoy those summer activities.

Tip 4: Other tips to continue to have allergy-free summer fun!

Don’t forget to protect yourself and your family by doing some of these things to prepare for allergy season:

• Gear up with accessories such as hats, and glasses when you’re outside.
• Keep eye drops on hand to help you with eye relief. (For severe eye itchiness, I’m a fan of “Blink” gel tears, especially before bedtime so you wake up with less dry eye).
• Take off your shoes when you come into your home or keep them out of your room.
• Try an air purifier, they can help filter the air in your home, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Set recurring alarms/notifications to remind you to change air filters in your home & car regularly.
• Wash your hands and face often, especially after coming from outside.
• Wash your pillowcase and sheets often to prevent allergens from building up throughout the day. 
• Wash your curtains regularly because certain fabrics can attract a lot of allergens and build up dust.
• Make sure to wash your dog’s bed often and any fabric they may be sharing with you.

What other tips and tricks do you use during the peak of allergy season?