If watery eyes and sneezing are surefire signals that spring has arrived, you're not alone. A survey commissioned by pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson suggests as many as 10 million Canadians may suffer allergy symptoms and that more women than men admit to symptoms. The survey also found that 55 per cent of Canadians claim their allergies cut into their productivity and more than a quarter say they'll limit their outdoor time to prevent the onset of symptoms. An estimated 35 million American adults suffer from seasonal allergies, and for many the season that brings budding trees and blooming flowers can also bring the worst symptoms. And while you may already be armed with your drug of choice (Allegra and Claritin as an over-the-counter option), there are other measures to keep in mind to help you breathe easy. Read on for four additional ways to get the best of your springtime sniffles.
Isotonix OPC3- Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts, and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol® in the world. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and the most clinically researched and potent bioflavonoid.
There are over 100 benefits of taking OPC3! It's a natural antihistamine, it combats free radicals, potent free radical scavenger, demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity, helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins and promotes sinus comfort too name a few.
It is by far the most effective product on the market for not only seasonal allergies but ALL allergies! Too get more information on OPC3 CLICK HERE.
Workout Inside - If outdoor running, biking, walking, or any other activity is how you get your exercise, you might want to consider moving your activity indoors so you're exposed to fewer outdoor allergens throughout the day. Instead, try out a Zumba DVD, short-term gym membership or a yoga class. And if you really need to workout in fresh air, do so when pollen counts are not at their peak; check
The Weather Network for up-to-date levels in your area code.
Food- First, what to avoid… One of the best strategies to alleviate those miserable symptoms is to steer clear of alcohol and other histamine containing foods. As far as alcohol goes, wine (both red and white) seem to be the worst instigators. Sulfites are part of the issue with these drinks, but histamines that result during the fermentation process also wreak havoc. If you have allergy issues, consider avoiding other foods subject to aging and fermentation like aged cheese, pickles, and sauerkraut. And as for yeast, it’s one more reason to ditch bread.
Research supports the particular benefits of fresh produce, fish and nuts for reducing both the symptoms of existing allergies as well as the development of allergies later in life. Another
study with Greek children linked high intake of nuts, fruits and vegetables with a lower risk for respiratory allergy.
The EPA and DHA in fish and fish oil has been shown to be among the best preventative options for allergic disorders. Tea, particularly green or white, offers a big flavonoid boost that reduces inflammation and supports general immune function. Buy local honey.
Because bees pick up the pollen of their environment, the resulting honey can offer something of a therapeutic dose for gradual desensitization – much like an allergy shot. It’s important to start small (1/4 teaspoon daily – max) and work your way up to gradually build tolerance.
Certain common foods may aggravate seasonal allergies, physicians say. Make sure you wash your food and you may want to cook or steam your veggies. A great solution to wash your food.
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp baking soda
¾ cup of vinegar
10 drops of grapefruit seed extract
Switch your shower time - Wash your hair before you hit the hay — your luscious locks can collect pollen and other allergens throughout the day. Showering in the evening rather than the morning means you're exposed to fewer irritants while you sleep.
Now going out in the warmer weather just may be more enjoyable this year.
Have a Healthy and Successful Allergy Free Day!
The ability to breathe properly is fundamental to good health. Don't take the health of your respiratory system for granted, even if you are not a smoker - consider these supplements, which can help to promote lung health:
