How to beat Spring Sniffles

Spring is defiantly in the air... and so are allergens! Sniffling, sneezing, sinus infections and itchy eyes affect up to 40 million people in the U.S. every year. Here’s an interesting fact: Allergens are actually generally harmless to our bodies, it's our immune systems that are to blame, mistaking them for dangerous intruders. In response, as a defense mechanism our immune systems tell our bodies to release histamine, which expands blood vessels and causes eyes to water, skin to itch and congestion. And when these springtime allergies act up... so do our number of sick days. According to the World Allergy Association, in one large study 55% of workers reported calling in sick because of allergies - Sorry boss! 

Allergens are everywhere and there is virtually no way of escaping them, however we CAN prepare for them. Here are some ways to help fight back against your unfortunate spring allergy attacks: 

Trim the grass - Keeping your grass tidy will limit the amount of space pollen and other allergens have to get stuck between grass blades. 

Try to avoid the wind -  Pollen travels. When the weather forecast predicts wind, take caution. Try to stay inside if possible and close all windows to prevent allergens from entering your home. Today might NOT be the day to take out the convertible! 

Keep it cool - Allergens love warm weather, so utilize your air conditioner and keep your home cool. It will help prevent pollen from wanting to enter. If your allergies are sever, try to avoid using a fan that can whirl around dust and pet hair.

Get a pair of hollywood shades - Big sunglasses aren't just for the sun. You should wear them year-round to protect your eyes from the suns UV-rays. Sunglasses will also act as a shield to help prevent pollen from getting in your eyes! 

Shower and do the laundry often - Hitting the showers and doing your laundry might sound obvious, but showering before bed and doing your laundry every night will help rinse off any allergens that may be stuck to your skin, hair and fabric of your clothes.

Rinse it out! - At the beginning and end of every day try cleaning out your nasal passages with salt and water spray. The liquid will flow through the nasal cavity andwash out allergens and mucus. Make sure to speak with a doctor before purchasing or preforming any home remedies. 

Make a trip to the drug store - Eye drops and allergy medicine might help with your symptoms. You can also try taking an extra dose of Vitamin C to help strengthen your immune system as it prepares for battle. 

Eat smart - Surprisingly, some foods are known to help prevent spring allergies. Here are 5 foods that will help fight spring allergies...

• Nuts: They’re a healthy snack and are high in magnesium and vitamin E. Magnesium protects against the wheezing that accompanies asthma, and vitamin E boosts immunity while simultaneously protecting the body from free radicals, which cause tissue damage and inflammation.
• Apples: An apple a day helps keep your allergies away. Apples are rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fish: Omega-3 fatty acids in seafood have natural anti-inflammatory effects that boost the immune system. Most allergies happen when your immune system starts to fight off allergens or what it thinks are "intruders" within our bodies.
• Red Grapes: The skin of red grapes is high in antioxidants and resveratrol, an anti-inflammatory. Eating foods high in antioxidants can reduce inflammation in your ENTIRE body.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and a good choice for the sneezing season. Vitamin C is an immune system booster and natural antihistamine, which suppresses swelling. 

Do you have go-to's for allergy season? What are your secret weapons when allergies strike? If you have a home remedy or secret tip, let us know!