March means Spring is here. Depending on where you are in the country, this may mean there are some nice warm days followed by some chilly days that can leave you feeling sniffly and a little sick. Regardless of where you are, the arrival of spring means the arrival of seasonal allergies.
When plants begin to bloom again, they release pollen. Our bodies try to protect us from pollen and so it releases a chemical, which ends up giving us runny noses, itchy eyes, and sore throats. These types of symptoms are not always an immediate sign that you have to go to the doctor. That is why ISO is here to help you out on how to deal with those allergies in an easy and natural way.
Staying Healthy
There are three tips that can help prevent the effect of allergies or help them go away if you’re already feeling a little run down.
Tip 1: Tea and Honey.
A cup of tea in the morning is a great way to start your day by strengthening your immune system, soothing your throat, and making sure you’re prepared against allergies. If you are already feeling a scratchy throat or a little sick, add a spoonful of honey to your tea for a natural coating to your throat to take some of that pain away.
Make sure you are drinking herbal tea. These types of teas are naturally decaffeinated and therefore will not dehydrate you as your body is trying to stay healthy. Among the most popular teas to fight against allergies and cold symptoms is Chamomile and Peppermint Tea. Tea is a great supplement to stay healthy but remember to always be drinking water throughout the day, as well!
Tip 2: Clean, Clean, Clean!
Dust and pollen are among the most popular allergens that affect almost everybody. This is why spring cleaning is so important to fight against springtime allergies. The best way to protect yourself from dust irritating your health is to clean and tidy up your living space. Dusting, vacuuming, and routinely washing your sheets and beddings are important.
Make sure pollen, just like dust, does not find its way into your space. Even though the weather is warming up, try to keep all your windows closed while the seasons are changing. Pollen falling into, or past, open windows exposes you more to this allergen and increases your chances of feeling a little sick.
Tip 3: Have a Healthy Diet.
What you consume is among the most important things to prevent getting sick. The food you eat is what provides your body with the resources it needs to fight off allergies and the common cold. Foods that are high in dairy as well as in starch and sugar are ones to stay away from, or at least have in moderation. Food with healthy fatty acids are ones that you should try to include more into your diet. These types of nutrients act as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve any sinus pain or pressure you may have during this allergy season. Foods with these nutrients are nuts like walnuts and fishes like salmon. For even easier reference, this picture has lots of foods that can help you out during this allergy season. Strawberries, kiwis, almonds, cashews, and eggs are all great foods to have in your diet.
When is it time to go to the Doctor?
For most seasonal allergies, you do not have to visit an Urgent Care or a doctor for symptoms like a runny nose, a mildly sore throat, or scratchy eyes. Rest, lots of water, tea, and a healthy diet should do the trick and have you feeling better. Sometimes even an air purifier can help soothe the air around you to make your throat and nose feel better.
For days that you need something a little stronger, there are over the counter (OTC) medicines you can use for some relief. Among the best recommended for allergy symptoms are Zyrtec and Allegra, which you can get at any drug store. For a stronger OTC drug, try Benadryl, but just be warned that this medicine can make you tired and drowsy. This one is better to take at night, as you prepare to go to bed. Check out a further explanation of meds you can take here.
If you find yourself feeling worse, or coming down with a fever, then it is time to visit a doctor. For help on finding what doctor you can visit on an ISO plan, check out our website or contact our office to have one of our customer care representatives assist you. Your ISO policy is valid worldwide with limited or no coverage at insured home country or country of permanent residence.
Remember that while your body is working hard to fight through seasonal allergies, it may be harder to fight off other germs. That is why it is especially important to make sure you follow these tips and are doing what you can, so your body is strong to fight against illnesses.
