5 Allergy Fighters You May Not Have Thought Of

5 Allergy Fighters You May Not Have Thought Of
Put your neighbor kid to work, and don’t be afraid to rock the neti pot
You can ease your allergy ailments without prescription and over-the-counter drugs this season.
By Leah Zerbe
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
06-03-09

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Just the thought of allergy season may have you reaching for a tissue. Or Claritin. Seasonal allergies are nothing to sneeze at, and more than two-thirds of people actually have symptoms year-round, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Popping pills is easy, but we’re here to remind you of other tried-and-true (and often forgotten) methods of dealing with stubborn seasonal allergies. Avoidance is the best prescription, but that’s not always possible.

Here are your secret tools for beating allergies without drugs.

1. The Internet. Use your keyboard as a tool to combat itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. First, take the Self-Relief Test to figure out the severity of your problem. You can also keep an eye on pollen and mold counts by checking the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website every day (keep in mind, levels are usually highest during midday). If your Internet connection conks out, look to the sky and use this general rule of thumb: cloudy, windless days = less pollen. You can also shop online for that new vacuum cleaner, if you don’t already have one equipped with a HEPA filter, something essential for allergy sufferers.

2. That weird-shaped pot. “No way! I’m not doing that!” If you’ve ever found yourself grimacing at the thought of using a neti pot, you may want to reconsider. Filling the little pot with a saline solution and flushing it through your nostrils is an increasingly popular way of dealing with allergies naturally. Plus, research shows it’s just as effective as medicine, without all the side effects. And while it may look like you’re snorting liquid from a bullhorn, many doctors say it’s worth the initially awkward sensation. “Neti pots and sinus saline rinse are becoming a standard treatment for patients with allergies and sinus disease. No question they are well received by many allergists, ear, nose, and throat doctors, and others who treat allergies,” says Clifford Bassett, MD, a fellow of the ACAAI.

3. A massage. Relaxation unleashes a biological mechanism that prevents the brain from sending the “attack the allergens!” response that gets you sneezing and wheezing.

To read the full article: http://www.rodale.com/natural-allergy-remedies?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_03-_-Top5-_-NA