About a quarter of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. In most people, seasonal allergies occur when the body overreacts to pollen in the spring or fall. If this is you, your body mistakes pollen for germs when you breathe in these particles. Your immune system responds by releasing chemicals called histamines to clear the allergens out, and those chemicals cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, sinus congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat, and others. If you want to avoid being miserable all season long, follow these tips to keep seasonal allergies at bay.

1. Limit Your Exposure

For most people, seasonal allergies begin when pollen counts start climbing. If you’re allergic to pollen, you need to limit your exposure to these allergens as much as possible. Pay attention to local forecasts of pollen counts so you can be prepared. Try to stay indoors on windy, high-pollen days. If you need to go outdoors while pollen counts are high, wear sunglasses and a face mask to minimize the amount of pollen that gets in your eyes, mouth, and nose. Rain washes pollen out of the air, so plan to do outdoor chores after a heavy rain when pollen counts are at their lowest.

2. Protect Your Indoor Air

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate allergens from your home, there are some things you can do to limit the amount of pollen in your indoor air. Keep your windows and doors closed when possible during allergy season to block pollen from getting in. You may not realize it, but pollen can stick to your clothes, shoes, skin, and hair after spending time outside. To keep your indoor air clean and limit exposure, it’s best to take off your shoes, put your clothes in the laundry room, and take a shower as soon as you come inside. If you have pets, wipe them down when they come inside, too, to remove pollen from their fur. Install a HEPA air filter to remove as much pollen from the air as possible, and make sure you change air filters regularly so they can continue to clean your indoor air.

3. Rinse Your Sinuses

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you can rinse your sinuses to help remove pollen and minimize symptoms. Use a nasal irrigation device such as a neti pot to flush your sinuses with a saline solution. This can help rinse out allergens and germs from your nasal passages before they can cause symptoms. Additionally, a sinus rinse can flush out mucus to reduce congestion and keep your airways clear. You can make your own saline solution at home for your sinus rinse by mixing a cup of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt and a dash of baking soda. Make sure you only use sterile or distilled water in your solution to reduce the risk of an infection.

4. Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated if you want to keep your seasonal allergies at bay. Allergies can cause a buildup of mucus in your nasal passages, resulting in blocked airways and uncomfortable sinus pressure. Drinking plenty of fluids can thin and loosen mucus to encourage drainage. This may relieve some of your nasal congestion and other allergy symptoms. Make sure you opt for hydrating fluids such as water, fruit juice, and unsweetened tea. Try to avoid beverages that contain caffeine, excess sugars, and alcohol, as these can be dehydrating. If your allergy symptoms include a sore throat or cough, warm liquids such as herbal tea or broth could help soothe these symptoms while providing necessary hydration.

5. Take Supplements

Certain dietary supplements may be effective in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies. There is evidence that vitamin C may help with allergies because it acts as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant, and it can help decrease inflammation and related symptoms of an allergic response. Quercetin is another great natural supplement, as it offers antioxidant support for respiratory function, nasal comfort, and immune function. The Aller-Essentials dietary supplement contains both vitamin C and quercetin as well as other allergy-fighting nutrients and herbal extracts such as EpiCor, Indian tinospora, hesperidin, and apple extract. This formula is designed to promote healthy immune function, aid in nasal function and comfort, and provide support for stabilizing mast cells to reduce histamine levels.

Boost Your Immune System to Fight Seasonal Allergies

If you’re tired of suffering from unpleasant seasonal allergies, you may want to try giving your immune system a boost so it can better respond to allergens. This can help alleviate some of your allergy symptoms and help you stay healthy from respiratory infections. Check out these top 5 ways to boost your immune system so you can stay healthy and feel your best all season long!