Some people have a love-hate relationship with the beautiful season we know as La Primavera (Spring).
For those of us living in the temperate zone, the Spring Equinox offers longer days, with the promise of sun, grass, endless amounts of varied flower species, and quality time with family, significant others, and friends. It’s also an exciting time of birth, renewal, mating, and… ALLERGIES!
Allergies don’t have to take you away from such great activities. By following the tips below, you’ll likely find long term solutions that may reduce or even eliminate your dependence on allergy medications.
*Consult your healthcare practitioner before making changes to your drug regimen.
It’s all about the miel de abeja, Honey. If you’ve got seasonal allergies, try a local raw honey. Eating local honey aids the body with assimilating pollens, building a natural immunity to them. Golden blossom won’t do; raw honey should be cream or beige in color and solid in texture.
Red Grapes. Grapes protect against allergies and asthma. Eat red grapes! Red grape skin has high levels of resveratol, which reduces inflammation. Aside from their major use in wine production, grapes are also great at fighting cell damage due to their high quality antioxidants (www.achooallergy.com).
Are you allergic to Lactose? Eating or drinking dairy products during the spring and summer months can be an especially difficult choice for many. The reason is that dairy products such as milk and cheeses increase mucus. Increased mucus can mean big trouble for allergy sufferers. The results of allergies could be severe and range anywhere from sinus issues, headaches/migraines, sore throat, and runny nose to fatigue, upper respiratory infections, and diarrhea, to name a few.
You may need to eliminate your dairy intake during these months. If you love your cereal in the morning, try it with an organic yogurt instead. The cultures aka ‘good bacteria’ in yogurt make it a safer dairy product that also aids in keeping your digestive system free of mucus and havoc. Some may opt for soy, rice or almond milk products. There are plenty to choose from so feel free to explore your options.
Digestion. Fiber is just as important in keeping your digestive system free of mucus. You can get fiber from vitamin and mineral rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Vitamin D. Our friend, el Sol, provides generous amounts of this much needed vitamin, however, it’s important to limit your daily sun exposure to 30 minutes and use a naturally sourced mineral sunscreen (S U N brand is great and is sold at Target and Whole Foods Market). You’ll also want to visit your nearest health food vendor and see what’s being offered!
Pets and Cleanliness. Are your furry amigos potentially causing your sniffles? Vacuum your floors and furniture often, and thoroughly clean or replace the filter when done. Groom your friends/non human niños regularly to reduce shedding and dander. Walls can collect dust and animal hair, too. Clean your walls —those within your reach, of course—with a dust mop (Pledge brand dry mop and sheets are ideal for the task). If you can’t get to this task due to time or difficulty, consider hiring a cleaning professional.
Are you all over your cat or dog? If so, don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth after smothering your pet. Unfortunately, you must treat them as though they’re your human friend with a cold or flu due to the dander and allergens on their fur. Wash your hands for 30 seconds with a mild antibacterial soap.
You can help yourself by making good food choices and keeping a clean home. If it isn’t already, make your home your personal sanctuary as it is a special place that gives comfort, protection, and shelter. Maintain your environment. It’s your HQ!
La primavera – disfrútala – y ¡Cuídate Latino!
by Jeanelle Roman
About Being Latino Contributors