IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, when seasonal allergies start to kick into play. You know the symptoms; sneezing, watery, itchy eyes and a runny nose. When we encounter allergens, our bodies try to mount an attack on foreign invaders (pollen) by releasing histamine or leukotrienes, causing infammation. Tese chemicals then cause sneezing, coughing, runny nose and watery eyes to help get rid of these nasty little invaders.

I’ve found a few tips to help reduce or alleviate symptoms—and some of the sufering—over the years:

1. Change clothes and shower immediately after outdoor workouts to keep pollen from coming inside.
2. Exercise indoors (if you must) with air conditioning to keep the allergens to a minimum.
3. Wear a hat and sunglasses to keep pollen from getting into your eyes and hair.
4. Vacuum carpets with a HEPA flter often to trap allergens and keep your home as pollen free as possible.
5. Change the air flters in your home every month during allergy season.
6. Use a neti pot with saline solution to rinse allergens out of your nasal passages.
7. Take herbs such as butterbur, grape seed, mullein, echinacea and goldenseal to support your immune system.
8. Drink peppermint tea. The essential oils in peppermint act like a decongestant and have anti-infammatory properties. Inhale the steam for an added beneft.
9. Eat wasabi to open up sinuses.

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