7 Weird Ways to Make Allergies More Bearable

This article originally appeared on Time.com. 

During allergy season—or on any pet-filled day of the year—many people rely on medications or allergy shots to provide much-needed relief. But doctors may also recommend alternative remedies or lifestyle tweaks to deal with allergy triggers.

“These options aren’t necessarily mainstream medicine, but they’re consistent with the evolution toward precision medicine,” says Dr. Stephen Tilles, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “We’re trying to find treatments that work for patients in real life, not just treatments that work for patients on paper.” Here are a few lesser-known strategies that may help with itching, sneezing and other allergy symptoms.

Pop probiotic supplements

A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with mild to moderate allergies who took Kyo-Dophilus—an over-the-counter combination of the probiotics lactobacilli and bifidobacteria—suffered fewer allergy-related symptoms and reported improved quality of life, compared to those who took placebo pills.

Experts believe that probiotics help regulate the body’s immune response to allergens. “We’re still cautious about making any definite conclusions, but I think it’s certainly reasonable and safe for patients to try a probiotic and see if it helps,” says Tilles.

Try acupuncture

Tilles also says that plenty of his patients have found acupuncture effective for allergy relief. There’s some scientific support for the idea, as well. A 2013 study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients who received acupuncture in addition to taking antihistamines reported fewer allergy symptoms, and were able to take less medicine, than those who got fake acupuncture or none at all. More research is needed to determine exactly how it may work,

Crank your car’s air conditioning

You may not be able to avoid pollen when you’re spending time outdoors, but there are ways to limit your exposure when you’re indoors or on the road. In the car, that could be as simple as keeping windows rolled up and turning on the air conditioner.

“The car’s air conditioner is an effective filter, whereas the regular vent is not,” says Tilles. “Even if it’s not terribly warm out, you may want to run the AC and adjust the temperature so the air is warmer.”

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Keep windows closed at home

Try a similar strategy in your house by keeping windows closed whenever the temperature allows. “Overnight that’s especially important, because in the morning hours, before you wake up, the pollen may be exceedingly high,” says Tilles.

Pollen doesn’t just enter homes through the windows, though; it can also be brought in on shoes, clothing and hair. Taking off shoes and jackets as soon as you come inside—and showering before bed—can help reduce the time you spend breathing in allergens.

Apply a cold washcloth

When Tilles’ own allergy symptoms get bad, he turns to a simple remedy for relief. “Sometimes nothing feels better than a cold, damp cloth applied to the face and around the eyes,” he says. Not only is the cool temperature soothing to inflamed, puffy eyes and sinuses, but wiping the face may also help remove traces of pollen and other allergens. “When the itching and irritation gets really bad, it can really provide a quick moment of escape.”

Buy a neti pot

Rinsing nasal passages with a saline-water solution can flush out the tiny particles that trigger allergies, says Tilles. “This is dramatically effective for a lot of patients, and it’s a very reasonable, safe and well-tolerated option,” he says. (Saline drops for the eyes can work wonders as well, he adds.)

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Nasal irrigation is usually done with a neti pot, an over-the-counter device with a spout designed for easy pouring through the nasal cavity. You can buy ready-to-use saline mixes or make your own at home. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends always using distilled, sterilized or boiled (and cooled) water in neti pots, as tap water can contain microorganisms that are safe to swallow but can be dangerous in the nasal passages.

Rest and relax

Finding ways to reduce stress levels may have the added benefit of reducing allergy symptoms. In a 2014 study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, people who reported higher stress levels experienced more allergy flares over two 14-day periods than those who were less stressed.

“There is literature now proving that stress has detrimental effects on the immune system and our susceptibility to a variety of things, including allergies,” says Tilles. Taking steps to reduce stress is a good idea for everyone, he adds—allergies or not.

7 Weird Ways to Make Allergies More Bearable

The Weird Reason Some People Are Allergic to Fruits and Veggies

My mouth sometimes itches after I eat produce. Could I be reacting to the pesticides?While some studies have linked the rise in food allergies to exposure to particular pesticides over time, it’s very rare to have a true allergic reaction to the pesticide residues that can remain on produce. That said, allergies are very individual, and there’s no harm in trying out certified organic produce—which is free of synthetic pesticides—to see if that does the trick.If going organic doesn’t help, though, it is possible to be allergic to the fruits and vegetables themselves. Some people have what’s called oral allergy syndrome, meaning they get reactions to certain proteins found in various fruits and vegetables. RELATED: Your 12 Worst Allergy MistakesFor example, bananas, avocados, kiwis, and more can cause cross-reactions in people who are allergic to latex—an allergy you may not realize you have if you’re not, say, a health care worker or someone who wears a lot of rubber gloves. Those who have allergies to birch, ragweed, or grass pollens may react to things like hazelnut, peaches, celery, sunflower seeds, and zucchini, to name a few.An allergist can do skin or blood tests to see which protein is causing your cross-reactions, and that can help you pinpoint foods to stay away from. Some people find that their symptoms occur only during allergy season or that they can, for example, eat apple pie without an issue but can’t bite into a fresh apple. That’s because cooking with high heat breaks down the problem proteins that cause the cross-reactions. RELATED: 11 Weird Things That Make Seasonal Allergies WorseItchiness may seem like a minor symptom now, but it’s very important to sleuth out your triggers with your doctor and avoid the ones that bring it on. Even if you’ve had only a mild reaction in the past, in rare cases your reactions could lead to anaphylaxis, a dangerous type of reaction that can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and constricted airways.Health’s medical editor, Roshini Rajapaksa, MD, is assistant professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. Meet Dr. Raj at the Health Total Wellness Weekend at Canyon Ranch in May 2015. For details, go to Health.com/TotalWellness.

The Weird Reason Some People Are Allergic to Fruits and Veggies

Weird But Amazing Natural Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Let’s just straight to the point here: yeast infections suck. There is nothing more irritating, uncomfortable, and frankly embarrassing than being plagued by this itchy, painful, itchy, discharge producing, itchy, smelly – and did I say itchy? – malady. We need remedies, fast.

Whether it is the result of antibiotic use or weakened immunity, the symptoms related to yeast infections are persistent and unbearable. As such, effective short and long term solutions need to be implemented straight away for relief and ongoing wellness.

Yeast infections and vaginal thrush occur due to the overgrowth of the fungus Candida Albicans. It is increasingly common, and indicative of unbalanced micro-flora in the vaginal area. Conventional medical advice would tell you to use a hydrocortisone cream to battle the side effects, but this is only a short term solution, and often loses its efficacy with repeated use.

There is no need to rely on pharmaceuticals to restore a healthy vaginal environment.  Safe and effective – if unconventional, and surprising – alternative therapies can and do work, while protecting your body from harsh, destabilizing chemicals.

With sincere empathy for my fellow sufferers, I’m pleased to present my honest-to-goodness, personally tested, highly recommended, weird but amazing natural remedies for battling yeast infections and intimidating the itch.

Eliminate with Essential Oil Remedies

The quickest and easiest method of dealing with such unpleasant side effects as inflammation, pain, or itching is the application of essential oils.

The two I’ve used to greatest effect are organic lavender and tea tree oils. Both are armed with anti-fungal properties are going to fight the overgrowth of the harmful yeast pathogens, while protecting the delicate balance of flora .

While there are dozens of essential oils on the market, choose pure, organic sources, of the highest quality to ensure best results.

In acute cases, this remedy offers almost immediate relief – and when you are at your sister’s wedding, scratching yourself into oblivion isn’t a viable option, so it’s always handy to have a back-up plan.

How to apply:

You can administer this oil remedy in a variety of ways according to preference.

Here are my top three:

1. Oil application: mix 1-2 drops of either essential oil with ½ teaspoons of coconut oil. Apply to affected area. Using the oil technique has the added benefit of soothing and moisturizing the inflamed tissue.


2. Water application: same as above, only dilute the essential oil(s) with water.


3. Soaked tampon: make a mixture of 4-5 drops of essential oil to 2 tablespoons of water or melted coconut oil. Soak a tampon in the solution. Insert as per usual. Change twice daily till symptoms subside.

A word of warning: these oils are highly concentrated and extremely potent; careless or excessive use can have an adverse effect, so be sure to proceed with due caution.

Garlic Remedies

Raw garlic is an essential component to battling yeast infections. It can be used internally and externally, offering powerful anti-fungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, and is even shown to be effective against parasites.

While eating crushed raw garlic offers numerous health benefits, the following approach to dealing with yeast infections is more palatable, but does require a pioneering mindset.

Inserting whole cloves of garlic into your vagina may sound like homespun voodoo insanity – but that is exactly what I am proposing you do. I wouldn’t blame you for hitch-hiking away from this advice as soon as possible. However, I also wouldn’t suggest such an outlandish tactic if I couldn’t personally attest to the results.

After a single application, you will realize the power of this seemingly questionable, yet powerful, natural remedy. This anti-fungal treatment basically ensures that the bad bugs are going to get it in the neck, and your natural balance will quickly be restored.

How to apply:

Always use fresh, organic garlic. Start by slightly scoring the outside of the peeled clove – this will allow the release of beneficial properties, without it being too overpowering.

Then, string your clove onto a strong piece of thread with a sterile needle, leaving plenty of extra string at the bottom; this will effectively create a tampon-like device (and if you think of this whole exercise like an alternative tampon, it is not nearly so scary as you first thought).

If you are shy, start with one clove; you can work your way up to three or four as you become more confident.

Insert just as you would a tampon; gently, letting your anatomy guide you. The farther up you go, the more secure it will be. Later, when you are ready to remove it, tug the string and you’re done. See? You’re a pro already.

Change twice daily, until symptoms subside.

Worried about a stray clove getting lost in the worst possible place? Women have been terrified of tampons going amiss in their vaginal cavity for decades; the truth is, it can’t happen, and strange hippie garlic remedies are no exception.

If you do lose track of a clove, do not panic. It will naturally ease its way down and out in a day or two.

Probiotic Remedies

While you are busy killing off all the yeasty yoiks in town, it’s crucial that you strengthen your defenses with a steady stream of probiotics at the same time. This is going to ensure that you recover quickly, optimize your bacterial balance, improve immune function, and prevent re-infection.

Additionally, bug balance contributes to a top-notch brain function, hormone happiness, and a strong gut – so there’s more reason that ever to get your fair share.

How to Apply:

There are three primary ways in which you can use probiotics to your greatest advantage, which can be explored separately or in combination.

1. Eat: With delicious options such as kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables becomingly increasingly popular, you can buy and make healthful foods and drinks that are bursting with friendly flora.


2. Supplement: You can buy probiotic supplements online or over the counter in most health stores. Look for strains with saccharomyces boulardii, which actively eats harmful yeasts.


3. Vaginally: you have a couple of options here –

• You can apply a soothing coat of probiotic rich milk kefir or plain yogurt to the inflamed tissue, and wear a pad for continued relief.


• You can soak a tampon in milk kefir or plain yogurt and insert it for internal relief.


• You can insert a probiotic capsule vaginally – the deeper the better. Over the course of the day, the gelatin capsule will dissolve and release healing flora.

When battling an active infection, the first port of call is simply dealing with the crashing distraction of the red, raw, burning, itching, angry symptoms. Secondly, and most importantly, is supporting your body’s long term wellness.

There are two natural supplements that have seen me through the darkness of disaster many times. By turfing out the pests good and proper, taking this extra step will provide lasting harmony and vaginal health.

Capryllic Acid

This is a coconut derived fatty-acid does all the heavy lifting when it comes to ridding the raiders.

Dose up to ensure that the excessive yeast cells are not only weakened, but killed. Thoroughly eradicating these beasties using safe methods is just good biological business sense. Restoring a healthy balance of microorganisms after an infection is essential for continued harmony.

Start taking at the first sign of symptom onset, and continue taking according to the label for 3-4 days after subsidence.

Monolaurin

Monolaurin, also derived from coconut oil is marketed as an overall immune enhancer, but is essentially a bio-film disruptor: this means that the tough-to-crack exterior of the unwelcome invaders is compromised, and far easier to combat.

Tough dudes that run the yeast business will likely need a good, old fashioned talking-to, and this will be your best shot at winning the negotiations.

Non-toxic and safe for both short and long term use, it’s an essential component to keeping your vulva vital.

Combine it with the anti-fungal muscles of caprylic acid, and this dynamic-duo will knock out even the toughest villains.

These remedies are likely to challenge your medical preconceptions and biological barriers; that’s OK. It took me a while to feel comfortable using this weird and wonderful approach. But, woman to woman, I guarantee you can ditch the itch and rock on with real life in no time flat.

Go on. Feel better

Sources:

https://expertnutrition.com What is Lauradicin? A Review and How to Take Monolaurin

http://wellnessmama.com Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

Weird But Amazing Natural Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections

9 Weird Things That Make Your Allergies Worse

Allergies are already the worst, but did you know you could be unintentionally making them even more unbearable? Turns out, there are quite a few things that you might be doing that are making your allergies worse. For example, certain raw fruits may give some allergy sufferers an allergic reaction. And your scented candle? It could be irritating your eyes and nose. Watch this video for nine things that are making your allergies worse, so you can know what to cut in order to feel better. 

Don’t have time to watch? Read the full transcript:

Apples, cantaloupe, tomatoes: These raw fruits can have proteins on their skins that resemble pollen. Up to 1/3 of people with pollen allergies may also have allergic reactions when eating these fruits raw. 

Contact lenses: Soft lenses can absorb airborne irritants like pollen or smoke.

Stress: Stress may increase flare-ups for people who suffer from hay fever. 

Alcohol: One study says that women who had more than 14 drinks a week were 78% more likely to develop a perpetually stuffy nose compared to women who drank less. 

Perfume and candles: Anything with added fragrance can irritate the lining of the eyelids and nasal passages. 

Your clothes: Especially clothing made from rough or sticky fabrics like wool, which clings to pollen and dust. 

Bathing in the morning: Pollen sticks to skin and hair. So shower before bed to wash away allergens clinging to your body. 

9 Weird Things That Make Your Allergies Worse