One of the reasons why a lot of people with allergies automatically experience severe flare-ups during the spring and summer is not so much the change in weather. More often than not, it’s the lack of preparation for the allergy seasons.
This should not come as a surprise because healthy living is not an easy commitment to make. First and foremost, while health buffs encourage exercise and smart eating, most of them do not discuss the monetary cost of managing health, which many people struggle with.
Therefore, some people suffering from allergies fail at prevention, which does not cost much. For example, they continue to opt for quick and cheap alternatives than thoughtfully prepared homemade dinners, which are more nutritious and can boost their immune system.
Plus, they depend too much on over-the-counter allergy relief, which is supposed to function as allergy support and not as the main means of allergy flare-up prevention.
Reducing the High Cost of Managing Allergies
If you wish to keep the cost of allergy management low, there are several ways to do so. However, do bear in mind that prevention is always better than treatment.
Implementing the right practices does do away with the need for costly medical treatment and loss of income due to excessive sick leaves.
And speaking of smart preventative practices that can reduce the cost of managing or treating allergy flare-ups, here are seven of them:
1. Clean your home regularly
Make it a habit to keep your home tidy and keep allergens at bay. Everything — from dust to animal dander and even little insects that can trigger allergies — will effectively be taken out of your sanctuary if you clean regularly and efficiently.
Vacuum all upholstered furniture and the filter of your AC, and wipe down everything with a damp cloth as often as practicable. This takes away the need to dedicate an entire day to cleaning a big buildup of dirt at home if you do not regularly clean it.
2. Exercise
Working out is an effective immune system booster. It stimulates the release of healthy hormones such as endorphins and serotonin, which have been proven to keep allergies at bay.
You do not need a gym membership to exercise. There are programs available online that you can follow at home, which will not only strengthen you physically but also get rid of toxins in your body that can aggravate allergies.
If you can’t run for any reason, a brisk walk around the neighborhood for 15 minutes or more should be sufficient exercise as long as you make a habit of it.
3. Start weekly menu planning and meal preparation
Creating a weekly menu can do so much in ensuring that you are eating healthily. It does not need to be costly or time-consuming because you can already prepare your meals beforehand. And to manage your allergies, look for recipes with ingredients that are known to fight allergies such as turmeric, lemon, garlic, honey, berries, and others.
This way, even if you find yourself too busy within the week, you do not have to settle for heavily processed fast food with low nutrients. You can still eat healthily to strengthen your body against common diseases and boost your immune system against allergens.
4. Drink tea
Hot or warm beverages such as tea are beneficial for the body. They aid in the body’s natural elimination process. At the same time, they come with vitamins and minerals that can reduce the impact of exposure to allergens.
It’s important to mention, too, that there are affordable and easy-to-brew teas for allergies. Licorice root, rooibos, peppermint, honey-ginger-lemon, stinging nettle, lemongrass, and apple and verbena are just some of the tea concoctions that you can treat yourself to for the prevention of allergy flare-ups.
5. Get enough sleep
Sleep will not cost you anything, but it can do wonders for your overall health. The problem is most people these days let all sorts of distractions prevent them from getting a proper night’s sleep, which is essential for cell turnover, rejuvenation and energy.
If you have allergic rhinitis, you will find that waking up to the sniffles, coughing, and sneezing are not that terrible if you have managed to get a full night’s sleep. So, turn in early, shut off your phone, drink chamomile tea, and create a relaxing atmosphere for your bedroom to induce sleep.
6. Make a habit of changing your clothes after spending time outside
Quite often, exposure to allergens happens outdoors. You’re exposed to different elements, and all kinds of particulates can stick to your clothing. Dust, dirt, pollen — all of these can attach to your clothes, and then you bring them into your home.
Therefore, to prevent prolonged exposure to potential allergy triggers, change your clothes the moment you get home and put them directly in the laundry.
7. Take a warm bath after spending time outdoors
Allergens do not only stick to clothes, but they can attach to your hair and skin as well. A warm bath soon after coming home will wash them all away.
Do not lie down on your bed or sofa before hitting the shower — this is one of the best ways to prevent the chance of allergens settling into your home.
Sticking to a Budget While Living with Allergies is Easy
When you do not want to spend a lot of money on keeping your allergies at bay, living more intentionally or mindfully is always a solid strategy.
Implement the practical tips shared above, and you can worry less about the often costly treatment of severe allergies.
