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Natural Tips to Beat Seasonal Respiratory Health Challenges
(StatePoint) Spring and
summer can be particularly difficult times of year for those
with respiratory health challenges, when simple activities
like gardening, walking the dog and reading a book on the
patio can cause itching, wheezing, sneezing and trouble
breathing.
“It is all about improving
one’s immune function in response to environmental factors,
which can mean the difference between perpetual discomfort
and a happy, vital spring and summer,” says Kelly Heim, PhD,
senior director of Scientific Affairs at Pure
Encapsulations, a leading manufacturer of dietary
supplements.
Whether you are looking to
make your garden the envy of the neighborhood, or you simply
want to stay active and comfortable while enjoying the
outdoors, consider the following treatments and tips.
Something Sweet
Honey isn’t just
delicious; it can be therapeutic, potentially helping you to
alleviate seasonal symptoms. However, it is important you
select honey produced in your local area for this strategy
to work. You should also know that this immunotherapeutic
approach won’t protect against all the causes of respiratory
health challenges.
Dietary Supplements
Your nutritional intake
can have a large impact on the way you feel in spring.
Consider a dietary supplement designed to support both
innate and adaptive immune response. For example, Pure
Encapsulations Aller-Essentials with EpiCor contains a blend
of nutrients and herbal extracts designed to promote healthy
immune function in response to environmental factors.
Research suggests that it
enhances natural killer cell activation, B cell and T cell
function, and salivary IgA levels; and that the quercetin,
hesperidin and vitamin C in the supplement provide
additional support for stabilizing mast cells which can
release histamines and exacerbate respiratory issues. More
information can be found at PureEncapsulations.com/alleressentials.
Practical Considerations
While building up your
immune response is crucial in the battle against respiratory
problems, you can make your home a healthy oasis from with a
few practical considerations. Create a makeshift mudroom or
landing zone in your foyer. Remove shoes and outer layers
when you get home, and ask your guests to do the same upon
arrival.
Keep your bedroom
particularly protected from the outdoors, for example, don’t
toss the same jeans and clothing that have been on a picnic
blanket on your bedspread. Wash your hair in the evening
before going to sleep, particularly after a day in the
garden, and remember to change and launder your pillows and
linens regularly.
Ask a Doctor
When it comes to health,
there is no one-size-fits all solution. Talk with your
health care provider, who can help you pinpoint the exact
source of your suffering, in order to determine the best
treatment options for you.
With a few lifestyle
changes, you can look forward to a season of breathing easy.
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