Does the thought of spring make you sneeze? Don’t stop your workouts due to hay fever; science suggests exercise might help relieve your symptoms.
Symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sinus pain, and sneezing can take a toll on your happiness.
The good news is that a healthy lifestyle can help ease hay fever. Here are three natural ways to stay fit while reducing those spring sniffles:
Exercise More
Try to do 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week, but be smart about when and where you do it. Pollen counts tend to be at their highest first thing in the morning and early evening, so it’s best to head indoors for your workout at this time. Save your outdoor run or bootcamp session for late morning or early afternoon when pollen levels drop. Check the weather for pollen count before you head outside.
Reduce Stress
In a survey 7 out of 10 highly stressed respondents reported their symptoms as severe or unbearable, while those with less stress had milder symptoms. Exercise can be a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood by increasing the production of endorphins.
Drink Milk After a Workout
There’s a common myth that dairy causes mucous, however the truth is dairy actually is anti-inflammatory. It also naturally contains both carbohydrates and protein, a combination beneficial to replenishing fuel stores and muscle growth and recovery.
For an extra anti-oxidant boost prepare your meals with garlic and onion both of which contain quercertin, a natural anti-histamine that will help fight hay fever symptoms.