Got an itchy nose from the changing weather, pollution, or germs? Learn how to deal with allergies the natural way.

It seems like all sorts of allergies are apparent these days because of the multitude of places and bacteria we are exposed to. Although there are new types of jabs and medications, people still fall sick or get allergies. Instead of popping some pills to resolve your issues, why not see if you can naturally defeat allergies?

(Also read: 6 Tips for Dining Out If You Have Food Allergies)

Limit your open windows

It may be nice to draw the curtains and push your windows open to let in some fresh air and wind, but it also allows dust and germs to fly in. Keeping your windows shut all the time is not a good idea either – it contains all the bacteria and air within an enclosed area, which makes more bacteria breed. Sounds like you can’t do anything, but you can still ventilate your house, just choose the right time.

Try to open your windows in the early morning or late evening for the freshest air. If you live near the road, close the windows during peak hours as all the dust from the vehicles and roads will enter your home and body.

(Also read: Dyson Dust Report: Knowing The Allergens in Your Home)

Keep clean

Your surroundings should be as clean as your home in order to keep your body clear too. Keeping your home and body clean will help control the amount of dust and dirt that you come into contact with. Dust mites like to live in humid places, so your home is an ideal one for them too. Dead skin flakes found on carpets, beds, and furniture will attract more dust mites.

Wash your bedding once every one to two weeks, and keep your surroundings clean.

(Also read: Smart Strategies to Get Rid of The Dust in Your House)

Wear a mask

When you’re outdoors, you can’t do much about the millions and billions of germs that populate the area and air. But you can protect yourself from inhaling dust by wearing a mask. It will help to block out bacteria from entering your system. However, not all masks meet the same standards for reducing inhalation of pollution. Workplace safety masks and haze masks are usually your best bet.

Do a nasal rinse

When you feel congested, try doing a nasal rinse. The trendy teapot-in-the-nose rinse has been all over YouTube, Instagram, and even TV. Also known as nasal irrigation, it is a process where a saline solution (salt water) is poured into one nostril and flows out from the other to remove mucus and allergens. The sensation might feel weird or uncomfortable but it is bearable once you get used to it.

Remember to breathe through your mouth to prevent inhaling the solution. Repeat on other nostril to clear it too.

(Also read: 7 Natural Ways to Stop a Runny Nose)

Drink up

Allergic reactions happen when the body realises something is a threat to it and produces antibodies and histamine to combat it. Your histamine levels increase when you are dehydrated, so having enough water helps to regulate it. Just drinking water is not enough to prevent allergies or allergic reactions, but it can help to maintain normal histamine levels so your body can focus on dealing with your allergic reaction.

(Also read: 7 Signs You Might Be Drinking Too Much Water)

Eat healthy foods

Eating healthy is always a good idea because it keeps your mind and body feeling good. There are specific foods that can help your body fight allergens too. Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C and E can reduce swelling in airways. Tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, green beans, and zucchinis can also help to reduce allergy symptoms. Probiotics also offer anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects while promoting a healthy gut. Fish has been found to lower your chances of getting allergies altogether.

(Also read: 6 Ways to Preserve The Most Nutrients in Your Fruits and Vegetables)

Avoid cigarettes

Inhaling cigarette smoke from first-hand or second-hand smoke can irritate people suffering from asthma or rhinitis. It can also cause difficulty in breathing, watery, coughing, and sneezing. While it may not be considered an allergen, it irritates the body and can trigger more uncomfortable symptoms.

(Also read: How to Quit Smoking)

Consider acupuncture

Acupuncture is known to relieve various types of pain, but newer studies show that it can help relieve symptoms of allergies too. Sneezing and itchy eyes have been treated with the tiny needles with successful results. A study in the Journal Annals of Internal Medicine with 422 people with pollen allergies and nasal symptoms showed that participants who underwent real acupuncture saw great results. What’s surprising is that even those who did random acupuncture had positive results, which could mean that the placebo effect is strong too.

(Also read: Here’s How Facial Acupuncture Can Improve Your Skin)