Why the sauna can be your best friend for pollen allergies
If you suffer from pollen allergies, the sauna can actually be your best friend. The warm, dry air in the sauna can help relieve symptoms of pollen allergies by opening nasal passages and clearing mucus from the airways. The heat of the sauna can also help relax the body and relieve stress, which is often associated with allergy symptoms. In addition, regular sauna visits can strengthen the immune system and reduce allergic reactions.
The heat in the sauna stimulates your body to produce more immune cells that can fight pathogens. A strengthened immune system can also help with pollen allergies, as your body can respond better to the allergic stimuli. So why not go to the sauna more often and do something good for the body and the immune system?
Tips for a successful and healthy visit to the sauna
If you have a pollen allergy, a visit to the sauna can be a real boon. But even if you are generally healthy, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your sauna visit successful and healthy. First of all, you should drink enough before going to the sauna. This is because sweating causes your body to lose a lot of fluid, and you need to make sure you drink enough to maintain your fluid balance.
You should also shower thoroughly and dry off well before going to the sauna to remove dirt and sweat from your skin. During the sauna session, make sure that you relax and do not stay in the sauna for too long. If you feel unwell or dizzy, you should leave the sauna immediately. After your sauna session, shower, dry off and take time to relax and allow your body to rest.
Relieve allergy symptoms in a natural way
Start with healthy sweat baths in winter and enjoy the comforting warmth into spring. Allow yourself and your body this time out about twice a week. This may not completely eliminate pollen allergies, but you will notice significant relief from your symptoms.
Also boost your immune system by trying a Kneipp pool. It may seem strange to walk through the pool like a stork, but it will do your body good. The alternation between outside air and cold water stimulates your circulation and strengthens your immune system.
Stress ease
Stress can also affect allergy symptoms, especially if you are allergic to pollen. When you are stressed, your body produces more stress hormones like cortisol, which can weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system can cause your body to have an increased allergic reaction. So if you suffer from pollen allergies, it can be helpful to lower your stress levels.
Relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation, as well as regular exercise and adequate sleep, can help lower your stress levels and thus reduce your allergic symptoms. In addition, it can be helpful to provide adequate ventilation at work or at home and to wash your hands regularly to avoid getting pollen in your eyes and nose.
To further enhance this stress-relieving experience, you can use calming scents like the ever-popular lavender or other soothing fragrances like ylang ylang and sandalwood. Incorporate these essential oils into your sauna session by adding them to the steam or letting them gently diffuse in the warm atmosphere.
A nasal douche provides relief
A Nasal douche is a simple and effective way to relieve colds, allergies or dry nasal mucous membranes. It can be done at home without much effort and is a cost-effective alternative to expensive nasal sprays and other medications.
The way nasal lavage works is simple: flushing the nose with a saline solution flushes mucus, pathogens and allergens out of the nose. This cleans the nasal mucosa and makes breathing easier. The use of nasal irrigation, although not pleasant, is quick and often leads to immediate relief of symptoms.
To perform nasal irrigation, dissolve one heaping teaspoon of table salt in 250 milliliters of water and pour the solution into a nasal douche or other container. Then hold your nose over the jar and draw up the solution to flush your nose. Make sure that the water is not too hot to avoid burns. Also, be careful not to draw the water too far up your nose to avoid an uncomfortable feeling in your throat.
For allergy sufferers, there are also special nasal rinses with sea salt, which are particularly gentle and have a mild effect. They are available as a nasal spray in the drugstore and are particularly suitable for use in everyday life and on the go. However, these sprays can dry out the nasal mucosa, which is why it is recommended to apply a greasy ointment to care for the skin before going to bed.
Avoid the pollen
The best remedy for a pollen allergy is still to avoid contact with pollen as much as possible. One way is to close the windows at night to prevent pollen from entering the bedroom. Airing in the morning and evening hours should also be avoided, as the concentration of pollen in the air is highest at these times. If you rely on air conditioning, make sure it is equipped with a pollen filter.
Another tip is not to cool the room with a fan. The air flow would only distribute the pollen in the room, increasing the load. You should always wash your hair before going to bed, because that is where the pollen is most likely to get stuck. Clothing should also not be stored in the bedroom, as pollen can settle there.
If you need to do gardening, you should do it after a rain shower. Because the rain washes, the air clean and reduces the concentration of pollen. Wearing protective masks and sunglasses can also help relieve symptoms.
In addition to these measures, certain foods and supplements can also provide relief. For example, onions, garlic and ginger can have an anti-inflammatory effect and relieve symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and vitamin E can also help to strengthen the body’s defenses and thus relieve symptoms.
Conclusion: Bye-bye, pollen allergy – hello, sauna!
There you have it – the relief from pollen allergy. Thanks to the sauna, you can finally take a deep breath and enjoy the spring. The heat and steam in the sauna clear the airways and help relieve allergy symptoms. But not only that, the sauna also strengthens your immune system and makes you more resistant to future allergy attacks. So what are you waiting for? Grab a towel and go to the sauna!
