Don’t let hay fever get you down

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The sun is shining, the sky is blue, off the shoulder dresses are on trend and everyone is happy.

Well, nearly everyone.

With an estimated one in five people suffering with this common allergic condition during their life, summer can be unbearable for many.

In a nutshell, pollen from grass, flowers, plants and trees can cause sneezing, runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes and it can be both painful and frustrating as there is no known cure.

Of course, the most effective way to keep hay fever under control is to avoid pollen exposure. This, however, it’s difficult and impractical, so we have some tips and tricks to help keep it at bay so you can enjoy your summer as much as everyone else.

Medicines
Hay fever can be controlled with conventional, over-the-counter medicines on sale at your chemist. Antihistamines help prevent allergic reactions and corticosteroids ease inflammation and swelling. If you try these and they aren’t helping it is worth speaking to your GP to see if prescription medication is needed.

Diet
Eat organic food where possible as this helps avoid pesticides and additives. Low-allergen foods such as brown rice, quinoa, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, leeks, peas, pears, apples and papaya are all good options and of course will aid general peak health.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms aren’t just for breakfast and can really help regulate the immune response. A good quality organic extract from Reishi mushrooms is a good option and worth investing in if you are serious about dealing with hay fever for once and all.

Drinking
Keep your water drinking up and reduce your alcohol intake. Beer, wine and spirits all contain histamine, which is the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in your body so as well as making you more sensitive to pollen, alcohol also dehydrates you, making your symptoms seem worse.

Wash your hair
Did you know pollen can stick to your hair? Well it can and when you go to bed it transfers to your pillow and will affect you as you try to sleep. If you have been out for the day, it is a good idea to have a shower and change your clothes before going into your bedroom and sprinkling pollen around and making life harder.

Go for sunglasses
As well as shades protecting your precious peepers, they are also a great way of stopping pollen from getting into your eyes. Go for a decent wrap around pair to create a barrier and to ensure your eyes are less red and itchy.

Housekeeping
We aren’t saying you don’t clean but given that pollen can easily get into your carpets it is a good idea to vacuum regularly and sweep it away. Try not to have the windows open too much and dust with a wet cloth so pollen doesn’t unknowingly spread around your house

Barrier
It is said that applying a little Vaseline (petroleum gel) around your nose can stop pollen getting into your system.

Home comforts
This isn’t going to happen every day but if the pollen count is high (over 50 grains per cubic metre of air) you might want to stay at home or visit a shopping centre, cinema or museum rather than being outdoors and at risk of symptoms getting worse.

Spice up your life
Garlic, ginger, red onions and other spices are all brilliant ways to help clear sinuses and ease congestion. Add them to curries, salads, stir fries and BBQs to keep your pain away.

Honey
Pop some honey on your toast or in your green tea and let the bee pollen in it desensitise your body to the plant pollens that cause the hay fever grief.

We hope you find a way to keep your hay fever under control this summer, and if you have a top tip, would love to know what it is.

Team Pure Beauty

Can sleep really keep colds away?

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bed, colds, drink, hot chocolate, pillow, sleep, Sleep Council

Whilst an apple a day apparently keeps the doctor away, The Sleep Council believe, after doing some research into sleep and the immune system, that an effective weapon against coughs and colds this winter is a great night’s sleep .

Lisa Artis, from The Sleep Council, said, “Experts agree that those who sleep better have a stronger immune reaction, suggesting that sleep can banish bugs as well as making you feel a lot healthier.

“A longer night’s sleep – around seven to eight hours for most adults – seems to guard against common winter nasties such as coughs and colds, while scrimping on sleep appears to make you more likely to succumb to the sniffles. This seems to be particularly common in young people.”

Researchers in America have found that burning the candle at both ends increases the chances of coming down with coughs, colds and upset stomachs – especially among students and young adults.

Lisa explained; “The study, by those in the medical know at the Bradley Hospital, Rhode Island, showed that bouts of illness declined when pupils had a longer night’s sleep. Sleeping for longer also guarded against school absences because of illness, especially among boys.

“Meanwhile German researchers have suggested that the release of certain hormones during sleep may boost the immune system.

“This is all useful information for a nation where a third of us are afflicted with a bad cold between and two and three times a year. Better sleep could be the answer, helping to reduce absence at both school and work.”

Not only does sleep help to prevent colds, it is also useful in recovery.

Said Lisa: “Experts suggest that eight hours of uninterrupted sleep when you are suffering from a heavy cold is essential for recovery. Taking to bed to relax can make a real difference to the way the body copes with a heavy cold. ”

We have some excellent hints and tips for anyone who is suffering with a sniffle to ensure they use sleep to help them get well soon:

If you are feeling ill, chances are your bed is the only place you want to be, so make sure it is really comfortable. Make it clean, comforting and somewhere you can really relax and get the most health benefits from your sleep.

Use a supportive pillow, especially if you’re a woman. The Sleep Council survey suggested that four out of 10 women like to sleep propped up to ease congestion, which for many is the worst bit of having a cold. Men however, tend to prefer to sprawl out and take up a bit more room.

Make sure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature; experts recommend around 18C is the best. Don’t put too many covers on, watch the dial on your electric blanket and be mindful of the conditions outside if you have the windows open.

Have a warm, relaxing bath before bed and try adding some herbal oils to clear your sinuses and help you breath a little more easily.

Try a comforting hot drink to help you sleep. Lemon and honey can sooth you, a hot chocolate made with milk can aid sleep but keep away from highly caffeinated teas and coffees.

Keep a glass of water, medication, throat sweets and tissues near your bed so you don’t need to go in search of them in the middle of the night.

Make your bedroom an electronic device free zone as these can stop you having a good night’s sleep.

* The Sleep Council ‘Cold Comfort’ Survey October 2005