Readers were shocked last month when the news announced that the concentration of pollen in the Berlin air has risen to a record high. The highest ever measured value in the city in fact, since recordings began in 1985. This is not surprising, because pollen levels are increasing as a result of global warming. There are many research studies that indicates more people in Germany are developing allergies too, compared to the past generations. Partly to blame is the increase in chemicals in our environment, which aggravates the immune system and causes an allergic response to develop. Extremely new research from the UK even indicates that air pollution (from cars, in particular) may interact chemically with the pollen in the air to make our allergies worse. More pollen and more polution combined harms public health.
If you suffer allergies, first of all please see an allergy doctor if you have not tried that yet. Then continue reading.
Two years ago (2017) was a tough year for me too, I was constantly sick with ear, nose and throat infections from March to October in fact. I have been taking allergy medication daily for years, but it was no longer sufficient against the high levels of pollen. I was so ill for so long that the doctors became worried about perscribing me any more antibiotics, because they thought that I might become resistant. However, last year in 2018 I discovered a cure that reversed this illness pattern. True story. The solution was:
NASAL IRRIGATION.
Basically, nasal irrigation is washing out your nose with a fresh saltwater solution to cleanse allergens and excess mucus. Its cheap, safe, natural, and easy. It changed my life. I started nasal irrigation at home once a day in cold season, and twice a day in warm season (morning and night). I have been sick but I not have an ear, nose or throat infection since then. Please use only as directed on the package. There are many different types available, but this is the one I use: Emsan Nasendusche https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07PY3WQTT/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07PY3WQTT&linkId=b0e2f21660b5db4b5e79a973e7c068d8
That solution deserves special attention, so it stands alone.
However, there are some other natural, non-pharmacutical solutions for people like myself who suffer from pollen allergies:
Electric air cleaner. This device does not help if you operate it with the windows open, or if your home is not cleaned of dust and allergens regularly. I have one that holds the capacity for cleaning about 30 square meters. I run it every night for 8 hours of clean sweet air, and sometimes in the daytime on a high pollen or windy day. The filters must be replaced maximum every 6 months, but I replace them every 4 months. I use this one: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00504T2A0/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00504T2A0&linkId=9ae7c51066f5ad63e7aeb4435312f09b
Quality vacuum cleaner. For people with allergies, it is recommended that you vacuum and clean your home of all dust and allergens every week during warm, windy and dry weather. Clean every two weeks during the cold and wet season, because there are less allergens in the air. Wear a mask while cleaning to prevent breathing excess allergens. Wear a hair cover (such as a bathing cap) while cleaning to prevent allergens from settling in your hair. Wash your clothes after cleaning your home so the allergens wont be transferred onto your furniture and airways. If your allergies are dangerously severe, hire or ask someone to clean for you. I use this one: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B076CPSFP5/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B076CPSFP5&linkId=91179c2ef7bb28686fe9639dd6d0bcb6
Night Shower. Bathe before bed. Showers are more effective than baths. Allergens settle in your hair during the day, and will be rubbed into your pillow and then face during the night. If you do not sleep alone, also ask your partner to bathe before bed (unless he or she is bald). Exfoliating your skin regularly will reduce the amount of dead skin cells and dust in your bed too.
Anti allergy bed sheets and pillows. These expensive textiles are so tightly woven that allergens cannot pass through the fibers. Nonetheless, change your bedsheets and pillow covers every week. Humans shed enormous amounts of dead skin cells every day, creating alot of allergens in the bed. Yes, it is possible to be allergic to yourself. I use these: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B005DQ6L5Y/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B005DQ6L5Y&linkId=7fb4019dc92e6c0887e9c4787720b4d0
Avoid pets. If you have a pet and bad allergies, find your pet a new home or let him be an outdoors pet (if safety permits). If you decide to keep your pet indoors, keep its hair short and washed regularly. However, remember that too much washing can be harsh on your pets skin. Thus it simply may not be fair to expect a creature (pets) covered in body hair naturally to be as clean as a creature with little body hair (humans), in which case giving your pet to a family would be the most humane option. I have a friend with allergies but refuses to give up her multiple cats, and thus is constantly fighting a new illness every month. Honestly I got annoyed of her endless complaints so I have forbidden her from discussing it any further. Try to find a fair solution balanced between your health and your pets well-being.
Cheap indoor hydrometer. Molds flourish in humidity above 50%. If your hydrometer indicates the air is too moist, try (1) opening a window or door for a few minutes of fresh air if it is dry weather outside, (2) close off any rooms that produce dampness, like the kitchen or bathroom, (3) turn up the indoor heat, or (4) invest in an electric dehumidifier. I use this: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B008CF3CQO/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B008CF3CQO&linkId=f77e5f4adf70c1c0bf5d063066d0daeb
Disposible Active-carbon face masks. Or reusable face masks, though I personally have never tried them. Wear a face mask outdoors on high pollen or windy days. Avoid exercising outdoors (or indoor gyms that leave windows open) on high pollen or windy days. Lately, the pollen levels in Berlin have been so high that I have to travel far to an indoor gym downtown with no windows. Unfortunately, the patrons in my normal gym like to work out with the windows open. I use this brand: https://www.miniso-au.com/en-au/product/21772/disposable-activated-carbon-mouth-mask-30-pack-black but this is the sporty version for the cool kids: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07PKPKBZW/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07PKPKBZW&linkId=932811424f54138e49dc36feafe75906
Cheap house slippers. Remove outdoor shoes at the door, do not bring extra allergens into your home on your footwear. Offer your guests house slippers. For extreme results, remove outdoor clothes as soon as you arrive home so you dont contaminate your furniture with allergens. Invest in some stylish and comfortable house shoes and clothes, so you are more motivated to change after an exhausting day at work.
Salt water nasal spray. Its salt water that you spray in your nose to flush out allergens that may be irritating your nasal passages. Carry it with you whenever you leave the house and use as directed. I use this one: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01GRZ0B5U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&camp=1638&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01GRZ0B5U&linkId=cfc60189869aca1026669964afe552f7
Anti allergy mattress or mattress cover. Your mattress absorbs a shocking amount of allergens from your body overtime. Mattresses gain weight over time as they absorb dead skin, colonies of dust mites (which feed on dead skin), oil and moisture. Some unproven studies indicate a mattress will double its weight every 8 years. Spending 8 hours per night on an allergy haven like that is probelmatic. The easiest but most expensive solution is to replace your mattress every 3 years (7 years is average) with a non-organic, anti-allergy mattress. It is probably better for your back too. If that is too expensive, encase your matress in a anti-allergy mattress cover to seal out the allergens and wash the cover every month. I use this one: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B073P3JBZ3/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=onthegroundeu-21&camp=1638&creative=6742&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B073P3JBZ3&linkId=ccb1ccc99515bf3125a5c897395867be
Non-carpeted floors. Carpets collect allergens. Some dust and allergens sinks so deep into the fibers that it is almost impossible to remove. In the whole house I have only one small carpet before the front door, to absorb sound from the hallway.
Unfortunately, pollen and allergies are going to increase over time due to global warming. That is unlikely to change. Pollen desensitization therapy is a natural treatment for allergy reduction that has grown in populariy in recent years, but remains inconclusive, expensive and requires years of diligent micro-dosing. I always keep one eye on the progress though. However, I hope that these natural solutions can provide some relief for my readers. Altogether, investing in every item on this list except installing a new floor, will cost over 1000 EUR. The mattress is the most expensive single item, followed by the electric air cleaner and vacuum. This price may seem expensive, but being able to breath free, clear and without pressure is worthwhile for me. Further, it is a big investment at first but the recurring costs are below 200 EUR per year, namely the masks, filters, accessories and salt packets.
Allergies are not only caused by external interactions with the environment, but also through consumption internally. Certain foods are more likely to produce allergic reactions and thus should be avoided. Luckily, there are also some supplement pills and foods that have (limited) proof of effectiveness for allergy reduction in research studies. If you would like to see a separate post about allergy-reducing supplements and diet, and which allergy-prone foods to limit, please comment to me below. Last but not least, remember that many studies show that stress is linked to a compromised immune system and that aggravates allergies, so try to reduce and manage your stress as much as possible. I first started to develop allergies during an extremely stressful time in my life. Sometimes the symptoms of stress can be hard to distinguish, so you may not be aware if you are living with a constant level of high stress. In that case, take an online stress test or talk to your doctor about how to improve the health of your lifestyle.
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