Allergy-proofing, allergy medicines, and allergy shots are all standard methods of controlling and reducing allergies. But what's often overlooked when it comes to allergies is the importance of being physically and mentally fit. In this article, you will learn some of the more unexpected ways you can help control your allergies, as well as some new, alternative treatments. Let's begin with a look at the role stress can play in your allergies.

The Mess Called Stress

A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet helps curb stress, which isn't an allergen but does weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to all kinds of infections, including those brought on by allergies (a sinus infection, for instance). And many people have trouble distinguishing between infections and allergies.
In our fast-paced, high-tech society, most people operate on overload. Our bodies, on the other hand, react to this overload in a low-tech manner by retreating to the basic "fight or flight" response mechanism. (Those were the two choices primitive people had when encountering stress, which typically manifested itself in the form of a hungry animal.)

When faced with a stressful situation, be it a large, hairy animal or an angry boss (often one and the same), the body produces stress hormones called cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones flood the bloodstream with an all-systems alert. Your heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, lungs pump harder, sweat glands let loose, and stomach acts up. These two hormones, interestingly enough, are actually protective against allergies and are given to people who are having severe allergic reactions.

Unless you know how to cope with stress, you will suffer physically and mentally. Undesirable emotions, such as anxiety and depression, and unpleasant signs or symptoms, such as high blood pressure, headaches, backaches, and upset stomach, will take control, steering the body and the exhausted immune system into dangerous waters.

De-Stressing Your Life

Exercise and Allergies
Remember that macho saying, "No pain, no gain"? Well, it's passe, not to mention imprudent. Do not exercise or do not continue exercising if:
  • You experience pain or tightness in your chest

  • You have difficulty breathing or catching your breath

  • You feel light-headed or dizzy

  • You feel fatigued

  • You experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat

  • You experience severe muscle or joint pain

  • Pollution levels are high/dangerous

  • Pollen counts are high

  • You just had an allergy shot

  • You have poorly controlled asthma

Fortunately, you can stay on course by learning to control your reactions to a stressful boss, a stressful event, or a stressful existence. There are plenty of enjoyable ways to reduce stress. Some of the most effective are regular exercise (both the aerobic and the strength-training varieties), meditation, and massage. Just remember, be sure to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Exercise

When it comes to the primitive fight or flight response, choose the latter. Flee to the gym after work, outside for a morning walk, to the tennis court with a friend -- any kind of exercise will do. Regular aerobic (heart-pumping) exercise is particularly effective at controlling stress, and it improves your physical as well as your emotional health. There's no need to go on an Olympic training schedule to benefit. Health experts recommend 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week. You can take an aerobics class, but aerobic exercise comes in many fun forms: walking, hiking, jogging, dancing, bicycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, racquet sports, and martial arts.

Many people choose walking as their primary or only aerobic exercise because it's free, easy, and flexible. You can walk almost anywhere, you can set and adjust the pace, you can choose solitude or company, and you don't have to commit a set amount of time. Stressed at work? Walk briskly around the building. Tired out by tragic events in the news? Take a walk through the neighborhood. Need to clear your mind or develop new ideas? A walk works like drain cleaner, allowing thoughts to flow more easily.

To reap the long-term rewards of this exercise, health experts suggest walking three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes, gradually picking up the pace, time, and frequency. You can supplement by walking to the grocery store, using the stairs instead of the elevator, parking at the far end of the shopping mall, or exiting the bus one stop early and walking the difference.

Gardening, golfing (sans golf cart), and walking the dog can also be a part of your fitness and de-stressing program.

Non-aerobic activities also help you reduce stress, develop muscle tone, and increase flexibility.

The secret to maintaining an exercise program is to do what you enjoy -- and do it regularly.


Exercise can help reduce stress and, thereby, relieve allergies.
©2006 Publications International, Ltd.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress...and relieve allergies.
See more pictures of natural allergy treatments.

For some, traditional exercise isn't enough to clear their heads. Alternative allergy treatments are an option in these cases. Keep reading to learn about these outside-the-box treatments.

The Benefits of Group Exercise
There's no need for your heart to pump all by itself. Group exercise is a great way to meet people and stay motivated. Allergy sufferers, especially those who react to pollen and environmental pollutants, may find an indoor health club the ideal place to work out without wearing out their sinuses. Opportunities for companionship abound: Join a hiking or skiing club, take an aerobics class, find an adult swim team, or play doubles tennis. If you have the funds, hire a personal trainer. Even though you're paying for this companionship, personal trainers provide encouragement, exercise techniques, and fitness knowledge -- pluses when you're first starting a fitness program or when you've reached a training plateau.

If you decide to join a health club to escape the pollinated and polluted outdoors, make sure you're not working out in another allergen zone. Use your senses to decide: Does the locker room smell musty? Do shower stalls double as petri dishes? Are the carpets clean and floors free of dust bunnies? Is the facility adequately ventilated? Be sure to bring a towel or mat to lie on; it will create a barrier between you and what lurks on the carpet, mats, and benches.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.