Training with Allergies

It's hard to believe that allergies could play a factor with your training at the moment with earth playing the best April Fool day joke showering Philadelphia with snow in the morning! But warm weather and spring is right around the corner and with that comes buds, pollen, allergies and wheezing and sneezing! Below are a few tips to help alleviate some of the problems.

The map above shows pollen counts for the spring. That's right, Philly is bright red!

1. Avoid peak pollen times. If you can stay inside between 10am and 4pm when pollen counts are highest and exercise during off peak hours or train indoors.

2. Take a shower. Pollen can accumulate in your hair and skin. If you take a shower before bed, you may find your sinuses are clearer and you sleep better.

3. Irrigate. Nasal irrigation is a part of daily routine's in India and Southeast Asia. Simply using nasal spray is a great deterrent.

4. Limit your dairy intake. Many doctors believe that dairy products increase mucus production which can agitate allergy symptoms.

5. Anti-inflammation diet. When you are suffering from allergies your nose is already inflamed. Avoid eating foods that will cause more inflammation such as sugar.