Hay fever is an allergic reaction to tree, plant or grass pollen, and typically creates symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy, runny nose and itchy eyes. If you can run through your hay fever, there’s no reason not to, and there are several things that might improve both your symptoms and therefore your quality of running throughout summer.

Things to do if you suffer with hay fever
1. Keep the windows closed overnight to avoid too much pollen drifting in to the house.
2. Reducing the amount of house dust around can alleviate symptoms, so change the bed sheets, dust and vacuum regularly.
3. Most pollen is released early morning, so this may not be the best time to run.
4. Check weather reports and avoid running when there is a high pollen count.
5. Stick to road running and stay away from fields, especially if the pollen count is high.
6. Take hay fever medication as required – you may find it useful to take the medication before the hay fever season begins so that as little running as possible is affected by your symptoms.
7. Using a nasal spray just before you go out can help to reduce symptoms during your run.
8. Check with your doctor or chemist which types of medication are best to take in conjunction with running, as some of the decongestants can increase heart rate.
9. Even better, try a naturopathic, homeopathic or herbal remedy to help reduce your hay fever.
10. Jump into the shower as soon as you finish your run -showering pollen off your face and body or just rinsing your face thoroughly can help to reduce the after-effects of a summer run.

Naturopathic treatments for hay fever
If you are a fitness fanatic then the last thing you want to do is load up on hay fever medication. Why not try a naturopathic remedy instead?
1. Fill up on foods with an anti-inflammatory effect – eat onions, fish, linseeds and linseed oil every day.
2. Try a herbal remedy – Bromelain has an effective antiinflammatory effect.

Related posts:

1. The Basics of Hay Fever – Causes and Symptoms

2. Hay Fever and Allergies

3. How to Deal with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever while Traveling

4. How to Deal with Fever while Traveling

5. The Basics of Avoiding Pollen Grains and Mould Spores

6. The Basics of Grass Pollens

7. The Basics of Creating Natural Ventilation in Your Home

8. Contaminants in the Environment – Biological Contaminants

9. How Exercise Can Trigger Asthma

10. Baby Crying Due to Sickness