Allergy season can totally mess with your weight loss goals. Those pesky pollen counts can make you feel rotten. And who feels like working out when your head is pounding? Ugh. But don't let springtime allergies derail your progress! This article will briefly break down the science behind seasonal allergies and give you some tips for powering through.
Actually, it's plant pollen that triggers your allergies. When pollen levels are high, your body mistakes it for a harmful invader. So your immune system freaks out and reacts by releasing histamine, which causes allergy symptoms we’re all too familiar with, like:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Fatigue
Headaches
See, your body thinks pollen is dangerous, so it activates your fight or flight response. Adrenaline and cortisol levels spike, causing inflammation throughout your body.
All that inflammation makes you puffy and bloated, helping to mask any progress you've made toning and trimming down. But it also:
Lowers immunity so you're more likely to get sick
Disrupts sleep cycles so you wake up groggy and craving sugar
Zaps energy so working out feels impossible
Between poor sleep, inflammation, and cravings, it's easy for seasonal allergies to sabotage your diet and exercise routine. Like when your willpower is sapped, and you reach for cookies instead of a healthy afternoon snack.
Don't let seasonal allergies completely derail your weight loss goals! Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Take allergy meds - Antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra can help control symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose so you feel more like working out.
Try natural remedies - Quercetin, butterbur, and stinging nettle may help open airways and reduce inflammation. Ask your doctor if they could be right for you.
Work out early or late - Pollen counts peak during midday, so shift your workout to morning or night to lessen exposure.
Exercise indoors - Hit the gym instead of running outdoors when pollen is high. Or pop in a workout DVD and get your sweat on inside.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - Drink more water than you usually would to help flush out histamines and allergens. Herbal tea and broth can help too.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods - Focus on fruits, veggies, fish, nuts and olive oil while limiting sugar, dairy and alcohol.
Reduce stress - Allergies spike cortisol so try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to stay more zen. This lowers inflammation too.
Which of these will you put on your to-do list to try?
With the right remedies, diet tweaks and workout adjustments, you can power through allergy season and stay on track meeting your goals. Reach out to our medical weight loss experts at PrimeHealthMD in Atlanta if you need extra support reaching your weight loss goals. We can help customize a plan to fit your needs. Most major insurance plans accepted too! Click here to contact us.
