Common allergies such as hay fever are not usually life-threatening but they are nothing to sneeze at either, and an allergic reaction may trigger a more serious event such as an asthma attack.

Here are some tips you can adapt to your daily activities to protect yourself.

1. Avoid Foods Containing Monosodium Benzoate

An Italian study found that the food preservative monosodium benzoate was responsible for triggering allergy-like symptoms, including sneezing and nasal itching, in adults without allergies. Monosodium benzoate is commonly found in juices, pie fillings, pickles, olives and salad dressings.

2. Take Algae For Allergies

Try drinks or supplements that contain spirulina, a blue-green algae. Spirulina is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and can help to quell an over-reactive response of the immune system to triggers such as pollen.

In a study that involved giving a group of hay-fever sufferers a daily dose of 2000mg spirulina, researchers recorded a reduction of approximated 32% in severity of hay-fever symptoms.

3. Ward Off Hay Fever With Honey

If you are allergic to pollen, raw honey may be the answer. It contains traces of pollen, so eating a few tablespoons a day may help to accustom your immune system to pollen and stop it from triggering hay fever. Make sure the honey you use is raw and try to buy it from a source close to home so that it contains pollen from your area.

4. Eat An Orange Every Morning

Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which acts as a natural antihistamine. Some studies have found a connection between allergies and low levels of vitamin C, so you may want to consider taking a Vitamin C supplement too.

5. Install Hard Surface Flooring

Carpets are breeding grounds for dust mites and mould and also do a good job of capturing pet dander and pollen, only releasing it every time you vacuum or even just walk on it.

Wood, tile or laminated floorings are best for people with allergies.

6. Clean Out Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can result in water seeping into the house, leading to mould growth, which can exacerbate allergies. Next time it rains, check your gutters. If you see water leaking out of the end caps, flowing on the outside or dripping behind them, it’s time to get out the ladder!

7. Spend The Weekend Decluttering

Get rid of any clothing you haven’t worn in a couple of years. Put sports equipment in the storeroom or garage where it belongs. When you finish, give everything a good vacuum to reduce significantly the amount of dust in your house.

8. Water Houseplant Sparingly

Overwatering houseplants can contribute to the growth of mould in your home.