If you’ve been spending a lot of times indoors and are experiencing a stuffy nose,
itchy, watery eyes and a cough that won’t go away, you’re probably thinking:
My cold won’t go away.

You may also think, it’s December or January so it’s possible my cold is lasting
longer than usual.
That may not be a cold, but indoor allergies.

Researchers say that spending a lot of time indoors with temperatures
around 60 or 70 degrees can create a perfect environment for dust,
dander and mold spores, and if you’re going through one or all of the symptoms
and need some relief, do the following…

a) Trade In Your-
Pillow! You may be attached to the pillow mom gave you or the one you had
in college, but pillows can attract dust mites, mold spores and other allergens,
so if you’re coughing, sneezing and suffering from watery eyes, change your
pillow.
Important tip:
The best pillow to keep the dust mites out is one that has feathers.
These pillows have densely woven covers that dust mites have a hard time
getting through.
Tip no. 2- You may want to change your pillow once a year.
Most feather pillows cost between $10 to $15.

b) Open Up-
The windows. Yes, it’s cold outside, but opening a window for even 5 mins.
can whisk away up to 40% of indoor allergens.
Another helpful tip:
Wash bath and front door mats and towels in hot water and dry on high heat
once weekly, Heat destroys up to 90% of the mold, bacteria and dust mites
hiding out in these often-damp fabrics.

c) Use Greenery-
You may already be aware of the power of plants to help clear indoor air.
Plants are natural purifiers that can soak up 55% of airborne mold spores,
plus trap dust, ammonia and other lung irritants in their leaves and roots,
and this can result in a 30% lower risk of coughs, scratchy throats and other
indoor allergy symptoms.
The best plants to keep you allergy-free all winter: Peace lilies, and English Ivies.
Important tips:
Place the plants in the rooms where you and your loved ones spend the most
time, (living room or den) and if you work in a tight-hot office, buy a plant
and set it in the corner.

d) Eat Your Seafood-
If there’s ever a reason to eat more seafood this is it: It helps prevent indoor
allergy symptoms. Seafood contains healthy fats that keep your immune system
focused, so it attacks invading germs but doesn’t overreact when you inhale dust
or mold.
Three servings a week help you lower the risk of indoor allergy symptoms by as
much as 35%.
Chase away the sniffles and other symptoms with this recipe.

The Recipe-
Shrimp Stir-Fry!
Ingredients:
A pot of brown rice, enough for 4 servings, (optional)
To make the rice a resistant starch and better for you, cook it
the night before and refrigerate it.
In the afternoon or evening, heat the rice up.
2 Tbs. of sesame oil
1 Tbs. of grated ginger
1 lb. of peeled, deveined frozen shrimp
A bag of mixed vegetables, (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)
or if you have these vegetables on hand, use them
1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce
1 cup of chicken stock
To make:
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the ginger; cook for 1 min. Add shrimp and vegetables; cook
3 to 5 mins. until shrimp is bright pink (making sure to not overcook)
Stir while cooking.
Add the sauce and stock; bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer
2 to 3 mins.until thickened, make sure to stir and if it’s too thick,
add a little more chicken stock or water. Serve over brown rice
or eat as is.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health!

Sources:
* Canadian Research Team
* Julian Crane, Ph. D.
* NASA Research Team, Plants and Indoor Allergies
* Fred Pescatore, M.D. author of The Allergy & Asthma Cure
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