Runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat and watery eyes may mean you have allergies. Allergies suck but they are manageable, with a little effort.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are your immune system's reaction to a foreign substance called an allergen, which is generally harmless. This response may occur when you touch, breathe or ingest the substance. An allergic response can range from mild to life threatening.

Click To Enlarge.
An Allergic Response Can Range
From Mild To Life Threatening.

What Causes Allergies?

A combination of genetics and the environment contribute to allergies. When a person comes in contact with the substance they are allergic too, their body releases histamines to fight the allergen. But, this response causes the characteristic allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, mucus production, hives and rashes.

People can be allergic to a number of things from peanut butter to insect bites. Some common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust
• Pet dander
• Food and drugs

How Bodybuilding Can Help You Manage Allergies

Life threatening allergies require epinephrine, a medicine that people who have anaphylaxis reactions should keep on them at all times. All other allergies can be managed a bit more easily. And, bodybuilding can help!

• Bodybuilder's Know Their Body: The very first and most logical step in managing allergies is avoiding the allergen. Bodybuilders know their body so well that they take precautions to avoid allergic reactions.
• Bodybuilders Look for Solutions: As a bodybuilder, you have become accustomed to looking for solutions to even minor issues. This means you research eczema, hay fever, asthma and choose the best, most healthy treatment options. And, you also see the value in cleaning your house regularly and washing clothes and showering after a fun filled day outside during the height of pollen season.

BODYBUILDING.COM FORUM: Allergies
[ Click To Join The Thread. ] Does Anyone Have Asthma Or Allergies To Dogs? About a month ago it got cold for a couple days and I ended up with a sore throat. Never got a cold, but I did get a cough. The cough eased up a couple days ago, but gets worse at night. Does this sound like asthma or a dog allergy?	Started By: AlphaDog3

• Bodybuilders Eat Right: Do you ever notice that certain friends get sick all the time yet you manage to stay healthy? What you put into your body and how you treat it makes a huge difference in your immune system functioning.

  Protein, sleep and adequate calories will help keep your immune system running in top shape. And, certain foods such as whey protein, which contains immune boosting compounds, can give your body an even greater boost.

• Bodybuilding Keeps You Positive: When you are building your body, you feel better about yourself overall. This means you stay positive. Allergies can wipe a person out and make you feel crummy at times. But, getting in the gym and doing something good for your health will keep your mind focused on the good things in your life.
• Bodybuilders Are Smart: You don't need a PhD to get your body in shape and on a stage. But, you do need to do your homework and your research. And, as a bodybuilder, you do this with all health issues - figure out ways to manage them. Do the same thing with allergies and you'll find there are many ways to avoid those microscopic dust mites, pollen and pet dander.

Click To Enlarge.
There Are Many Ways To Avoid Those
Microscopic Dust Mites, Pollen And Pet Dander.

Additional Tips To Help You Manage Allergies:

• Know your pollen forecast: www.pollen.com.
• Consider medications, especially those with no side effects such as nasal saline sprays and eye drops. Other medications include corticosteroids to stop the itching and inflammation and decongestants.
• Talk to your doctor about allergy shots. Allergy shots may be recommended for allergens you cannot avoid completely (environmental allergies for instance). Keep in mind that you have to commit to getting shots for years and they do not work for everyone.

BODYBUILDING.COM FORUM: Allergies
[ Click To Join The Thread. ] Gluten/Dairy Allergies - Any Tips? Six months ago I was diagnosed with gluten/dairy allergies and since then have been very diligent to make sure my diet stays gluten/dairy free. After being less than careful about what I've been eating, I'm now facing the consequences by feeling awful.	Started By: Wrexxy

Conclusion

Allergies suck. But, you don't have to let them take over your life. Get a grip, do your research and control your environment. And, keep bodybuilding. Great muscles look good and enhanced lung capacity will do more than help you run a marathon. A built body will also help your immune system fight off allergens.

About The Author:

Marie Spano is a leading authority on translating the latest nutrition and exercise science research into real life applications. Ms. Spano has also helped Olympic athletes, NFL-bound athletes and Fortune 500 executives enhance their health and performance through sound nutrition practices. She is a regular contributor to Bodybuilding.com. For more information see: www.mariespano.com.

References:

1. www.pollen.com
2. Allergies. Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/000812.htm

mariespano@comcast.net

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