More Exercise, Less Allergies

Many people choose not to participate in sports activities and even exercise for various reasons: no equipment, no time, and no money for gym membership or just no motivation at all to become healthier. Though most of these excuses are not valid enough to keep someone from trying to exercise, one valid excuse is allergies.

People allergic to pollen find it impossible to jog outside when it's springtime and the pollen count is high, while those who are allergic to spandex or latex find it hard to work out with a proper outfit because once they come into contact with these materials, they get rashes or hives all over their bodies that are severely itchy and annoying. But scientists are saying that people with allergies should push through with the pain, so to speak, because exercising may actually prevent allergy symptoms and with time, may even minimize episodes of allergic reactions.

Exercise to prevent allergy: How it works

When your allergy is triggered by pollen or latex, oftentimes your skin becomes inflamed or your nose starts to itch and become clogged. When you exercise regularly, your blood flow improves and not only does this help promote the removal of allergens in your body, it also keeps your skin from becoming inflamed.

Also, when you exercise, your body produces endorphins which are chemicals that help soothe your mind and body. Endorphins can help you feel better when you’re exercising.

Be smart about it

Exercising is good for the body even if it triggers your allergies every now and then. However, for allergy prevention, you should follow some rules.

1. If you’re severely allergic to pollen but your fitness routine is jogging, try doing that when the pollen count is low (late afternoons and nighttime are when the pollen count is lowest).
2. If you’re allergic to latex or spandex, opt to wear gym clothing that won’t irritate your skin like cotton or hypoallergenic nylon gym wear.
3. If you’re allergic to water (aquagenic urticaria) choose a fitness regimen that will not make your body sweat too much (yoga, Pilates etc.) or be vigilant about wiping off sweat from your body whenever you’re working out.

If you’re allergic to nickel and you can’t lift weights because the handlebars give you blisters or rashes, look for other equipment that are not nickel-plated or simply just wear gloves.

There are so many ways to exercise without exacerbating your allergies. All you have to do is read up or learn more about the extent of your allergies by setting up an appointment with an allergist or dermatologist so that you can work out without worrying about your allergies kicking in.