Genius ways to beat fall allergies!

Colorful foliage, wonderfully cool temps and… ahhh- choooo! According to the CDC, this fall’s bumper crop of ragweed is already causing uncomfortable congestion and itchy, watery eyes. The good news: These expert-backed strategies can ward off bothersome

Best mental trick

Conjuring a winter scene can ease symptoms in 10 minutes. Simply visualize walking through a snowy field and “feel” the sensation of cold, dry air. Swiss researchers found doing so daily during allergy season can cut symptoms by 33%! Study author Wolf Langewitz, M.D., explains that picturing an allergy-free place quickly tamps down your body’s release of symptom-triggering histamine.

Best delicious food

Enjoy one cup of sweet potatoes or green beans daily, and your risk of allergy symptoms drops by 48%, according to research out of the University of Southern California. Study author Leda Chatzi, M.D., says these colorful vegetables are rich in plant pigments ( carotenoids) that calm overactive immune cells and strengthen the tissues lining your airways, reducing pollen-induced inflammation.

Best easy movement

Stress can make flareups 45% more severe, say Ohio State University researchers. That’s because the stress hormone cortisol prompts immune cells to release symptomcausing compounds ( cytokines). A soothing Rx: 30 minutes of tai chi five times a week. Asian researchers say the flowing motions cut cortisol levels by 25%, which can ease allergy symptoms by 39%. To try it: Search “Taiflow” on Youtube.

Best simple cleanse

Cleaning your sinuses with a neti pot (mix

1⁄ tsp. of salt and 1⁄ tsp. of baking soda in 2 2 2 cups of water and flush sinuses) and cleaning your eyelids with a warm cloth can be as effective as prescription drugs if done before bed, say University of Texas researchers. Why? Your body’s release of histamine climbs overnight and peaks at 5 am. So going to bed pollen-free can cut your daily misery by 35%!