Important: Outrun Allergies
Last week, a gentleman at the gym asked me if I thought his allergies could account for his rise in blood pressure. He related how his nose was stuffy and his head was throbbing the last few days. This is a man who is quite hard core when it comes to his workouts, and claims he feels better than he did 20 years before- “Better every year” is his motto. Thus, you can understand his concern when his normal blood pressure of 120/80 had soared up to over 140 in the past two weeks.
His question prompted me to do some research as so many people (and animals) seem to be troubled with allergies, especially in the fall. There is documentation showing that changes to the lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) are associated with seasonal and temperature changes. Also, pollutants can lead to inflammation and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, predisposing to irregular heart beats (arrhythmias), alterations in heart rate and rhythm as well as increases in systolic blood pressure.
Adverse health events can occur not only on the day of exposure, but on several subsequent days. Individuals with existing inflammation like those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, obesity and coronary artery conditions may have enhanced effects from short term inflammations.
To help decrease wheezing and sneezing from doing an outdoor workout certain steps may be helpful:
• Timing- Pollen counts peak mid afternoon, so morning or dusk equates to less exposure
• Weather- rain cleans the air and wind stirs it up, pollen counts are higher on hot days
• Washing- rinse pollen off clothing and skin to avoid constant exposure
• Drinking more water- an extra cup of water helps thin mucous in airways
Minimizing exposure to allergens may not only relieve obvious symptoms but help avoid activation of inflammatory pathways leading to more chronic diseases like elevations in blood pressure (hypertension).
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This information is provided by Pat Stapley Chase to help educate and stimulate consideration on life style habits for overall wellness and enhanced quality and performance in life.
Pat has completed her PhD in Human Natural Health. Courses covered include Human Energy, Holistic Human development, Body and Mind Health, Herbology, Homeopathy, Cancer prevention, Toxicity and Holistic Nutrition. She had recently been certified as a PTS (Personal Training Specialist).