Exercise isn’t a cure for your spring allergies, but physical activity can help to soothe some of your symptoms.
“Exercise is recommended for proper function of the immune system. It also increases circulation and can help your body clear things as well,” says Torkos.
Blood vessels in the nose can become inflamed and cause congestion during an allergic reaction, so the deep breathing and faster blood flow that result from an intense work out can ease some of that blockage, at least in the short-term, say experts. And staying fit can strengthen the immune system which might also help to calm a hyperactive immune system.
Of course, if you are allergic to pollen, then going for a run outside could aggravate your allergy symptoms rather than subdue them. Working out indoors during the spring months may make more sense, or, if you can’t resist the warm weather, then avoid areas with densely packed trees and flowering plants that can trigger severe symptoms. Timing your outdoor workouts can help too: pollen levels are usually highest in the morning between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.