Congested? Get Steamy


Updated 04/14/10 3:05 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Steam With Essential Oils to Relieve Congestion

I am dealing with a late-season cold, and the congestion is overwhelming. While hanging out, sipping tea, and blowing my nose frequently at a friend's house, my host surprised me with a bowl of fragrant steamy liquid. I was told I needed to steam. My friend and budding herbalist added essential oils to the hot water to help open my nasal passages and I must say, it worked! I have read in a number Read more

Sage Tea to Ward Off a Cough


Updated 03/10/10 12:30 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Sage Tea Recipe to Ease Coughing

Some of you might remember that my aunt has a thing for conjuring up herbal remedies, like her cold-fighting ginger tea. So when I got hit with a nasty fever last week, I called dear ol' auntie first. After I described my ailment, she said one word: sage. I was skeptical, mostly because I have never been a huge fan of the pungent, peppery herb. But since sage has been a longstanding healing Read more

Fight Seasonal Allergies With Heat


Updated 06/11/09 2:19 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Fight Seasonal Allergies With Heat

If seasonal allergies are preventing you from breathing through your nose, you can take decongestants, but they'll end up drying you up everywhere, even your lady business. Plus they can make you feel kind of spaced out and tired. A natural alternative I've found that relieves congestion is to raise your body temperature through exercise. Choose heart-pumping activities such as running, biking, Read more

Cold and Flu Tip: Neti Pot Instead of Decongestants


Updated 02/11/09 5:19 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 42 comments

Cold and Flu Tip: Neti Pot Instead of Decongestants

It's cold and flu season and just about everyone I know is sniffling, sneezing, and all stuffed up. To deal with these nasal symptoms, you can pop decongestants like Sudafed, but they'll cause annoying side effects like dry mouth, sore throat, and headaches, and can lead to sinusitis. Plus if you think about it, your body creates all that mucus to help flush the germs out. So why would you want Read more

Milk, Mucus, and You: The Congestion Connection


Updated 11/03/11 7:11 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 34 comments

Milk, Mucus, and You: The Congestion Connection

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, and your symptoms involve nasal and sinus congestion 24-7, you may want to take a look at the dairy in your diet. Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream may be making your allergy symptoms worse. Casein, the naturally occurring protein in dairy products, can promote the formation of mucus. It can also make existing mucus thicker in your Read more

Got Allergies? Don't Get Mad - Get HOT


Updated 05/07/07 7:36 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Got Allergies?  Don't Get Mad - Get HOT

Spring has bloomed all over and when I went to pick up my allergy medicine from the pharmacy yesterday, they were actually all out! You know that's because tons of people are suffering and reaching for drugs to deal with their symptoms. Allergies affect people differently, so if you get a stuffy nose, congestion in your sinuses and fluid in your lungs, you could take decongestants, but they'll Read more

Antihistamines or Decongestants: Which Does What?


Updated 04/04/07 4:53 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Antihistamines or Decongestants:  Which Does What?

So it's officially Spring (yippee!!) and the snow is melting away. The trees and grass and flowers will begin to grow and bud, and for people with seasonal allergies, this time of year can be a nightmare. When someone has seasonal allergies, his or her immune system sees pollen as an invader. As a defense mechanism, their body produces histamine, an inflammatory chemical that attaches to the Read more

Everyday Activities That Make Your Allergies Worse


Updated 04/27/12 1:50 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Things That Make Allergies Worse

Most of us are psyched for warmer weather, but allergy sufferers are cursing runny noses, congestion, red eyes, and itchy throats. You may not realize it, but here are the everyday things that can aggravate your symptoms. Exercising outside is a no-brainer when temps start going up, but not so for those allergic to pollen. If you can't bear to skip outdoor workouts, try to exercise early in the Read more

From the Fit Community: How to Get the Right Amount of Sleep


Updated 03/29/12 1:55 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Get the Right Amount of Sleep

Trouble sleeping? FitSugar reader meetcasey has a few words of advice. She posted her tips in our Get Fit For 2012 group. Sometimes you just can’t get it right. “Too much sleep or too little sleep can be dangerous to your health.” OK, Goldilocks — how’s your porridge? The latest research says you need more than six hours of sleep a night, but no more than eight hours. So basically jury Read more