Are you one of the millions of Americans for whom hay fever is the bane of existence during allergy season? Do you keep an internet browser window open and permanently set to the CDC’s air quality website so you can check the pollen count daily, especially during spring and fall? If any of this sounds familiar — or if you’re simply someone seeking relief from seasonal allergies — here’s what you need to know about hay fever:

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, referred to clinically as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic disorder that causes cold-like symptoms such as runny…

Allergy season has arrived and is in full — pardon the obvious springtime pun — bloom. And many of us who suffer from seasonal allergies will consider turning to antihistamines for temporary relief of our symptoms. Here you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about these important medications.

What are antihistamines?

Antihistamines are medications which temporarily block or modulate the body’s release of histamines, reparative chemicals produced by the immune system to activate an inflammatory response to environmental irritants.

What are antihistamines used for?

Available in over-the-counter and prescription strengths in pill, liquid, nasal spray or eye drop…

Control the humidity in your home to help control seasonal allergy symptoms.

The days have begun to feel longer again, a sure sign winter’s seemingly endless slog is finally complete. With spring upon us, now’s a great time for seasonal allergy and asthma sufferers to learn about how humidity impacts indoor air quality and how best to regulate it to help control symptoms of seasonal allergies.

What is humidity?

If you were paying attention in high school science class, you’ll recall that humidity is a measure of the water vapor present in the air. For our discussion here, we’ll focus…

No, you haven’t been imagining things — allergy season IS actually growing longer and more intense every year. Ominous new research identifies climate change as the primary culprit for this phenomenon and forewarns tough times ahead for the millions of Americans living with hay fever and asthma. [1, 2]

Warmer weather patterns are leading to longer pollen seasons

Findings recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) show that pollen seasons in North America have lengthened by 20 days on average since 1990, with pollen concentrations increasing by 21% during the same thirty-year timespan. [3]

Human activity…

Help save the planet with these allergen-free plant-based proteins

Increasingly, more and more of us are turning to whole, plant-based foods for meeting our daily protein intake requirements. Because agricultural cultivation has only roughly one-tenth the carbon footprint of raising livestock, eating plant-based food and moderating — or even eliminating — consumption of animal proteins is a proactive step we can take to help limit greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change. In addition, these nutrient dense foods confer a number of praiseworthy health benefits. Consuming plant-based proteins can reduce chronic inflammation in the body, lessen the risk…

Meditative breathing exercises can be a simple addition to a whole-body, integrative health regimen that punches well above its weight in its stress-busting and immune system boosting potential.

One such exercise we’re particularly fond of here at Cleared is the following variation on the ancient practice of alternate breathing:

Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor with your back straight. Relax your body and breath naturally for three or four breaths while gradually bringing your mind’s attention towards the mechanics of your breathing, the process of inhalation and exhalation.

Gently rest the thumb of your dominant hand against…

Studies routinely show a majority of Americans are running a sleep deficit -that is, most of us aren’t sleeping enough. Most adults require between 7–8 hours of quality sleep to replenish vital bodily systems and to feel well rested. Yet besides leading to groggy, grouchy mornings and less productive days, many of us don’t realize that not getting enough good sleep can also make us more susceptible to illness.

Quality sleep is important for your immune system to function at its best

A recent German study found that sleep plays a direct role in regulating important immune system cells called…

As consumers, we’ve all bought enough products to know that it’s possible to package them in environmentally responsible, recyclable materials — take, glass for example.

So why does the packaging industry make it so hard for companies to use it?

Compared to common plastic packaging, glass is a much safer material from a creation and recyclability standpoint.

First, glass can be recycled over and over and never lose its integrity. Meanwhile, common plastics lose integrity as they’re recycled – ultimately needing to be turned into a different material, such as plastic lumber or carpet padding.

Because of this, some say…