If you’ve noticed your CrossFit performance taking a hit during your WOD or otherwise, you may be surprised to know that it’s not your fault – it could be your allergies. This doesn’t mean you’ll be at home instead of your local box. There’s an amazing treatment out there that’ll get your performance back on track.
Controlled breathing
A lot of exercise in general is dependent on effective breathing. More so in CrossFit when you’re pushing yourself to your limit. Air supplies your burning muscles with oxygen and if there’s one thing that seasonal allergies do well, it’s mess with your breathing.
Not all allergens are airborne. Some irritate you on skin contact or ingestion but the ones that’ll stop you from getting in AMRAP will be the ones you breathe in.
Once these allergens are in your airways they block the receptors on your mast cells triggering a histamine release. Histamine causes sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and more.
If this wasn’t bad enough, the fact that you’re working out can make you more vulnerable. Building muscle means damaging muscle, and the inflammation afterwards makes allergies hit much harder. Combine that with constricted airways and you’ll have a harder time pushing yourself.
Progressive overload
So if your airways are being devastated by allergens, what can be done to protect yourself? Well, just like your workouts, you’re going to want to start off light.
Natural remedies are mild but can be effective. Nasal irrigation such as Neti Pots can rinse out your nose and stinging nettle is a natural antihistamine, countering the nasty symptoms that make it hard to take deep breaths.
Typically, you’d also consider medicine like decongestants and antihistamines but they’d only hamper you further by making you feel drowsy. At best, they’re temporary solutions anyways. What you want to look for is something that will make a real difference. Something stronger.
The next level
If you don’t want to be in constant fear of how your allergies may forcibly abort a workout or two, you should think long-term. Bolstering your immune system’s defenses and stocking up on natural remedies is only a Band-Aid solution.
Recently, more and more people have benefitted from immunotherapy. The mechanism behind it is all in the name – making you immune to the allergens that irritate you.
Typically available in the form of injections, the concept is quite simple. By giving you tiny doses of what you’re allergic to, your body begins to build a resistance and eventually immunity. It’s like endurance training for your immune system.
If you’re no fan of needles, fear not. Ear, nose and throat doctors (ENTs) provide the same kind of treatment but with drops under the tongue. This sublingual immunotherapy can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Find Your Answer
You don’t have to accept sub-optimal CrossFit performance because allergy season has reared its ugly head. By knowing what your options are and consulting an ENT, you can shift your focus and energy into setting new PRs.
At Houston Sinus & Allergy, we see a variety of issues that result in a loss of sleep, as well as other stressful or painful situations, and we know how to provide long term relief. If you’re experiencing difficulty in smelling or nasal breathing, Book an assessment with us, and find your permanent allergy cure.
