NAROO: A Melhor Máscara Facial Respirável Antibacteria com Fio de Cobre Matando germes, odores e muito mais, sem prejudicar a sua pele Não existe método perfeito para manter a forma e, ao mesmo tempo, ficar livre dos patógenos. Se você está procurando uma máscara esportiva sem o desconforto e possíveis assombrações, no entanto, sua melhor solução está na máscara F.U Plus Copper da NAROO. O cobre tem uma longa história na medicina e na fabricação de tecidos, com uma infinidade de benefícios e vantagens sobre a prata como material de têxtil. Origens do Tecido de Cobre Originalmente usado como uma forma de esterilização e como proteção por meio de joias, o cobre como uma ferramenta medicinal e vestível tem sua origem encontrada desde o Egito Antigo, Grécia Antiga e, posteriormente, China. Quanto ao tecido com infusão de cobre, há indícios de que pode ter origem no Oriente Médio. Recentemente, a pandemia do Covid-19 despertou um interesse em fios com infusão de cobre por suas propriedades antimicrobianas. De roupas de compressão de cobre a máscaras de cobre, vemos um número crescente de produtos voltando-se para esse material devido aos seus benefícios à saúde. Benefícios do Tecido de Cobre e F.U Plus Copper Antimicrobiano O fio de cobre é altamente eficaz no combate a bactérias, fungos e vírus sem efeitos prejudiciais à saúde. A máscara antimicrobiana F.U Plus Copper da NAROO bloqueia 99,9% dos micróbios por meio do trabalho em equipe tricotado de seu tecido MICRONET™ e fios de cobre. Bactérias e vírus são cargas negativas no lado exterior, enquanto os íons de cobre positivos os separam destruindo seu DNA / RNA. • Respirável A combinação do tecido de filtragem MICRONET™ altamente respirável e as propriedades do próprio cobre tornam a mais recente máscara Copper da NAROO não apenas eficaz contra poluentes, mas também fácil de se exercitar e respirar com, ou melhor, através dela.• Regulação de calorO desempenho atlético pode diminuir significativamente com o tempo, e a fadiga muscular é um dos principais motivos. Quando nossa temperatura corporal aumenta, “a capacidade do músculo de se contrair de forma sustentável por um longo período de tempo sofre significativamente durante um esforço muscular mais longo e afeta negativamente o desempenho atlético“. O cobre é um excelente regulador térmico, auxiliando na resistência muscular e na oxigenação, auxiliando assim no desempenho do atleta.• Absorção de umidadeTodas as máscaras faciais da NAROO, incluindo a F.U Plus Copper, são altamente absorventes e auxiliam na regulação do suor. Embora a transpiração durante o exercício e eventos competitivos possa ser desconfortável, é também onde os micróbios prosperam, já que o odor corporal é parcialmente gerado devido às secreções das glândulas sudoríparas. Manter-se seco mantém você seguro e cheirando melhor.• Controle de OdorÉ aqui que o cobre desempenha um papel realmente importante nas roupas esportivas, incluindo as máscaras esportivas. As bactérias que crescem em nosso suor são responsáveis por muitos efeitos nocivos, incluindo os odores desagradáveis . Como dissemos anteriormente, o cobre é extremamente tóxico para essas bactérias, neutralizando o cheiro mesmo nas pequenas quantidades de suor que passam pelo tecido da máscara NAROO. • Saúde da peleAlém de suas propriedades biocidas, o cobre é um mineral que promove a geração e estabilização da pele, tornando-o “um material ativo muito atraente para a melhoria do bem-estar da pele”. Combinar isso com suas outras habilidades e tecidos respiráveis significa que você, em última análise, reduz os irritantes que ressecam e envelhecem sua pele. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) Benefícios do Tecido de Cobre e F.U Plus Copper Embora cobre, prata e ouro sejam todos antimicrobianos, existem algumas diferenças importantes que tornam o cobre o vencedor.• Um ponto importante é que o cobre pode prosperar em quaisquer circunstâncias ambientais, enquanto a prata requer umidade para que esses mecanismos sejam ativados.• A prata tem muito pouco a contribuir para a saúde geral do corpo humano, enquanto o cobre é um micronutriente essencial com todos os benefícios associados já explorados neste blog.• Não só a prata não é um metal necessário para a nossa pele, mas também faltam ao nosso corpo mecanismos específicos para lidar com seu contato, tornando-a efetivamente mais tóxica para os humanos. O tecido de cobre é seguro para sua saúde respiratória? A inalação de metais não é uma ideia atraente, mas é uma preocupação que você não precisa ter com o F.U Plus Copper da NAROO. Feitas de diferentes materiais de tecido, as peças que usam fios com infusão de cobre obtêm essa infusão por meio de um processo chamado ligação iônica. O processo incorpora o cobre ao tecido, garantindo que ele não se parta em partículas que podem ser inaladas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) Escolhendo sua máscara de cobre com sabedoria Como qualquer outro produto usado pensando na saúde, os revestimentos faciais de cobre devem ser escolhidos com sabedoria. Máscaras em que o fio é simplesmente forrado com cobre, por exemplo, perderão essa camada com bastante rapidez, perdendo seus benefícios. A tecnologia de máscara F.U Plus Copper da NAROO de cobre ligado não é apenas segura para a sua saúde, mas torna nossas máscaras altamente reutilizáveis, pois podem ser lavadas até 100 vezes sem perder sua capacidade de proteção.O boom das máscaras à base de cobre significa que há uma variedade de qualidade para esses produtos e, portanto, em seus resultados. É importante estar atento às certificações, história e know-how de uma empresa para manter os atletas seguros. As máscaras da NAROO são testadas e certificadas quanto à segurança pelo Korea Apparel Testing and Research Institute (KATRI) e especificamente projetadas com os atletas em mente, tornando-as ajustáveis, respiráveis e duráveis.O fio de cobre está aqui para abrir uma nova era em vestimentas de proteção, e as análises e depoimentos dos que já testaram são entusiasmadas e promete um futuro brilhante. “Talvez você goste deles porque eles ficam sensacionais depois de experimentar um par pela primeira vez”. — Carlo G, Spectral Body“Considerando as propriedades fundamentais do cobre no combate ao
The Most Effective Face Mask with Antibacterial Copper Yarn Killing Germs, Odors, and More, Without Killing Your Skin – the most effective face mask There are no perfect methods for keeping fit while keeping free from pathogens. If you’re looking for the sports mask equivalent of a full suit of armor without the discomfort and possible hauntings, however, your best solution lies in the most effective face mask NAROO’s F.U Plus Copper. Copper has a long history in medicine and textile making, a multitude of benefits, and clear advantages over silver as a wearable material. Origins of Copper Fabric Originally used as a form of sterilization, and as protection through jewelry, copper as a medicinal tool and wearable can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and later China. As for copper-infused fabric, there are indications that it may have originated in the Middle-East. In more recent times, the Covid-19 pandemic has created a renewed interest in copper-infused yarn for its antimicrobial properties. From copper compression clothing to copper masks, we see an increasing number of products turning to this material for its health benefits. Benefits of Copper Fabric and F.U Plus Copper Antimicrobial Copper yarn is highly effective at fighting bacteria, fungi, and viruses without ill-effects on your health. NAROO’s F.U Plus Copper, the most effective face mask antimicrobial mask stops 99.9% of microbes through the knitted teamwork of its MICRONET™ fabric and copper yarn. Bacteria and viruses are negatively charged on the outside, while the positive copper ions underneath break them apart by destroying their DNA/RNA.BreathableThe combination of the highly breathable MICRONET™ filtering fabric and the properties of copper itself make NAROO’s latest copper mask not only effective against pollutants, but also easy to exercise and breathe with, or rather, through.Heat regulationAthletic performance can significantly decrease over time, and muscle fatigue is a big reason why. When our body temperature rises, “the muscle’s ability to contract sustainably over a long time period suffers significantly during a longer athletic event and adversely impacts athletic performance ” Copper is an excellent thermal regulator, aiding muscle endurance and oxygenation, thus aiding an athlete’s performance. Moisture-wickingAll of NAROO’s face masks, including our F.U Plus Copper, are highly absorbent and assist in sweat regulation. While perspiration during exercise and competitive events may be uncomfortable, it is also where microbes thrive, as body odor is partly generated due to sweat gland secretions. Keeping dry keeps you safe and smelling better.Odor ControlThis is where copper plays a really big part in sports attire, including sports masks. The bacteria growing in our sweat is responsible for many ill-effects, including the known unpleasant odors. As we have already established, copper is extremely toxic to these bacteria, neutralizing the smell even in the small amounts of sweat that do make it through NAROO’s moisture wicking fabric. Skin HealthIn addition to its biocidal properties, copper is a mineral which promotes skin generation and stabilization, making it “a very attractive active material for the improvement of skin well-being.” Combining that with its other abilities and breathable fabrics means that you ultimately reduce the irritants drying and aging your skin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) Benefits of Copper Fabric and F.U Plus Copper While copper, silver, and gold are all antimicrobial, there are some key differences making copper the clear winner.One important point is that copper can thrive under any environmental circumstances whereas silver requires humidity in order for those mechanisms to be activated.Silver has very little to contribute to the human body’s overall health, while copper is an essential micronutrient with all of the associated benefits already explored in this blog.Not only is silver not a necessary metal for our skin, our bodies also lack specific mechanisms to break it down, effectively making it more toxic for humans. Is Copper Fabric Safe for Your Respiratory and Overall Health? Inhaling metals is not an appealing idea, but it’s a worry you need not have with NAROO’s F.U Plus Copper. Made of different fabric materials, the parts using copper-infused yarns achieve that infusion through a process called ionic bonding. The process embeds the copper to the fabric, ensuring that it will not break into particles that can be inhaled. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) Choosing Your Copper Mask Wisely Like every other product used with health in mind, copper face coverings have to be chosen wisely. Masks where the yarn is simply lined with copper, for example, will be stripped of that layer fairly quickly, losing their benefits. NAROO’s F.U Plus Copper mask technology of bonded copper is not only safe for your health, but makes our masks highly reusable, as they can be washed up to 100 times without losing their protective ability.The boom in copper-based masks means that there is a variety in quality for such products, and therefore in their results. It’s important to be vigilant for a company’s certifications, history, and know-how in making athletes safe. NAROO’s masks are tested and certified for safety by the Korea Apparel Testing and Research Institute (KATRI), and specifically designed with athletes in mind, making them adjustable, breathable, and durable.Copper yarn is here to open a new era in protective wearables, and the reviews coming in for its use are already enthusiastic and looking forward to its bright future. Perhaps, you will enjoy them because they feel sensational after trying a pair on for the first time. — Carlo G, Spectral BodyConsidering copper’s fundamental virus fighting properties, coupled with heightened concerns over COVID-19 and other diseases, copper infused masks, gloves and even underwear may be the fashion trend of a world fighting one pandemic and looking to prevent the next. — A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News… there is a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing that when you wear copper-infused clothing, your clothing is actively working overtime to keep you safe. While it’s nothing like a magic cape or the kind of thing that Marvel comics would dream up, the antimicrobial quality of the fabric is still pretty impressive. —
Ultimate Guide to Sun Protection for Cyclists and Runners Outdoors people are a different breed. There isn’t much that deters us from going out, training, and working hard. We don’t shy away from training simply because the weather is too hot or because the sun is too bright. Dedication keeps us going, no matter the cost. Training at high temperatures under the blazing sun is common for athletes in many parts of the world. However, without the right protective gear, they stand the risk of developing multiple health issues due to the heat and UV rays. What risks are associated with sun exposure? Sun exposure can cause more than a sunburn. It can result in a number of skin-related diseases and issues that are very easily prevented. According to research the sun’s UV radiation carries potentially harmful UV-A (longer wave) and UV-B (shorter wave) radiation. If overexposed to these rays, athletes may suffer accelerated aging, irreversible skin damage and multiple skin cancers. UV-B rays, usually most intense in spring and summer, cause tanning and skin burns, both of which can cause damaged skin cells and a higher risk of cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercising in hot weather stresses the body and can cause: Heat cramps: Painful muscle contractions that often show up during exercise, accompanied by spasms and unnatural muscle firmness. Heat syncope and exercise-associated collapse: Nausea, lightheadedness and fainting occurring in high temperatures. Heat exhaustion: When body temperature becomes unnaturally high, it can lead to vomiting, nausea, fainting, weakness, and more. Heatstroke: A life threatening condition in which body temperature is higher than 40 degrees celsius. How can outdoor lovers protect themselves from the sun? Simply put, cover up. Athletes need to wear a face mask or face cover that guards their faces and necks from extreme exposure to UV rays They also need to wear sunscreen consistently, hydrate at regular intervals, and be mindful of how their bodies are responding or reacting to the immediate environment. How to do that during hot weather training?Start Early. It is best to workout and train as early in the day as possible, as it helps avoid the strongest and most harmful temperatures during the day.Carrie McCusker, a level 2 TrainingPeaks coach and a lifelong athlete, advises athletes to avoid the sun during its peak hours.She writes in her blog – “It is never too early or too late to start protecting your skin. Don’t be lulled into complacency by youth or less-sunny climes.”Hence, as far as possible, train early in the morning or after the sun goes down. A brisk morning workout sets the perfect tone for an active day. On the other hand, evening workouts are excellent for unwinding after a sedentary day. To be on the safe side, check the UV index before stepping out for exercise. Sun protection is required when UV levels are 3 or higher. Liberally Apply SunscreenFew things are as painful and annoying as sunburns. They will disrupt workout schedules and can leave you inactive for days. To prevent this, generously apply a water resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen onto clean, dry skin at least 15 minutes (or more) before stepping out. Carry the sunscreen with you and strictly reapply every couple of hours if you aren’t back inside yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) Replenish ElectrolytesIf you’re venturing on moderate exercise for about 60 minutes, make sure to keep drinking water throughout. Don’t leave home without drinking at least 16 ounces of water. As per Kate Lemere, a fitness trainer and writer in the city of Chicago, one should “plan to spend 20% of your work day in the bathroom. If you have a large water bottle with you you’ll be more inclined to drink it, so buy a water bottle that is 40+ ounces so you don’t have to refill as often and make a goal to drink 3-4 of them throughout the day.” In case your workout is high-intensity and/or lasting more than an hour, switch to sports drinks with electrolytes (sodium, chloride and potassium). The human body needs these minerals to make up for fluids lost through sweating, and keep itself going without collapsing or being harmed. Gear Up with Protective Clothing“How can I protect my face from the sun naturally?” Pick out and wear workout clothes that have UV protection and material designed for easy movement. Rebecca Louise, a global fitness NASM Certified Trainer, correctly says, “As the temperature changes, our clothing needs to change too. In this case, we want them to be light and breathable. The more clothing that you put on, the more energy you drain!”We agree – lighter clothing is better for sun protection. Consider wearing clothes made up of sweat wicking material like – dry fit, nylon or polyester nylon blend – material that keeps the body cool. Wear a hat and sunglasses. The sun’s rays often reflect off surfaces like roads, sidewalks, sand and snow and hit the face, blasting it with harmful UV radiation. What Can You Do About Sun Exposure? Let’s be honest. Professional athletes can’t be running around with inconvenient hats and sunglasses that may fall off at the slightest provocation (what if you ran too fast or jumped too high?) They need something designed to give them guaranteed protection, no matter how hot it gets. Enter the expert. EX-SHADER: Designed for Outdoors People who Train in the Sun View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) Specific benefits of the EX-SHADER:Structured in a way that provides ventilation and comfort in high heat.Built so that the wearer can breathe easily even when performing strenuous physical activity.Manufactured from proprietary NAROO Mesh Fabric that provides 92% sun protection.Dries quickly, even in hot, humid environments.Reduces chances of skin ailments and associated illnesses caused by heat and sun exposure.Easy to wash, clean, and maintain between uses.NAROO’s breathable sports masks have been inspected and certified by a number of prestigious verification bodies. Each line offers a unique
Why wear a pollution mask or any type of mask? The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one in eight deaths worldwide is attributable to air pollution. Furthermore, a Greenpeace Southeast Asia report using IQ Air data estimates the human cost of air pollution to be more than 160,000 people in the world’s five largest cities in 2020 alone.Wearing a highly effective air pollution mask is believed to reduce the risk of exposure to airborne particulates and decrease the likelihood of air pollution-related illness and death.Many believe that a replacement filter is a key component of a sports breathable pollution mask. Slipping out a filter with visible pollutants and unwanted particles can give the user satisfaction when seeing how much gunk they’ve prevented themselves from breathing in. Keeping the mental satisfaction of witnessing the pollutants aside, an effective breathable sports breathable pollution mask does not require a disposable or replacement filter. The following are some factors that make a breathing filtering mask an effective and handy product to own.Filtering AbilityWhile you do receive mental satisfaction on witnessing a disposable filter with a ton of gunk stuck on it, we don’t realize that the filter is a sign of the mask’s inability to filter out harmful particles to start with. It is only when those harmful airborne particles were able to pass through the first and external most layer of our mask that it reached the filter. The NAROO F-Series pollution masks protect the user from particles that are as tiny as 1.7 microns, which means they form a barrier against minute dust particles, pollutants, and pollen. These masks do not require the additional layer of a replacement filter because they prevent 99% of all external pollutants from entering the first layer itself. So if we were hypothetically to add a filter under a NAROO mask – it would come out primarily clean.Mask Material A typical cloth mask is usually only as safe as your cloth shirt is. Cloth is known for its breathability, its large pores that allow air to pass – and hence is a great material to make clothes out of – since they allow your skin to breathe. For the same reason, most cloth masks will contain a replacement filter to act as an additional layer of protection between the pollution mask and the user. It is not enough to wear a cloth mask by itself. Keeping this in mind, the NAROO filtering sports breathable pollution mask were engineered with fine MICRONET™ material. The latter is a special fiber built by NAROO to enhance flexibility, protection, and comfort. It single handedly protects the mask wearer from 99% of external pollutants around them without the hassle of any additional layers or filters.A NAROO filtering pollution mask protects against harmful pollutants thus safe guarding your from the following potential health conditions-Respiratory illness and infectionsStress and damage to the heart and lungsDevelopmental diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysemaShortened lifespan due to poor lung healthFit and ComfortMost masks that have individual replacement filters are not efficient sports masks because of their loose fit. A one piece mask without removable filters fits a whole lot more snugly, sealing all entry points for any possible airborne particles or pollutants.The NAROO breathable sports masks are made to take the shape of the wearer’s face so that they seal the front and the sides in a comfortable and safe manner. As designers of sports masks we also have to keep in mind the fact that our masks will be worn by athletes while they’re running, cycling, gymming, etc. Hence our filtering masks have to fit snug despite quick and intense movements.Product SustainabilityIn today’s day and age disposable replacement masks are not the most sustainable solution when it comes to pollution masks. In fact disposable filters that need to be thrown after single-use pollute the environment in large quantities.The NAROO sports filtering masks are reusable and sustainable. You can wash them gently, post a workout session, and re-use the very next time you decide to step out. They are built with durable material that leaves them as good as new after every wash. Not only is the NAROO sports mask a great way to guard yourself against air pollution, but it is also an economical, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution that doesn’t add to waste generation.Holistic ProtectionMost of us are primarily concerned about safeguarding ourselves from the virus and similar disease causing contagions, however, unfortunately there are more factors that we need to protect ourselves from. Air pollution, pollen, harmful airborne particles – are some to name a few.NAROO breathable sports masks have been approved and certified by the notable certifiers seen on the right.They confirm that once worn correctly our masks protect both adults and children from air pollution, pollen allergies, and other body-harming pollutants. They do not require any additional replacement filter layers to block out external and injurious particles. Every NAROO sports mask provides all-rounded protection for any athlete braving the outdoors.By Aradhita Saraf (Weloquent)
A sports mask is not your everyday run-of-the-mill mask. It is specifically designed to be breathable to help sports people get the oxygen intake necessary to perform their sport.
Allergy UK – Allergy Friendly Product Award We started NAROO because we listened. We listened to the needs of sports people who were looking for ways to deal with things like pollen, pollution, and heat/cold. The more we listened, the more we resolved to become the world’s leading innovator and authority on innovative breathing solutions that support and protect your breathing. When we began in 2002, we saw that sports people needed something that didn’t exist. From start to finish, we focused not only on developing technology to address athletes’ needs, but to create product that is safe. To this day, we seek testing to ensure the quality of the product that we offer as breathing solutions. With that in mind, we are proud to announce that we are recipients of the Allergy UK Friendly Product Award for our entire filtering F-Series. Based on expert opinion, each product in the series is approved by Allergy UK as suitable for use as part of an allergen management plan and unlikely to cause a reaction. It also may be of benefit for allergy sufferers. There are an estimated 21 million people living with allergic disease in the UK. Allergy UK’s mission is “to raise the profile of allergy at all levels, with a vision for everyone affected by allergy to receive the best possible care and support.” They are the leading national patient charity for people living with all types of allergy. NAROO aligns with Allergy UK’s vision of helping people living with allergy. We want to help people with allergy continue to do head outdoors and perform their activities and sports during pollen season. Breathing is the foundation. Let NAROO help you breathe freely and perform your best. Check out our Allergy UK friendly products here.
When we think of breathing freely and the best conditions to do so, those conditions most certainly don’t include a covering over our noses or mouths. In fact, itsounds downright stifling to cover our faces during exercise. But the conditions of freezing winter can often make it necessary to cover up or be left with asthma-like symptoms and difficulty breathing – this leaves us struggling to do the outdoor activities we love. Why does exercising in cold air hurt? The lungs are made to process warm, humid air. This is how they best perform their function of intaking air, transforming it into something our bodies can use, and expelling unneeded air. When we exercise in the cold winter months, our lungs suffer because cold air may cause bronchial irritation leading to wheezing, coughing, and that painful burning feeling. Even without the increased pace of breathing during exercise, breathing during relaxed outdoor activities can be painful. But when we increase our rhythm of breathing, it can make all of these wintertime symptoms worse. You’re putting much more dry, freezing air into your lungs that are made to process warm, humid air. Also, your airways are made to humidify and warm the air as it travels through your nasal passageways and through your mouth, throat, and down into your lungs. Breathing cold air makes your respiratory system work a lot harder to warm the air and dries out your mucous membranes that help moisten the air. This can be dangerous for not only your lungs, but your other organs as they receive less air. All of these different factors create that painful burning sensation and difficulty breathing. None of these are conducive to high-performance exercise. In fact, they decrease our ability to get in a good work out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAROO MASK | Official (@naroomask_global) How do I exercise safely in the winter? There are several factors that can aid in safely exercising in the winter. 1. Warmth. Dress warmly. Cover your face head, neck, and body so that you will not lose body heat while you exercise. The loss of heat can lead to hypothermia which then causes many other potentially dangerous issues. 2. Cover your airways. Almost any covering will help to humidify and warm the air as you breathe. It seems paradoxical to cover your airways in order to breathe more freely. But, the science proves it. Covering your airways makes it possible for us to head outside. Although you can use almost any covering to help your lungs in the winter, many coverings make it harder to take full breaths, they are uncomfortable, and they press against your face and get into your mouth. Athletes have specific needs that include breathing comfort and the ability to draw full breaths to power their exercise with oxygen. They need sports masks designed for people who exercise. A mask like NAROO’s Z9H is a great option for athletes. Here’s what it does: Humidifies and moistens the air Covers the head, ears, face, and neck to maximize warmth, UV protection, and wind protection EX | BONE (an apparatus that creates an air warming chamber) that keeps the cloth comfortably off your nose and mouth The EX | BONE can also be used with EX | HALE to prevent goggles and glasses from fogging up A zipper to let as little or as much air and wind into the mask as you wish Prevents the mask from slipping by using a combination of elastic fabric and stitching along with a moldable nose clip. If you’re in the market for a lighter mask, the Z5H has many of the same qualities as the Z9H but isn’t quite as thick. It will also protect your airways from that horrible burning and help you enjoy your outdoor exercise. Always remember though, use your discretion. If you’re hurting, or your doctor suggests to avoid outdoor activity, please listen. But if you’re ready to head outdoors, please do consider taking NAROO with you. We’ll keep your airways covered while you enjoy your exercise. Check out the Z9H and the Z5H. Don’t let the winter paradox stop you from exercise. NAROO’s sports masks won’t hinder you. They’ll set you free.
Seasonal Allergies: 6 Tips For Sports During Hay Fever Facing Pollen Allergy Head-on In our last blog we covered the common problem of pollen allergies, which experts refer to as “hay fever,” “allergic rhinitis,” or “seasonal allergic rhinitis”. We also discussed the impact of pollen allergy on the bodies of athletes, and answered the burning question of “Can I exercise with seasonal allergies?” In this blog we’re going to delve deeper into ‘How one can mitigate allergy symptoms‘, but also ‘How face masks—and in particular NAROO’s sports masks—can keep you working out or competing outdoors without your body working against you’. Impact of hayfever on performance Nasal congestion caused by colds and hayfever can impair nasal function and affect sports performance and enjoyment. Hay fever symptoms can lead to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and increased fatigue, which can negatively impact athletic performance. However, hay fever has been shown to negatively impact sleep and mood, and can impair sports and athletic performance. Tip #1: How To Stop Pollen Allergy Symptoms? Seek Dedicated Allergy Medication Note: Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication. Treating allergic symptoms with over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines and decongestants is very common. Unfortunately, navigating the effects some of them may have on the body of an athlete, as well as any potential legal complications for those competing professionally, is a stressful and lengthy process. That being said, it’s perfectly possible to find the medical solution that fits your body and needs as an athlete. Just make sure to consult with your personal physician and/or the physician of your sports medicine team if you’re a professional. Tip #2: Can pollen allergy cause difficulty breathing? Yes, So Control Your Indoor Environment As the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says, “allergy and asthma control begins at home.” While staying inside may not be an option for most athletes, improving indoor air quality can reduce your overall exposure to allergy and asthma triggers. No one likes the idea of having to face how unhygienic our home, work, or car environment can be, but tackling those spaces room by room can spare you from much allergic grief. So remember to clean thoroughly, and look at your home air purifying options. Tip #3: How to Prevent Itchy Eyes? Protect Your Eyes During Allergy Season We tend to think of pollen allergy as something that only affects our upper and lower respiratory health, but those itchy, welling eyes you get with a faceful of spring aren’t due to the season’s breathtaking beauty. Allergies—including pollen-induced allergy—affect your ocular health in some pretty nasty, unwelcome ways. As an athlete, under the guidance of your doctor, you can wear contact lenses, glasses, or goggles in order to protect your eyes, but beware of the downsides to the first, such as the increased risk of bacterial infection, irritation, and more. Tip #4: Check Pollen Count to Help Allergies Checking your area’s latest pollen count can significantly help you when you’re planning outdoor exercise. While pollen levels are usually at their highest “before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening”, your reaction to them has many variables. It’s therefore advisable to keep track of them through a regularly updated pollen forecast. Thankfully, there are many pollen monitoring stations in the world, so you are most likely to find accurate information about the presence and quantities of pollen in your area. Tip #5: How to Avoid Pollen Allergies? A Well-Balanced Diet According to the study “Dietary Interventions in Pollen-Related Food Allergy,” “up to 90% of pollen-sensitized individuals are allergic to foods that cross-react with pollen”. After all, our dietary habits affect our health in many ways, so it stands to reason that even seasonal allergies would have their ties to them. As Sarah Garone, NDTR of Healthline advises, “from reducing inflammation to boosting the immune system, there are a number of dietary choices that may help mitigate the miseries of seasonal allergies.” You may also benefit from avoiding foods connected to the type of pollen you are most allergic to. Tip #6: Use a face mask for relief. Wear a Pollen Allergy Mask Nothing will protect your nasal cavity, and respiratory system better than face coverings, and as a new study conducted in Turkey supports, “face mask usage can be considered a preventive measure to minimize allergen exposure in high-risk environments.” When exercising outdoors and being exposed directly to irritants, a face mask is a must-have sports accessory for protecting your airways. As pollen particle sizes typically range from 9μm (microns) to 200μm, surgical masks—which filter particles as small as 3μm—are a good option, and even cloth masks can help. That being said, these specific types of masks are not very sports-friendly options for any athlete on the go. This is where sports masks that counteract allergies come into play, and where we at NAROO can help you stay active while staying pollen-free. Why NAROO Sports Masks? Unlike the typical go-to options for masks—N95 respirators, surgical, or cloth masks—NAROO’s sports masks are designed and developed for athletes. Our filtering F-Series is not only made to filter particles as small as 1.7μm, but offers more breathability, reusability, and variety than most heavy-duty options, while improving on their filtering capabilities. An athlete who needs to comfortably and safely train outdoors—be it going on a simple run, cycling, or preparing for a professional event—needs a reliable, flexible, breathable filtering mask specifically designed for rigorous activity. NAROO masks do not require a change of filter, and retain their properties even after being washed 100 times. They are a dependable, scientifically certified solution made for reducing your exposure to pollen without reducing your time outdoors. “Intended for everyday use and for amateur and professional athletics, NAROO face covers protect people on the go in environments with pollen, dust, in hot or cold weather. They are easy-breathing and filter out environmental agents that cause breathing difficulties or trigger allergy.” — AllergyUK “Both the NAROO Mask F.U+ and F.U+ Copper are masks worth considering if you are looking for a new form of pollution protection. The masks
Natural remedy for allergies: Relief that you might be missing There is nothing quite like the great outdoors in spring, and there is nothing quite like the hit that this beautiful season can inflict on the human body. As inspiring as nature may be in full bloom, pollen allergy is an all too familiar enemy of many, including athletes. As with everything in life, there is bad news and good news here; yes, pollen could definitely jeopardize or ruin your sports goals during allergy season, but there are ways to protect yourself and your performance from it apart from medication. What Are Pollen Allergies? Pollen allergy—sometimes commonly referred to as “hay fever,” “allergic rhinitis,” or as “seasonal allergic rhinitis” by experts—is an allergic reaction to the pollen produced by plants and carried around by the wind. With one in five people being affected by it at some point in their life, it is most likely you either face it yourself, or at the very least have encountered it through family, friends, or peers. In Western countries, between 10% and 30% of people are affected. Hay fever usually appears with allergy symptoms such as: Itching in your nose, roof of your mouth, throat, and eyes Sneezing Stuffy nose (congestion) Runny nose Tearing eyes Dark circles under the eyes If these—especially a combination of them—sound familiar, particularly during pollen season then you know the culprit behind them. Now, while many of these symptoms are annoying, allergic rhinitis itself can also cause a variety of other issues that can range from significant hindrances to significant dangers. For one, those who are allergic to pollen are also prone to allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy). But it is also theorized that upper respiratory inflammation can lead to lower respiratory issues as well. According to Yale Medicine allergist Florence Ida Hsu, MD, “You’ll find people with allergies getting recurrent sinus infections, and both can lead to respiratory symptoms, asthma, and bronchitis.” While there is a lot we still do not know about allergies, we do know that seasonal allergic rhinitis “… is often hereditary as to whether or not we develop allergies, which means it can be passed down through genes from parents to their children.” We also know that climate change is making them worse in the long-term. It is therefore always advisable to consult with your physician if you think or feel you may be affected. Most common natural remedies and techniques for allergies relief Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers In other words, stay at home, but as an athlete can you stay at home all season? In other words, stay at home, but as an athlete can you stay at home all season? It is recommended that you stay indoors during the peak hours when symptoms are most likely to occur and exercise later in the day, around sunset. During this time, the amount of spores scattered is low and the wind is light, so there will be no irritants flying into your eyes, nose, or mouth. It is also effective to choose a grass-free area for exercise to avoid stirring up spores. Clearing the sinuses Rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution (nasal rinse) is a quick, inexpensive, and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. It directly washes mucus and allergens out of the nose. Saline solution can be purchased ready-made or in a kit and added to water. If using a kit or homemade saline solution, use bottled water to reduce the risk of infection. Alternative Treatments Many natural remedies have been used to treat hay fever symptoms. Treatments that may improve symptoms include extracts of the shrub Butterbur, Spirulina (a type of dried algae), and other herbal medicines. Due to the limited number of clinical trials designed, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Acupuncture has shown limited benefit potential, but research results are mixed. How Does Pollen Affect Us As Outdoor Lovers? According to several studies, allergic rhinitis is more common in athletes than previously thought, with endurance athletes in particular having a high prevalence of it (44% of athletes). When you breathe harder and longer—which is common when exercising or competing as an athlete—you inhale a larger amount of allergens and irritants over a longer period of time. According to Katelaris et al., 2000, allergic rhinitis impairs physical performance in professional athletes by affecting sleep, decreasing the ability to concentrate or reducing physical fitness. The same study also concluded that athletes are more prone to asthma. In the survey of 214 athletes representing 12 Olympic sports, 21% reported having experienced asthma. All is not bleak, however. If you are now wondering “Can I exercise with seasonal allergies?” The answer is absolutely, YES. You simply have to exercise more cautious than others. There are many ways to reduce the health risks and comfort issues brought by pollen allergy. The tricky part is choosing—and balancing—between prevention and treatment. As Medical News Today states, “medical treatments, home remedies, and changes in some lifestyle habits can help ease symptoms of pollen allergy.” At the same time, it’s impossible to be completely free of them through treatment alone. It is necessary for you to also consider how to avoid exposure to these allergens in the first place. Staying indoors and fortifying your home environment does help, but an athlete needs that safety and comfort level on the go. Natural remedy for allergies: Wear your face mask for relief So if you need a face covering to tackle pollen head on, what is the best allergy mask to go for? Well, for one, any reduction in exposure is better than full exposure. According to a study by the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, Japan, standard non-woven fabric surgical facemasks and glasses with side guard protection can help to a degree, but they cannot go up against wind speed and direction. N95 respirators do a better job at filtering pollen particles out, but they are some of the least comfortable, least breathable to exercise or compete with.