Soothe Your Seasonal Allergies with These Supplements
Allergy is an immune response to a harmless
substance, where the body creates antibodies as a triggering response.
Common triggers include dust, food, and pet dander. In spring, pollen
from trees, grasses, and flowers can aggravate symptoms of allergic
rhinitis, or hay fever.
While conventional allergies can often be
managed with medication and environmental changes, chronic allergies may
require medical attention. Antihistamines provide quick relief for
symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
However, for those seeking alternatives or complementary options to
over-the-counter drugs, some supplements may provide relief.
Note: Before introducing any new
supplements into your routine, consult with your doctor, especially if
you are taking other medications. This precautionary measure is
important to avoid any potential risks associated with drug
interactions.
1. Quercetin
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits,
vegetables, flowers, and plants, is a powerful antioxidant that gives
them their vibrant colors. According to Mount Sinai's health library,
quercetin supplements may help prevent heart disease, certain
malignancies, inflammation, and cellular damage. The American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) states that preliminary studies
in vitro indicate quercetin supplements may help combat allergies by
stabilizing mast cells, thus reducing histamine production.
2. Vitamin C
Although vitamin C is typically sought
after during the onset of a cold, it can also help relieve the symptoms
of seasonal allergies such as sniffles and runny noses. Vitamin C is
well-known for its ability to enhance the immune system and reduce
inflammation. It can boost the immune system and potentially lower the
severity of allergy symptoms. According to health professionals,
including this supplement in your regimen can reduce swelling, itching
sensations, a runny nose, excess mucus, and teary eyes caused by
allergies.
3. Probiotics
Hay fever occurs when the nasal airways
become inflamed in reaction to an allergen, causing a range of
unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, watering eyes, and an
itchy nose. However, recent research has suggested that taking a daily
probiotic can help modify immune and inflammatory responses, potentially
providing relief from these symptoms.
"The clinical benefit of probiotic therapy depends on numerous factors,
such as type of bacterium, route of administration, dosing, regimen, and
other underlying host factors," a 2013 study published in the North
American Journal of Medical Sciences observes.
4. Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered "healthy
fats" and may benefit your heart health. They can also assist you in
overcoming allergies because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, these supplements help the body adjust its immune response
during illness.
A study published in the journal Allergology International in 2015 found
that omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) protect against inflammatory diseases such
as asthma and allergies. The study's authors suggest "a causal
relationship between decreased intake of fish oil in modernized diets
and an increasing number of individuals with asthma or other allergic
diseases."
5. Magnesium
5. Magnesium
There is evidence that magnesium may ease
breathing by relieving constricted airways in the lungs. The results of a
study showed that animals who were severely deficient in magnesium had
higher levels of histamine in their blood when exposed to allergens than
animals who received adequate amounts of magnesium.
It's recommended that you don't exceed more than 350 mg of magnesium
combined in your multi and additional supplements if you are planning on
adding magnesium to your diet.