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
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.