Combating Allergies the Natural Way
Living in a cold, gray, northern climate, it is safe to say that most of us welcome spring with open arms. No more scraping ice off the car, bundling up to go out, and tunneling through snow drifts looking for Amazon packages that were “delivered.” (Okay, maybe the last one is just me.) Yes, in northeast Ohio, we can’t wait for spring.
But then the reality hits. Trees start to blossom and grass turns green, and with that comes sneezing, runny noses, coughing, sore throats and sinus headaches. Studies have shown that allergy seasons are longer and more intense than they have ever been, with an estimated 10-30% of the population suffering from seasonal allergies. (The actual number seems MUCH higher to me than this…it feels like everyone I know has allergies.)
Doctors typically recommend antihistamines such as Claritin, Benadryl, Allegra or Zyrtec, along with a nasal spray. These can cause side effects such as fatigue, dehydration and upset stomach, but are generally well-tolerated. In my case, I compare taking these to throwing a cup of water at a five-alarm fire…I have extreme allergies to trees, grass, ragweed and mold with severe symptoms. Over-the-counter medications may make a slight dent into my symptoms, but it is hard to tell.
I like to supplement medications with natural remedies for allergies. Here are some of my favorites:
Vitamin C helps the enzymes that diminish histamine and hinders the enzymes that produce it. Studies have shown it to reduce histamine levels by up to 38% from oral doses, or 50% from intravenous doses. I like Ultra Potent C (Metagenics) or any type of Buffered C, which is easier in the stomach than regular Vitamin Cs.
Quercetin has so many health benefits, but is especially effective for allergies. It helps prevent mast cells from releasing histamine, which is the cause of most allergy symptoms. It is also known to reduce inflammation in the airways, which helps asthma sufferers.
NAC is another go-to remedy that has multiple systemic benefits for the body. For allergies, it can help thin mucous, reduce allergic response and enhance lung function. It is also a potent antioxidant, which helps reduce inflammation.
Stinging Nettle naturally blocks histamine production, and inhibits the body from producing chemicals associated with allergy symptoms such as runny nose or itchy eyes.
Bromelain is known for treating respiratory distress and inflammation associated with allergies.
Butterbur is often used to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, but is also associated with improving symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
These remedies are low in cost and can be purchased a la carte, but there are several formulas that combine natural allergy remedies into one capsule. Sinuplex (Metagenics) includes NAC, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Stinging Nettle and Bromelain, and is available on Wellevate at 25% off for $32.25. Allergy Support Plus (Health Products Distributors) also includes NAC, Vitamin C, Stinging Nettle and Bromelain, along with several other beneficial ingredients. It is available for $16.46 on Wellevate. (If you look up “allergies” in the product section of Wellevate, 11 pages of awesome products come up. There are lots of options, so take a look and see what works for you!)
Your pets may also be suffering.
Have you noticed runny noses, eye goop, or paw-licking in your pets? My dogs, Ed and Abbey, suffer from miserable seasonal allergies. It seems that like people, animals are having allergies more frequently and severely than ever before. Our vet advised us to use Benadryl for the dogs, but we are also using supplements. Options include:
Dr. Mercola’s Pet Seasonal Support ($28.12 for 3.17 oz), which has Vitamin C, bee pollen, quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettle and butterbur. It is a flavored powder that can be put into their food.
NOW Pet Allergy Chew Tabs ($25.49 for 75 chews) has quercetin, stinging nettle. Bromelain, Burdock Root and Licorice Root, which work to regulate your pet’s histamine levels.
The nice thing about these is that they are made to be “treats” and my pets take them readily, versus trying to get them to swallow a pill or capsule.
I hope these natural options help your allergies this summer. Most of the items listed have multiple health benefits for your body, and will not break the bank. As with all supplements, it is advised to consult with your doctor, and start one at a time and build up to recommended amounts slowly. All of the above supplements are available on my Wellevate site at 25% off.
