Fight Seasonal Allergies With Natural Alternatives

Spring is here, and if you are one of the more than 100 million people in the US who suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that this time of year can be difficult on your health. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, “27.2% of children show allergy symptoms, and 31.8% of adults” suffer from allergies. Whether you’re allergic to mold spores, grass, ragweed, pollen, or various kinds of flowers or trees, the symptoms can be difficult to manage.

Allergies occur when your body identifies something breathed or ingested as dangerous. In the case of seasonal allergies, the danger is typically airborne. Your body then responds by releasing histamines and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This results in symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes; a sore or scratchy throat; a runny or stuffy nose; or even swelling of the face and lips.

Those who suffer from allergies often feel miserable and want relief. Because traditional over-the-counter medications can make you feel lethargic or have other undesirable side effects, many people turn to natural alternatives.

There are various supplements that can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing inflammation and blocking the release of histamine in your body. But, as always, before you start a new supplement, talk with your doctor, as some may not be right for you, and some may interact with other meds you are taking.

But once you have the okay to try, here are several suggestions. You may have to explore several of these options before you find one that is right for you.

Quercetin

According to the Mount Sinai site, quercetin “belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their colors.” Quercetin has antioxidant properties and helps prevent your body from releasing histamines, which cause allergies.

Zinc

An article published by the National Library of Medicine explains that zinc “can alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, cough, and dyspnea, and improve lung parameters.” That’s one of the reasons that Performance Inspired created Zinc Plus, which contains 30 mg of zinc. It also contains vitamin B6 and magnesium, which help with cellular growth, tissue repair, and overall immune health.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that helps reduce inflammation in the body; its active component is curcumin. ENT and Allergy Associates explains that a study of curcumin in humans “showed an improvement in nasal airflow and a positive effect on immune response in patients with allergic rhinitis who took curcumin.” Understanding these benefits, PI created a turmeric curcumin formula made with black pepper, which “can enhance absorption of nutrients by at least 30%.”

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that help with immune function and have beneficial effects on your body. The Asthma and Allergy Physicians of Rhode Island explains that “maintaining a healthy, balanced microbiome in the gut is the best way to manage allergies” and that “eating lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as probiotics or ‘good bacteria,’ [are] an essential way to improve and maintain healthy gut flora.” You can take a probiotic supplement or drink kombucha, a fermented tea that contains millions of probiotics. Both are extremely beneficial, and kombucha comes in lots of tasty flavors.

Butterbur

Healthline explains, “When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases the inflammatory chemical leukotriene. Leukotriene is what’s responsible for triggering an allergic reaction in your body.” Butterbur is a marsh plant that acts as a leukotriene inhibitor, which can help reduce allergy symptoms. But be careful. The National Institutes of Health cautions against using unprocessed butterbur because it “contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids,” and these “can cause serious liver damage and other illnesses.” So it recommends purchasing PA-free butterbur, as it is safe and effective, and most people do not experience side effects.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is traditionally used to boost the immune system, and many people take it when they are sick, but did you know that it also has natural antioxidants and is an antihistamine? These help decrease inflammation, swelling, and allergy-related symptoms.

Stinging Nettle

Healthline explains that stinging nettle has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians, who used it for lower back pain and arthritis because it helps combat inflammation. But people today have found that it has many other benefits, including blocking histamine, which is why it helps alleviate allergy symptoms.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, a type of blue-green algae that is high in nutrients and that helps combat inflammation and has antioxidant properties. These properties make it a great way to fight allergy symptoms.

Bromelain

If you like pineapple and suffer from allergies, then you are in luck! Bromelain is naturally found in pineapple and fights against the inflammation that causes sinusitis, a condition brought on by allergies. Healthline explains that experts recommend eating pineapple rather than taking supplements. So grab a fresh pineapple and enjoy!

We know that this time of year can be hard. You feel pulled between wanting to spend time outside enjoying the beautiful weather and wanting to stay away from anything that causes your symptoms to worsen. So try a few of these supplements and see if they help. You may soon be able to love the outdoors again!