As fall approaches and school gets into full swing, one thing is left to get us.
Allergies. Not just allergies, but all kinds of potential triggers in our air, food, and water that can wreak havoc on susceptible immune systems.
So what do we do? While it’s easy to turn to over-the-counter drugs, these aren’t always 100 percent effective. Many lose their effectiveness with time and can do next to nothing if overused.
This is why so many people are going natural. If you – like many people ‘post-COVID’ – are looking to optimize your health naturally, you’re in luck.
Here are eight amazing supplements and why you should look into ’em STAT as allergy season approaches.
A powerful antioxidant flavonoid, quercetin is found in numerous veggies, fruits, and even grains. The reason it works so well is that it functions as both an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. According to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, quercetin is especially useful for reducing inflammation of the airways.
We’ve all heard of the benefits of vitamin C for years, but did you know it’s particularly good for allergies? Not only does this vital vitamin stimulate your immune system, but it also reduces the amount of histamine your body releases. By lowering this amount, your allergy symptoms can disappear fast! Some research has shown up to a 40 percent reduction in blood histamine levels – truly remarkable.
Never heard of it?
Stinging nettle is a herb used by doctors and natural healers for untold centuries. It’s known to help with a wide range of health maladies, allergies being one of them. Stinging kettle works by reducing your body’s production of something called prostaglandins. When these chemicals are reduced, your histamine levels drop, decreasing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
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Not just healthy fatty acids, omega-3s are also great for reducing inflammation. In fact, omega-3s lower the production of leukotrienes, which play a central role in allergies. By lowering these levels, omega-3s can help alleviate congestion and sinus problems in particular.
You’ll be surprised how much your respiratory system can improve!
Helpful bacteria that are fantastic for your gut health and mental wellbeing, probiotics are very trendy these days. Especially given how unhealthy the modern processed diet can be.
But did you realize that by improving your gut, you can greatly improve your allergies too?
Because our bacteria balance is so important to our immune system, probiotics work by regulating the whole ecosystem. In other words, your gut feels better – your whole body feels better!
If you like pineapples, you’re in luck. Taken from the stem of the pineapple, the enzyme bromelain is beneficial against both mucus and inflammation. It’s especially good for the nasal passages and your sinuses, so if you’re feeling clogged up, consider this supplement. It’s been found to have particular efficacy in treating allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.
In recent years, NAC has quickly gained its reputation as a powerful, consistently effective antioxidant. Many users swear by its ability to improve lung function while reducing mucus production. Research finds that NAC promotes the release of glutathione, which is ideal for protecting your lungs from damage.
RELATED: Is it Fall Allergies or COVID-19?
We already mentioned Vitamin C, but what about Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin? If you live in certain areas where sunlight is not prevalent, supplementation may be especially useful. Just consider that people with low levels of Vitamin D have been repeatedly linked to higher rates of allergies and asthma.
Because Vitamin D plays a fundamental role in the immune system, it should always figure near the top of any supplementation plan.
But let’s not forget other important aspects too. Do not skip traditional allergy medications entirely, especially if they historically work for you. The goal here is to come up with a comprehensive game plan. You want to tackle your allergies from all angles, taking products that are safe and effective in the right doses.
So be sure to read the labels carefully. Consult your doctor or a naturopath if you’re unsure, and always give your body a ‘grace period’ to see how you react.
We’re all different, and some things might do nothing for you, while others make your allergies practically vanish!
If you are seeing an allergist or immunologist, bring up the use of supplements and what you’ve been reading. Many allergists may even recommend certain products without you asking. At the end of the day, it’s important to find what works for you.
With some safe, doctor-supervised ‘experimenting,’ you may just make those pesky allergies a thing of the past!
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