For most of us, spring means outdoor walks with the dog, opening up the windows to breathe in the fresh air, and reading books on the patio. However, it’s a much different story for those who suffer from seasonal allergies during allergy season.
Do your allergies prevent you from doing what you love the most in the warmer season, let alone simply going outside without suffering from symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and hay fever? Sometimes, it seems like no matter what you do, seasonal allergies will find a way to stop you from doing the things you love.
You aren’t alone: one in six Canadians suffers from seasonal allergies. We’ve compiled a list of five natural health products to help ease your allergy symptoms this allergy season so you can enjoy your favorite springtime activities. You can also visit our blog for a list of supplements for allergies.
Quercetin
Quercetin found in apples, red onions, broccoli and even green tea, has been shown to significantly reduce the amount of histamines released by immune cells in the body, which is the chemical responsible for the majority of your allergic reactions. Quercetin also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can further reduce allergy symptoms, with studies showing that supplementing with 500 mg of quercetin can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory chemicals in the body.
Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is found naturally throughout the body and is an essential co-factor in energy production. Studies have shown that supplementing daily with 300 mg of CoQ10 can significantly reduce the inflammatory chemicals present in allergy sufferers. The effects of CoQ10 supplementation range far beyond allergies as well, with benefits for cardiovascular health, endurance exercise performance and overall energy levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Similar to CoQ10, daily supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can provide a wide range of benefits to your health, and has been shown to help reduce the histamine release associated with the bulk of allergy symptoms, such as rhinitis and rashes.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 helps your body make proteins and is an essential co-factor in numerous processes throughout the body. For instance, it has been shown to relieve bronchial constriction and reduce mucosal blockage of your air passageways. The daily recommendation for vitamin B6 is 1 to 2 mg for adults.
Stinging Nettle
Looking for something to take the sting out of hay fever? A clinical study on complementary therapies for allergic rhinitis revealed that supplementation with stinging nettle can inhibit the inflammatory pathways associated with allergic rhinitis by reducing histamine release. For allergy relief, the recommended dosage is about 300 mg per day.
Next spring, reclaim your right to fully enjoy your day, and don’t let allergies get the best of you. For more supplements and tips to help reduce your allergy symptoms, visit Hooper’s Pharmacy & Vitamin Shop.
References
⦁ Askari, G., Ghiasvand, R., Feizi, A., Ghanadian, S. M., & Karimian, J. (2012). The effect of quercetin supplementation on selected markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 17(7), 637–641. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685779/
⦁ CBC News. (19 March 2010). Seasonal allergies: Something to sneeze at. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/seasonal-allergies-something-to-sneeze-at-1.930532
⦁ Kimata, M., Inagaki, N., & Nagai, H. (2000) Effects of Luteolin and Other Flavonoids on IgE-Mediated Allergic Reactions. Planta Med, 66(1), 25-29. doi: 10.1055/s-2000-11107
⦁ Lee, B. J., Tseng, Y. F., Yen, C. H., & Lin, P. T. (2013). Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation (300 mg/day) on antioxidation and anti-inflammation in coronary artery disease patients during statins therapy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition journal, 12(1), 142. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-12-142.
⦁ Sayin, I., Cingi, C., Oghan, F., Baykal, B., & Ulusoy, S. (2013). Complementary therapies in allergic rhinitis. ISRN allergy, 2013, 938751. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/938751
⦁ Sharma, S., & Litonjua, A. (2014). Asthma, allergy, and responses to methyl donor supplements and nutrients. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 133(5), 1246–1254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2013.10.039
Article used with permission from Healthier by Nature, from the experts at the Canadian Health Food Association.
Book, Michelle W. 5 Supplements to Relieve Your Seasonal Allergies. Healthier by Nature. Retrieved from: https://www.healthierbynature.ca/body-and-beauty/allergies/5-supplements-to-relieve-your-seasonal-allergies/
