Natural Solutions for Allergy Symptoms
Tags: natural remedies (40), environment (15), allergies (7)
Is there something natural that can help me with my Seasonal Allergies?
Yes, natural supplements that have anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine and anti-oxidant actions are helpful at reducing allergy symptoms. Below are some simple steps you can take to reduce your allergy symptoms and a list of some anti-allergy supplements that I have found to be most effective.
Basic Recommendations:
- Water - drink ½ your body weight in ounces per day. Add lemon or lime to alkalinize.
- Consume a balanced diet - Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors. Berries are chock full of antioxidants and are particularly helpful in alleviating allergies. Use spices and herbs when cooking, especially rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and turmeric. Avoid dairy products (dairy tends to increase congestion and mucous production), sugar, refined grains and food additives like dyes and MSG. You may find it beneficial to limit wheat/gluten to 1 meal per day or less.
- Keep a dietary journal to see if certain foods or food additives aggravate your symptoms.
- Daily Neti pots – 2 times per day, especially before bed to clear the pollen that has accumulated in the nasal passages and sinuses during the day.
- Purchase a Hepa Air Filter for your bedroom - clean air is key to reducing allergies. Remember to keep your windows shut to keep out the outside pollens.
- Consume local raw honey – best to start several weeks before allergy season hits.
- Clean contacts daily.
- Support your liver – to help detoxify and remove allergens from your system
Top Anti-Allergy Supplements:
- Bioflavonoids - water-soluble compounds present in citrus fruits such as lemon, oranges, grapefruit and other plants. They are excellent antioxidants especially when combined with Vitamin C. Quercetin and rutin are examples of bioflavonoids.
- Quercetin - a bioflavonoid found in apples, onions, red wine and citrus fruits. It inhibits inflammation and histamine release in allergy sufferers.
- Nettle leaf - potent anti-inflammatory and natural anti-histamine. A great anti-allergy herb especially when combined with Quercetin. Also highly nutritive. Can be used as a supplement, steeped for a tea or cooked in soups, quiches, and vegetables.
- Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright) – helps break up mucous and congestion, and decreases inflammation. Indicated when there is congestion, watering and itching eyes and sneezing.
- Bromelain, N-acetyl cysteine and other proteolytic enzymes are helpful for breaking up mucous, decreasing congestion and reducing inflammation. Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple.
- For liver support – dandelion root, burdock root, turmeric root, rosemary.
Recommended Products:
People respond differently to different supplement formulas. While one product may work great for one person, another product will work better for the next. I find this especially true when it comes to allergies. Below are some products to consider. I recommend combining an herbal formula with a homeopathic formula to increase effectiveness.
- Allergy Relief System by Herbs Etc – this is my favorite product!
- Sinus Plus by True Botanica – for those whose sinuses are most affected by allergies.
- Allerase by Enzymedica – contains proteolytic enzymes that break up inflammatory compounds and mucous.
- Freeze dried nettles by Oregon’s Wild Harvest – the recommended dose is 2 capsules 2 x/day. May take up to 2 weeks to see a response. Best if started BEFORE your allergy symptoms start.
- Homeopathic Remedies : BioAllers or Hyland’s Allergy Relief
Come in and talk to Dr. Joanne on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-7 for supplement and wellness recommendations!
Dr. Joanne Aponte is a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor & Holistic Wellness Expert. She is available in the store every Tuesday & Thursday from 12-7 to help answer your questions regarding natural wellness.
Disclaimer: The information contained in the GHM Wellness Blog is intended for educational purposes only. The information is not intended to be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical condition. Always consult with your personal physician or other qualified health care provider before making any changes to your health care