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Natural Solutions for 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 think are most effective.

It is important to remember that allergies may be a sign that there is an underlying imbalance or issue in the body. Chronic, recurring and more severe allergies are often a sign that the body is out of balance or that one of the body’s systems or organs is not functioning optimally. If you do not respond to targeted allergy treatment consider the below list of possible underlying causes:

• Lymphatic congestion or compromised liver function which results in an inability of your body to detoxify.
• Food intolerances which lead to inflammation in the body and immune system dysfunction.
• Dysbiosis and other digestive problems
• Adrenal fatigue
• Immune system compromise
• Insomnia or poor sleep
• Stress and elevated stress hormones such as cortisol

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.
• Bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes are helpful for breaking up mucous, decreasing congestion and reducing inflammation. Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple.

Recommended Supplements:

People respond differently to different supplement formulas. While one product may work 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 think combining an herbal formula with a homeopathic formula increases effectiveness.

• Allergy Relief System by Herbs Etc
• 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

Join me in the store and talk with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-7 for help addressing your allergies!!  
 

DJ commented 2014-04-01 14:48:42

Thank you. The information provided is very helpful.

Karen commented 2014-04-03 00:39:55

I tried Activated Quercetin and it really helped but then I developed migraines. I also take Crestor (for high Cholesterol) drink a lot of tea, and take vitamin supplements. Could these be interacting and causing the migraines? Or maybe the dosage was too high at 1 gram a capsule and I might have taken two along with food. Would like to give it another try but afraid of the migraines coming back.

Dr. Joanne commented 2014-04-03 20:55:03

Hi Karen, High doses of Quercetin has been associated with headaches. 2 grams/day is the high end of a typical dose. Perhaps a smaller dose of 500-1000mg a day would be better for you. According to Natural Standard Database, there are no known adverse interactions with cholesterol medications such as Crestor. Perhaps Nettles and bromelain would be helpful for your allergies if you cannot tolerate Quercetin.