Healthy Living / Eating
Surviving Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are no fun! The sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and sinus pressure can be so uncomfortable. Maybe you’ve tried over-the-counter solutions, but find yourself wanting to avoid medications. Let’s take a look at some natural solutions that may ease your symptoms.
Understanding how histamines work can help you better understand how natural antihistamines can be an ally during allergy season.
How Do Antihistamines Work?
Allergies are an immune response. The substance (maybe dust or pollen) comes into contact with cells in the mucus membranes of your nose, mouth, throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines. Your immune system is doing it’s job by triggering the release of histamines.
Histamine is a protein that causes all of these pesky symptoms mentioned above. Antihistamines block histamine activity, helping to stop the allergic reaction.There are certain foods and plant extracts that can have similar effects on histamine production. Try adding these items into your routine, especially during allergy season.
1. Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant plant pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s found in common foods including onions, green tea, apples and berries. This antioxidant lessens the respiratory side effects of allergies by reducing inflammatory response in the airways. You can purchase quercetin as a supplement as well as adding more quercetin-rich foods to your diet. An apple a day, anyone? 🙂
2. Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme most commonly found in fresh pineapples. Did you need an excuse to eat more? Now, you have it. Bromelain helps with digestion as well as immune response. You may also take a bromelain supplement (between 400-500 mg three times daily) to help relieve respiratory and inflammation issues during allergy season.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an easy-to-find natural antihistamine. It is available in many fruits and vegetables and can also be taken in supplement form. Vitamin C is a safe addition to your regimen for treating a stuffy nose.
4. ALJ Liquid Herb Formula
ALJ® provides protection for the respiratory system against potentially harmful airborne particles. The formula nourishes the body’s cleansing mechanisms and immune system to help them be able to fight any challenges from these particles. ALJ promotes proper lung function and assists the body through seasonal changes. It contains boneset aerial parts, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, horseradish root extract, and mullein leaves extract. It’s quite the herbal powerhouse.
One of the necessary mindsets needed in health challenges is tenacity. Don’t give up hope during allergy season. By combining natural remedies with allergen avoidance (if possible), you can make progress and find relief.
