Do you suffer with symptoms of seasonal allergies? You’re not alone! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 35 percent of Americans suffer from hay fever or some other type of seasonal allergic reaction. In addition, nearly 10 million Americans have asthma that can worsen during seasonal allergy season.
The good news is there are ways you can help reduce your symptoms and make it easier to manage your seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies can be helped by reducing histamine levels.
Histamine is a chemical released by the body in response to allergens, like pollen or other airborne particles. It can cause redness and swelling in the nose, eyes and throat; itchy, watery eyes; sneezing and coughing. The most effective way of reducing histamine levels is with antihistamines (medications that block its effects). However, these medications often have side effects such as drowsiness so they're not always suitable for everyone who suffers from seasonal allergies!
There are other ways that you can help yourself too:
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables. It's also a natural antihistamine, meaning it can help reduce histamine levels in the body. Quercetin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which may be beneficial for those who suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma symptoms that worsen during allergy season. Quercetin can be found in apples, onions, parsley, citrus fruits, and even red wine! Dark cherries, bilberries, and blackberries are high in quercetin and other flavonoids. The challenge is always the amount of food you’d have to eat to get a meaningful serving of a nutrient. Most times it can be astronomical.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce histamine levels, inflammation and the severity of seasonal allergies. You can find vitamin C in foods such as citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, potatoes, corn, beets, and cassava. It also has antihistamine properties which helps reduce symptoms associated with seasonal allergies such as sneezing/runny nose etc.
Vitamin C also helps your body make new collagen--a protein that gives strength to tissue like skin and hair. It can help heal wounds faster by making new blood cells faster than normal so that you don't get infections from cuts or scrapes as easily.
Check out Pure Essentials C Buffered Powder.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 can help reduce histamine levels, which may explain why it's so effective at reducing inflammation. It also helps to regulate the immune system and has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Vitamin D3 is found in fish, eggs and mushrooms (although some mushrooms should be avoided if you have histamine intolerance). The body produces vitamin D3 when exposed to sunlight--so make sure you're getting enough time in the sun!
Always consult with your healthcare provider when starting new supplements. Your vitamin D levels can be measured with a simple blood draw. Many people have benefitted from keeping their vitamin D between 50-80 instead of the traditional “as long as it’s over 30” recommendations.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This means it can be used to address seasonal allergies because it reduces the way the body reacts to allergens.
Oregano oil is a natural food supplement that helps promote healthy digestion, boost energy levels and improve the immune system function. It's also known to help fight off infections such as colds or flu.
If you’re allergic to mint, sage, basil, or lavender you may be allergic to oregano as well and will want to abstain from using it.
If you're looking for a natural way to reduce histamine levels, these are our favorite options. If you need more help with seasonal allergies, please consult your healthcare practitioner about other treatments that may work better for you.
