As the old saying goes; April showers bring May flowers. You know how it feels when you have that first hint of spring. The sun is a little higher in the sky and you can feel its warmth. All the sudden you can see the buds on the trees. That’s when it hits you. Allergy season.
You know the symptoms: watery, itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, loss of sense of smell and post nasal drip. The typical treatment is to use antihistamines. Antihistamines make sense because the allergy symptoms are caused by the release of histamine. The release of histamine is part if a process the body goes through in an attempt to rid the body of the offending substance, in this case the allergen. This whole process starts in a special cell called the mast cell. When an allergen hits the mast cell, a cascade of events occur which ultimately leads to the release of histamine and thus your allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines block the action of histamine in the body but they come with a number of adverse side effects which can create additional challenges for individuals using them. Fortunately, there are several natural substances that may be able to address on’s allergy challenges without the side effects found in traditional antihistamine products.
Higher doses of vitamin C has been shown to be beneficial against allergies because vitamin C can expedite the elimination of inflammatory histamine from the body. Typical doses of vitamin C is 500mg 2 to 3 times a day.
Quercetin is another natural substance that can serve as a mast cell stabilizer. When the allergen contacts the mast cell, the cascade of events within the mast cell causes the mast cell to open releasing the histamine. When you stabilize the mast cell you don’t get the release of the histamine, thus the benefits of the quercetin.
Bromelain is a natural enzyme that is commonly taken with food as an aid in digestion. However, when taken on an empty stomach, bromelain can be absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to reduce inflammation and break up mucous.
Finally, when developing a strategy to manage allergies, a good preventative foundational approach is often very helpful. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, like those found in fish oil supplements can be beneficial in managing allergic and asthmatic symptoms. A quality probiotic helps to support a health intestinal tract. We know that 70 percent of our immune function is located in our gut. So maintaining a good gut health is essential for the management of allergic issues, regardless of the source.
At both Custom Health in Manitowoc and Custom Health Pharmacy we have the supplements you need to help support a healthy immune system for your allergies. Stop in and talk to Angel in Manitowoc or John in Green Bay for the best product for you.