Spring has arrived and what a wonderful time of year this is. Well not if you’re one of those unfortunate people who suffer from hayfever. In fact, if you suffer from any allergy-linked problems such as eczema, asthma, dermatitis, itchy eyes, chronic nasal congestion or catarrh you probably find your symptoms are worse at this time of the year.
Common Allergens
The three most common allergy-provoking substances are pollen, wheat and milk. It is interesting to note that all these substances are originally grass products. Some people report remarkable relief by avoiding wheat and dairy products during the hayfever season. Dairy foods are the most common food allergen and can certainly make mucus and sinus problems much worse.
Not all bad news
The good news is that there are a number of substances you can either eat or supplement that can reduce your allergic potential so you’re less likely to have these symptoms in the first place, reduce their severity if you do have them, and can also help when you have an ‘attack’. Ideally though, one needs to begin such a strategy at least a month before the onset of Spring.
Nature’s Anti-Histamine
Vitamin C is a natural anti-histamine making it the most important anti-allergy vitamin, so give your intake a boost in hayfever season. Vitamin C is a powerful promoter of a strong immune system, immediately calms down allergic reactions and is also anti-inflammatory. It’s really recommended for everyone at an absolute minimum of 1,000mg (1g) a day whether you have allergies or not. If you are suffering from allergy symptoms, you need to take 3 g per day in divided doses. The liposomal form of Vitamin C as in Natroceutics Vitamin C Complete is the best choice here as it gets into the cells and not just the bloodstream. Also eat more vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits, berries, peppers and broccoli.
You've GUT this
Get your gut health optimal. A lack of diversity in the gut microbiome can increase inflammation in the body, and has been linked to an increased incidence of allergies such as hay fever. 70% of our immune system lies in the gut. Be sure to be taking a daily supplement containing at least Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains of bacteria. A good choice would be Rawbiotics Daily Balance
Vitamin D
Research suggests that people who are deficient in vitamin D are at an increased risk of severe allergic rhinitis. If you think about it we are just coming out of winter when people are more likely to be deficient, so this makes sense. Consider NOW Vitamin D3 1000IU.
Omega-3 Fish Oils
Omega-3 fish oils are one of nature’s best natural anti-inflammatory nutrients, with countless other benefits besides. You can relieve allergies by eating a minimum of three portions of oily fish such as mackerel, anchovies, salmon and sardines every week. However, for most of us, these fish are not easily obtainable in which case we need to supplement with the equivalent of 1000 mg of pharmaceutical grade fish oil a day. Consider which have an enteric coating to prevent a fishy after taste.
Quercetin
Quercetin, a plant bioflavonoid naturally found in fruits and vegetables, is also an excellent hayfever remedy. It acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and stabilises mast cells in allergy sufferers. Mast cells become unstable during an allergic reaction and release large quantities of histamine, inflammatory prostaglandins, cytokines, leukotrienes and other chemical culprits that cause hayfever symptoms. The best vegetable sources of quercetin are red onions, spinach, carrots and lettuce. The best fruits are apples and berries, especially cranberries and blueberries, but for best effect, quercetin should also be supplemented.
MSM
MSM, which is a highly bioavailable form of sulphur, may also help you. This naturally-occurring organic form of sulphur, has been found to have remarkable health benefits, promoting better hair, nails and skin, allergy relief and pain control. MSM helps the body build and repair, as well as calming down inflammation. If you are prone to allergic or inflammatory health problems such as hayfever, 1-2 grams of MSM a day may provide substantial relief.
Xylitol
Make your own nasal spray by dissolving a pinch of coarse salt and half a teaspoon of xylitol in just enough warm water for it to dissolve. Spray this into each nostril three times a day to help keep nasal passages clear and to kill bacteria. Unlike prescription remedies, this homemade, non-habit-forming nasal spray will not damage tissues or result in antibiotic resistance.
Immediate relief needed urgently!
So the above are suggestions of what you could add to your prevention strategy starting yesterday! Prevention is always better than cure!
But what if you’re too late and you’re already suffering and need some immediate relief?
Panaxea’s Super Sinex) Capsules could be your answer. It’s a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine so 100% natural and can provide instantaneous relief for allergy-linked symptoms such as hayfever, sinusitis, head colds, watery, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, etc. This formulation rapidly clears nasal congestion and modifies the IgE allergy response. It is useful in both infective and allergy mediated sinusitis and related symptoms.
Enjoy smelling the roses this Spring!