Seasonal Allergies

Seeing the words seasonal allergies already makes my throat tickle and my hands ready to grab the eucalyptus-scented tissues. Personally, my allergies have been acting up since KZN has been experiencing fluctuating weather over the past few months. Rest assured I have tried and tested many natural products that have improved my symptoms and eventually, reduced them to just a few sneezes every now and again.

Think of an allergy (grass, tree or weed pollen) as a foreign object that comes into contact with the body via the nasal cavity and/or skin, and causes the body’s immune system to react by putting up a defensive wall. This wall causes an array of symptoms affecting the nose, roof of the mouth, back of the throat and eyes.

The onset of these symptoms can be experienced progressively or instantly. Your nose will start to run and the lining of the nose may become swollen and red. As parents, the biggest fear for children is that a stuffy nose may lead to an ear infection.

Then there is a worry that the sinuses become congested, causing headaches and occasionally sinus infections (sinusitis). Your eyes may water, sometimes copiously, and tend to itch. The whites of the eyes may become red, and the eyelids may become red and swollen. Other symptoms can include coughing and wheezing (especially in people who also have asthma) and sometimes irritability and trouble sleeping. Several people who suffer from allergic rhinitis also suffer from asthma, possibly caused by the same allergy triggers (allergens) that contribute to allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Remember that the severity of symptoms varies with the seasons and from person to person.

Rest assured when allergies strike, Thrive has got you covered.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to seasonal allergies is to listen to your body.

Firstly… If you are accustomed to experiencing the symptoms mentioned above at a certain time of the year, then plan ahead and prepare your body with the following supplements (recommended doses by Dr. Hoffman):  

• VITAMIN C
  Acts as a natural antihistamine.
  Dosage: 500mg 3 times daily
  Try: Metagenics Ultra Potent-C, Coyne Liposomal C, Solgar Ester C, The Real Thing Nutra-C

• QUERCETIN
  Identified to prevent mast cells from releasing pro-inflammatory compounds that cause allergy symptoms.
  Dosage: 500mg 3 times daily
  Try: Metagenics or Solgar

• OMEGA-3 FISH OIL
  One the primary active ingredients is EPA which provides anti-inflammatory protection.
  Dosage: 1,000 mg 3 times daily.
  Try: Metagenics Omegagenics EPA DHA 720, Coyne Purest Omega

• VITAMIN D
  Promising research proposes a protective role of vitamin D against asthma, eczema, and other allergic conditions.
  Try: Metagenics D3 1000, GoodHealth Vitamin D3, BetterYou DLux Vitamin D Spray

• PROBIOTICS
  Current studies show promise in consuming probiotics containing Lactobacillus strains which aid in relieving allergic symptoms. Re-establishing a balance of bacteria in the gut helps to control boisterous immune responses.
  Try: Metagenics Ultraflora immune boost or Ultraflora balance

• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
  Can potentially prevent allergic reactions at the tissue level.
  Dosage: 1 gram 3 times daily
  Try: Threshold MSM, The Real Thing Joint Revolution

• SULFORAPHANE
  This potent derivative of broccoli or broccoli sprouts has been shown to counteract allergies worsened by air pollution.
  Try: Metagenics Sulforaclear, Coyne Bio-Sulforaphane

• BROMELAIN
  A proteolytic enzyme extracted from pineapple, it stops the allergic cascade and reduces swelling and edema of tissue.
  Dosage: 500 mg 3 times daily.
  Try: Solgar

• ADRENAL SUPPORT
  The adrenals are responsible for mediating the body’s struggle with an allergic challenge, stabilising cortisol production with licorice, pantothenic acid, adrenal cortical extract, ashwagandha, and other adaptogens can ease symptoms.
  Try: Metagenics Licorice Plus, Adreset or Adrenogen

Secondly these are some amazing homeopathic and herbal remedies:

1. Heel Euphorbium nasal spray: Proposed for use in rhinitis of varied origins (viral, bacterial, allergic); rhinitis sicca, rhinitis hyperplastica, and atrophicans, for the auxiliary treatment of ozena; chronic sinusitis; to facilitate nasal respiration in hay fever.
2. Heel Vinceel: Can be used to ease mouth and throat inflammations such as sore throats and inflammation of the Eustachian tube and middle ear, tonsillitis.
3. Nectadyne Cough Syrup: Provides relief from acute and chronic coughs – both dry and expectorant resulting from post-nasal drip or itchy throat.
4. Tibb Septogard or Himalaya Septalin: These are herbal-based natural anti-infective therapies that can be used to prevent secondary infections from post-nasal drip like bronchitis, sinusitis, etc. 
5. SIMILISAN eye drops: A gentle homeopathic formula for itchy red eyes.
6. Natura Mixed allergen: can be used throughout the year to manage allergies.
7. A.Vogel Echinaforce tablets, tincture, and or sore throat spray.
8. A. Vogel Sinuforce tablets or tincture: It assists with the treatment of sinusitis and nasal catarrh.
9. A.Vogel Allergy formula: This is a supportive treatment of minor allergic conditions. In accordance with homeopathic literature, ingredients assist in addressing minor allergic and common seasonal allergy symptoms such as itching (of eyes, nose, throat, and skin) as well as sneezing, blocked or runny nose, and minor allergic skin rashes.

Here are some tips on the best way to manage your allergies:

• Eat as many fresh fruits, and vegetables as possible, and limit processed foods which will help reduce inflammation.
• Make sure to check your air quality and look at different filtration processes to clean out the air. (Aircon, humidifier et.
• Be sure to change clothes and shoes when you get home, and take a quick shower before bed as pollen collects on clothing and hair.
• Keep windowsills and surfaces clean. Vacuum or mop floors, and limit rugs in the home.
• Take measures like wearing a filter mask when doing housework or yardwork to avoid inhaling allergens.
• Make an allergy kit to keep in your desk drawer, car, and or purse. Stock it with medication, tissues, eye drops, and lotion for chapped skin.
• If you wear contacts, switch to glasses when your eyes get itchy or watery.
• Use a neti pot which is designed to flush out the sinuses. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays ― with or without medication ― can also be effective.

Blog Post by: Vaneshree Moodaliyar – Thrive Wellness Consultant

References: https://drhoffman.com/article/18-supplements-for-allergy-relief-and-prevention/