Makes Allergies Worse: Red Meat
If youre constantly reaching for a tissue this time of year, it may be time to step away from the red meat. Red meat like beef, pork, and lamb can carry an allergen that causes a reaction similar to seasonal allergies. It could even become life-threatening, so if you dont feel well after eating red meat, skip the burger and order the chicken.
What Is The Best Vitamin For Allergies
A large number of allergy sufferers find that traditional methods for treating allergies namely antihistamines and allergy shots are too harsh, causing symptoms like drowsiness and dry skin. Consequently, people look to supplements and vitamins to help combat allergy symptoms. Here are some common vitamins and supplements for allergies:
How Much Should You Take
If youre interested in taking a vitamin C supplement, its a good idea to know how much you actually need.
Generally, adult men require 90 mg per day, while women need 75 mg per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require 85 and 120 mg per day, respectively.
A research review argued that most of us need between 100 and 200 mg per day to achieve optimal vitamin C levels in our cells and reduce disease risk.
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Vitamins That May Impact Your Asthma
Some scientists believe that asthma and vitamin deficiency are integrally linked. Researchers have looked into the role that certain vitaminslike vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin Eplay in the occurrence and severity of the disease. While it is clear that diet does influence the incidence and prevalence of asthma, what is less clear is whether vitamin supplementation can prevent asthma or improve its symptoms.
Can Vitamin C Help With Seasonal Allergies
Everyone knows about healing and immune-boosting properties of vitamin C, but few people think to use it to treat allergies. A 2018 study examined the use of vitamin C as a treatment for allergies and found that the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C can be effective in the treatment of allergies. Specially, high doses of vitamin C taken intravenously could reduce allergy symptoms after they had already begun, but even more importantly, people who were deficient in vitamin C were at increased risk of developing allergy-related diseases. That means that by doing something as simple as taking a daily multivitamin, you could diminish your seasonal allergy symptoms. A 2000 study showed that taking two grams of vitamin C daily could act as a natural antihistamine. Vitamin C is found naturally in foods like bell peppers, cantaloupe, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, strawberries, winter squash, broccoli, cauliflower, kiwifruit, and tomatoes.
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What Causes Allergies
Allergies are an immune response. The immune systems job is to protect the body from diseases, viruses and infections, but for people with allergies, the immune system mistakes harmless substances for dangerous intruders and attacks.
During this attack, the immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E , which tells the cells to produce the chemical histamine. Histamine production leads to symptoms such as:
- Red, itchy, watery eyes.
- Anaphylaxis.
What Is Vitamin C
Vitamin C, sometimes called ascorbic acid, is a water soluble essential vitamin. The body cannot produce vitamin C, so people need to get all of the vitamin C that they need from their diets. As a water soluble vitamin, vitamin C is not stored in the body, and excess amounts are excreted through the urine. As a result, overdosing on the vitamin is not a concern, so daily treatment with a high dose of vitamin C for a variety of conditions is possible. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that the body needs in order to perform many different functions, including maintaining proper functioning of the immune system, forming collagen, wound healing, absorbing iron, and maintaining the health of the cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Antioxidants are substances that protect against cellular and DNA damage caused by harmful byproducts of cellular reactions called free radicals. When the body does not have enough antioxidants, free radicals can build up in the body and damage the cells and DNA, which contributes to the development of chronic health conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. In addition to helping to prevent damage caused by free radicals, vitamin C can also help minimize the damage caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants like cigarette smoke.
In addition to the many important roles that vitamin C plays in the body, it may also be able to help minimize the symptoms of allergic rhinitis that are experienced as a result of seasonal allergies.
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How Do Allergies Work
In order to understand the ways in whichvitamin C can help with allergies, it can help to get a general understanding of how allergies work within our bodies.
Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, impacts approximately 5 million children and 19 million adults each year.1 Allergic responses are generally caused by outdoor or indoor allergens like pollen, dust, or animal dander that are either inhaled, ingested, or touched.
When the bodys immune system senses foreign agents, it triggers a histamine response, which causes the cold-like symptoms commonly associated with allergies, including:
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, roof of the mouth
- Postnasal drip
As the name implies, seasonal allergies can occur or get worse during specific time periods. Typically, theres some specific allergen thats being released during that season. For instance, common seasonal triggers include:2
- Early spring Tree pollen
- Late spring to summer Grass pollen
- Fall Ragweed pollen
- Perennial Dust mites, dander, fungi, and molds
But, just because youre allergic to one seasonal allergen doesnt mean you will be susceptible to others. Per John Hopkins Medicine:3
Common allergic reactions, such as hay fever, certain types of asthma, and hives are linked to an antibody produced by the body called immunoglobulin E . Each IgE antibody can be very specific, reacting against certain pollens and other allergens.
Makes Allergies Worse: Some Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is full of vitamins and minerals, but it could also lead to allergy symptoms. Many fruits contain a protein on their skin that is similar to pollen. When you bite into the skin, it releases in your body and can cause your throat to itch. Luckily cooking the fruit or blending it up in a smoothie should get rid of the problem.
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Allergy Season Is In High Gear The Trees Are Budding And Pollen Is Bursting Forth In Melbourne As Our Winters Are Warmer Were Also Seeing Allergies Kick In Sooner Perhaps With A Higher Intensity Than In Years Past
While most of us are cracking our windows open and emerging from the winter cocoon into the welcoming sun, our spring allergy patients step outside or crack their windows and theyre bombarded immediately, with an almost invisible onslaught of antigenic materials, resulting in the oh-so-familiar descent into itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, coughs, wheezes and sneezes.
Hayfever. Out come the antihistamines, the steroid inhalers and nasal sprays, the leukotriene inhibitors. And if they are particularly hard hit with allergies, that runny nose evolves into a sinus infection , and chances are good that they are gunning for the oft-repeated steroid taper and antibiotics.
Vitamin C And Allergies
Vitamin C is well known as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a protector against the free radicals that can damage cells and cause disease. Its also what helps the body with iron absorption and storage, assists with fighting infections, and is also an immune system booster, but whats this vitamins role in alleviating allergy symptoms?
Well, vitamin C also happens to be a natural antihistamine it seeks out and destroys histamine molecules in the bloodstream. The resulting reduced amount means fewer tears, sniffles, and itches for allergy sufferers. Our bodies arent able to manufacture vitamin C, but, thankfully, theres more than one way to get it.
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Asthma Rates And Vitamin Deficiencies
The hypothesis is based in large part on higher rates of asthma in Western countries where diets rich in refined sugar, fats, and processed foods have led to widespread deficiencies of certain vitamins, including vitamin D and B complex vitamins.
By comparison, the rate of asthma in non-industrialized parts of the world that rely on real foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is generally lower. Although nutritional deficiencies are common in developing countries, those deficiencies are driven more by malnutrition than by the dietary habits of the population.
Aged Cheeses And Smoked Or Processed Meats
Spring is the season for picnics in the park accompanied by fun charcuterie boards, but you may want to leave out the aged cheeses and smoked or processed meats. Similarly to fermented foods, these items are high in histamines and may worsen symptoms for those struggling, explains Blakely. Instead, she suggests choosing fresh protein sources and cooking them yourself to avoid sneezing galore.
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Does Vitamin C Help With Allergies
Clinically reviewed by our Board of Advisors
Lets face it, seasonal allergies are no fun.
The sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and itchy throat are just some of the unpleasant allergy symptoms that millions of people deal with. And while pollen is the most common culprit, there are dozens of agents that can trigger an immune response, including mold spores, dust, dust mites, and airborne contaminants.
Are you tired of allergies derailing your day? Do you want a natural way to combat seasonal allergies in the form of animmune defense supplement?
Well, heres some good newsvitamin C can help. Today, well discuss the underlying causes of allergies and the steps you can take to alleviate them.
What May Interact With This Medicine
- deferoxamine
- iron supplements
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medicine
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- diarrhea with headache or nausea
- flushing or redness of skin
- pain in lower back, side, or stomach
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :
- bad taste in the mouth
- stomach upset
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Helps Fight Allergies: Pineapple
Pineapple is loaded with vitamins and is an allergy-fighting powerhouse. Its secret weapon against pollen is the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain helps to calm down the irritation and swelling that causes itchy eyes and a runny nose. Bromelain can also help with coughing and chest tightness for those with asthma. Learn 10 more health benefits of pineapple.
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Vitamin C: The Natural Antihistamine
Antihistamine therapy does not work for everyone it can leave you feeling overall, very dry. Side effects include sleepiness, difficulty with urination, drowsiness, and irritability. Vitamin C is a welcomed alternative. As a vitamin, it is essential that you obtain vitamin C from your food and supplements as your body does not make vitamin C on its own. A potent antioxidant, vitamin C protects your cells from damage, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps your body to fight infections. When taken during allergy season, vitamin C can slow down the overreaction of your body to environmental triggers by decreasing your bodys histamine production. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine.
How Much Vitamin C Is Required
During the winter comfort foods are a popular go-to and due to the lack of fresh produce available during the winter season, it is common to shy away from fresh fruit and vegetables. Therefore, my first recommendation is to increase the vitamin C rich foods in your diet. This includes: red peppers, broccoli, red cabbage, guava, papaya, kiwifruit and orange. Dust off your blender and start making your smoothies again it is certainly one way to usher in spring. However, supplementation over and above what you take in from your diet is also recommended. Depending on the severity of your allergies, a dose between 500 to 5000 mg divided during the day, may be required. One study demonstrated that a dose of 500mg could inhibit the constriction in airways caused by histamine and for the participants in this study this effect lasted for 6 hours.
The Best Form of Vitamin C for Optimal Results
I often recommend that patients take vitamin C well before allergy season begins. This will help to prepare your body for the onslaught of symptoms before allergy season arrives. You may already be taking vitamin C on a regular basis to ward off the flu or to speed the healing of an upper respiratory infection. Just remember to choose a powdered or encapsulated supplement for quicker absorption and hopefully one that is free from chemical additives. Avoid hard tablets which can irritate your stomach lining and take longer for your body to digest.
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Lets Take A Look At The Science
Overall, the research behind using supplemental vitamin C for allergies is pretty limited. Plus, most of the available studies focus on intravenous vitamin C, not oral supplementation.
Thats an important callout because IV vitamin C is completely different from oral vitamin C supplements. This IV treatment usually contains much higher doses, and its typically given in a clinical setting.
Using Natural Allergy Remedies: Plan
Most people dont think about their allergies until their symptoms flare up. But if youve already got a drippy nose and watery eyes before you reach for a bottle, it may be too late.
Once an allergic reaction starts, its very hard to stop – either with supplements or medications, Leopold tells WebMD. Thats why its always important to focus on prevention.
Whether youre using an allergy supplement or a drug, you should plan ahead. Start taking a natural allergy remedy a few weeks before ragweed season starts or before your visit to the aunt with six cats. That way, you can potentially prevent the allergic reaction from happening at all.
Leopold says that while some people are able to control their allergies with supplements alone, others cant. Even if it cant do the whole job, however, an allergy supplement may still be a good addition to your drug treatment.
By adding on a supplement like quercetin or butterbur, you might be able to take a lower dose of the prescription drug while getting the same benefits, says Leopold. And by keeping the medication at a lower level, you decrease the side effects.
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Recovery Rooms Revive Iv Therapy
What is the best way to get all these vitamins and nutrients in your system to counteract your allergies? We recommend the Revive IV. This treatment includes a vitamin B Complex, vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc. We can add vitamin D to this mixture, or provide a vitamin D shot. Collectively, this treatment is highly effective. It will get you on your feet and work to keep you feeling healthy.
Food And Seasonal Allergies
Turns out, there are two potential ways in which the food we eat can actually exacerbate allergy symptoms.
The first: a condition called Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome , which is caused by cross-reacting allergens found in raw fruits, vegetables, and some tree nuts, explains naturopathic doctor and clinical nutritionistDavid Friedman, N.D., D.C. In people with PFAS, the body mistakes a certain protein in specific foods for pollen, which can trigger an immune response and create or escalate spring and fall allergies, says Friedman.
Luckily, people affected by PFAS can usually eat the same fruits or vegetables in cooked form because heat distorts the proteins, he explains.
The second, and more common: histamines found in foods. Histamines are chemicals produced in our body by immune cells that help mediate inflammatory responses, explains The Vitamin Shoppe nutritionist Rebekah Blakely, R.D.N. When a foreign invader, such as pollen, enters the body, histamine is released into the bloodstream to help rid the body of the threat, causing itching, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and swelling in the process.
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If youre already struggling with a histamine response, like seasonal allergies, consuming large amounts of histamines in your diet might worsen symptoms, Blakely warns.
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Elderberriesthe Natural Vitamin C Solution
While there are many natural remedies that humans have used to treat various maladies over the millennia, few are as pervasive throughout cultures and versatile in the application as elderberries.
This flowering plant that acts as a natural remedy belongs to a plant species known as the Sambucus tree, which can be found all over the world. The most common genus is the European elderberry , also known as the black elder. It produces clusters of white flowers known as elderflowers, which yield small black elderberries.7 Other species include:
- American elder
- Dwarf elder
- Antelope brush
In folk medicine, the elderberry is one of the most commonly mentioned healing plants. Even Hippocratesthe patriarch of modern medicinedubbed the elder tree his medicine chest.8And thats likely because several parts of the tree have been used for holistic treatments aside from just the berry. That includes the flowers, leaves, and bark.
But its not just ancient wisdom that supports the medicinal use of elderberriesits backed by science.
Elderberries are a powerful natural treatment for a variety of ailments because of its chemical makeup. They are rich in immune system-building properties, including antioxidants and vitamins. That includes plenty of vitamin C. Just a single cup of elderberries contains:9
- 52.2 mg of Vitamin C
- 2.32 mg of Iron
- Quercetin
- Phenolic acids
