Natural Solvents for Seasonal Allergies

I'm so proud to say that this article was published in Iowa Central Community College's student newspaper, The Collegian, April 28, 2015 Ed. I am thankful for all the opportunities I have had while writing with this wonderful group of people, and I cannot wait to continue writing for The Collegian next year!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Spring has officially arrived in Iowa: the sun is shining, the grass is getting greener, and everyone is enjoying the outdoors. The only problem with spring’s presence is the raid of allergies coupled with it; however, over-the-counter medications are not the only route to cease the allergies.  

Studies have shown that the ingestion of probiotics resulted in a reduction of symptoms in children and adults with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) by reducing the allergic response to house dust mite. All stomachs can benefit from probiotics when needing help with digestion and immunity. 

According to Dr. Julia Buchkina, MD, MPH, a Family Physician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, “The theory behind it is over activity which leads to an imbalance in the colon. Probiotics may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis, but the therapeutic effect remains to be further investigated." 

Another trick to calming allergies is to fill up on butterbur, an herbaceous plant. Taking a specific butterbur leaf extract seems to decrease nasal inflammatory mediators and decrease nasal symptoms in patients with hay fever. 

In addition, ingesting more vitamin C will block a mass of allergies. Vitamin C prevents the formation of histamine when compared to the typical over-the-counter options, which work by interfering with the histamine after it is produced. 

Buchkina adds, “Allergens can cause certain cells in the body to produce histamine, which is responsible for common seasonal conditions [like tearing and a runny nose].” 

A shocking step is to eat onions, apple skins, and citrus fruits. Increasing the intake of quercetin, which derives from these foods, will benefit an individual’s diet and can help minimize the occurrence of watery or itchy eyes, and hay fever. Taking this collectively with vitamin C each day will give optimal results. 

Buchkina comments, “Quercetin has been proven effective for allergies and asthma.”  

An alternative for vitamin C would be supplementing with fish oils. Healthy types of oils are necessary in the formation of every cell in the body, making important components of essential fatty acids. 

Buchkina states, “Since fish oil is anti-inflammatory, it is useful in treating and preventing allergies, cholesterol, skin moisturizing, and bowel function.” 

An additional step for those dealing with pesky seasonal allergies is to look for adrenal support. Supplements that support adrenal (stress) glands can be useful in maintaining energy and reducing the effect of stress and allergies on the body. 

Buchkina says, “Supplements like these are necessary so the immune system can function. Try consuming more proteins and fats and less sugars and caffeine.”  

Diet plays a huge role in an individual’s overall health. A recent study done in Greece found that merely following a Mediterranean diet, which is abundant in unprocessed foods and antioxidants, had a shielding effect for children with asthma and allergies in that region of the country. 

Buchkina adds, “Paying attention to your diet is one of the easiest things you can do when dealing with allergies. Give your body the nutrients it needs and aim to follow a hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory diet during allergy season. Especially during this time of the year, you need to eat healthy foods that produce good bacteria in your body.” 

In addition to consuming good bacteria, Buchkina adds that chewing on a small piece of raw honeycomb on a daily basis will act as a vaccination. If done daily throughout the year, the participant will be exposed to small amounts of pollen, becoming immune and preventing allergies from the outdoors. 

Buchkina’s final piece of advice for fighting seasonal allergies is nasal irrigation. Clinical research shows hypertonic saline nasal irrigation 3 times daily significantly reduces allergy symptoms after 3-6 weeks of treatment. Nasal irrigation also reduced the use of oral antihistamines in these patients.  

Buchkina comments, “Nasal irrigation is quite useful, and I recommend it to many of my patients. Research shows that nasal irrigation decreases indications of inflammation including histamine and leukotriene levels in patients with allergies.” 

Each one of these tips will help those dealing with seasonal allergies. The effort to calm the sneezes, the watery eyes, and the runny noses have just gotten a lot simpler now that over-the-counter medications are not the only option. With these simple steps, it is now a lot easier to enjoy the spring season.