Spring also brings us Easter celebrations, picnics in the park, and, most importantly (for children anyway), the coming of an end to the school year.
What Spring also sadly gives us is a barrage of stuffy noses, sneezing, watery eyes and congested coughs. And all of this is not solely because of COVID, or flu bugs, or viruses, but because of the allergens in the air.
When trees, grasses, flowers and weeds start blooming, pollen is produced (a normal part of the reproductive cycle) and released in the air. Some people are not affected by pollen, but many others (about a quarter of the US population has a seasonal allergy) are greatly affected by pollen. Their bodies mistaken pollen for something dangerous; therefore, it overreacts and produces antibodies to attack the allergen. In turn, symptoms arise that include:
- itchy, watery or red eyes
- runny or stuffy nose
- postnasal drip
- sneezing
- coughing
- headache
- fatigue
- sore throat
- loss of smell/taste
Many people that suffer with allergies are given antihistamines that include Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are another option in tackling allergy symptoms.
But, if you have read my previous posts, you already know that when taking a man-made drug, it comes at a price.
Some side effects of antihistamines include:
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- mood changes
- blurred vision
- mood changes
- difficulty urinating
And did you know that antihistamines can also cause you to become addicted to them?
People who regularly take antihistamines do eventually build up a tolerance to the drugs and will need a higher dose to combat their allergy symptoms; thus, making them addicted to the drugs.
There are hotlines you can call if you or a loved one is experiencing a antihistamine addiction. Crazy, right?
Also, antihistamines are usually paired with a decongestant (relieves nasal congestion) and decongestants can increase your heart rate, promote insomnia, and cause anxiety symptoms (especially if you drink caffeinated drinks while taking decongestants).
Let’s look at some studies done on allergy medicines…..
The University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy conducted research on 3,500 men and women over 65 and older for seven years and found taking anticholinergic drugs (antihistamines and antidepressants) increased their risk of dementia. “Taking an anticholinergic for the equivalent of three years or more was associated with a 54% higher dementia risk than taking the same dose for three months or less.”
The University of Oregon found that common OTC allergy drugs negatively impact muscle recovery and muscle gain after exercise. Per Science Daily, “After vigorous exercise, some 3,000 genes go to work to aid recovery by boosting muscles and blood vessels, but in the presence of high doses of antihistamines almost 27 percent of the gene response is blunted, according to researchers.”
Dr. William Ondo, a Houston Methodist neurologist, revealed that there is a distinct relationship between antihistamine use and restless leg syndrome: “Patients with restless legs syndrome already have difficulty sleeping as their symptoms tend to worsen at night or with rest, but sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can intensify the symptoms. We don’t yet understand why sedating antihistamines worsen restless legs syndrome, but we do know that non-sedating antihistamines do not affect the symptoms as much because they do not enter the brain as easily.”
So what is an allergy suffer to do? What can he/she take to relieve symptoms but not risk other areas of their health?
Thankfully there are many drug-free options:
- Quercetin – powerful antioxidant that stabilizes cells that release histamine in the body and thereby have an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect
- Bromelain – a natural enzyme found in pineapples, it breaks down proteins that cause inflammation and swelling
- Stinging Nettle – a leaf that inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals that cause allergy symptoms
- Spirulina – a blue-green algae that inhibits the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals
- Butterbur – a perennial plant that inhibits the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals
- Vitamin C – vitamin found in many fresh fruits and vegetables and shown to be a natural antihistamine and an immune system booster
- Garlic – a powerful antioxidant, it has been shown to relieve allergy symptoms
- Apple Cider Vinegar – known to break up mucus and support lymphatic drainage
- N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine – known to block cells that release histamine
- Fish Oil Supplements – the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can protect against allergy symptoms
- Black Cumin Seed Oil – high in thymoquinone, it can restrict the cells that release histamine
A wonderful product that I have used before when combatting allergy symptoms is D-Hist. It contains a group of above mentioned herbs into one including Vitamin C, Quercetin, Stinging Nettle, Bromelain, and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. When I take it, I have zero side effects and it is non habit-forming. As a bonus, if you are like me and dislike swallowing pills, you can empty the powder from the gel caps into water and drink it; it tastes like green tea!
Some tasks you can do at home to keep your house allergen free include:
- run an air purifier
- run a dehumidifier (to prevent mold and mildew)
- wash bedding once a week
- vacuum and dust regularly
- wash curtains once a week
- change furnace air filters
- use cleaning products with more natural ingredients
- replace carpet with hardwood or tile
You don’t have to suffer from allergy symptoms and you don’t have to take something that may or may not have side effects. There are other more organic and natural products you can take if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
Besides Spring is about stopping to smell the roses, not sneeze from them!
Leave a Reply