The Natural Approach to Allergies
Anyone can have an allergic reaction at any age or time and to just about anything. You may have overeaten shellfish and then had an immune response of hives, or you were gardening, touched a plant and had an immune response such as a skin rash. You may break into a spasm of sneezing while visiting a farm or petting an animal. In many cases, the allergic reaction may happen once, and you are not bothered again. In other cases, you may be stricken with a lifetime of allergies.
Your allergic reaction may be more severe such as a food allergy or an allergic reaction to a medication, or you may have persistent pollen or plant allergies. In all cases, an allergic reaction occurs when your body comes into contact with a specific substance. The body mistakes these particles as harmful invaders and produces antibodies to render the invading particles harmless.
This process releases a chemical called histamine. The histamine, in turn, causes inflammation, creating several allergic reactions. Some reactions can be mild such as red, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. Others may be more problematic such as sinus and lung congestion, rashes and hives that can range in severity. More serve reactions can result in gut disturbances, breathing difficulties and life-threatening aphylactic shock.
Are there Natural Products for Seasonal Allergies?
The best way is to remove yourself or the offending allergen, which is very difficult when the allergen is pollen. The next best option to reduce the allergic reaction from the body is to reduce the histamine response that is causing the symptoms. You are most likely familiar with Over-the-Counter Medications referred to as "Anti-Histamines." However, as with many OTC medications, they come with a list of unwanted side effects, so we like to suggest a more natural approach.
Quercetin supplements should be your first go-to supplement for managing seasonal allergies. Experts believe that quercetin can help to manage allergic rhinitis symptoms in a few different ways.
- Firstly, quercetin acts as a stimulant and stimulates the immune system to produce a more effective and efficient response to common symptom triggers such as pollen in the summer.
- Secondly, quercetin is understood to have pretty powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This means it's excellent at reducing inflammation in the nose, getting rid of that flu-like feeling.
- Thirdly, quercetin can control the release of histamine and other chemicals that initiate the allergic response.
Unfortunately, the poor bioavailability of some quercetin supplements required people to take large amounts to obtain the desired relief. Natural Factors Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ (Enzymatically Modified Isoquercitrin) offers a more efficacious product. EMIQ is prepared by using a natural enzyme process that attaches polysaccharides to convert quercetin, into a soluble form. EMIQ provides the benefits of quercetin with high absorption and superior bioavailability. According to pharmacokinetic data, the absorption of EMIQ is up to 40 times greater than that of quercetin and reaches peak levels in the bloodstream in just 15 minutes. Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ is the most recommended form of quercetin for seasonal allergies.
Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix™ provides quercetin in a micro-emulsified form. Encasing quercetin in lipid molecules (micelles) with lipophilic centres where it can be dissolved makes it more soluble and absorbable into the body. Natural Factors Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix is the only supplement that contains this advanced form of quercetin, which disperses quercetin into tiny micro-droplets that makes it ten times more absorbable than standard forms. (even more than Bioactive Quercetin EMIQ)
Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix™ is an excellent option for those who need relief from allergy symptoms and require support for blood vessel disorders and heart conditions, and a compromised immune system.
Whole Earth & Sea Pure Food Horseradish Respiratory Relief is an all-season formula with a unique complex of potent botanicals that work synergistically to boost immune system activity and soothe irritated upper airway membranes, which are often a symptom of allergies. The unique combination of Horseradish, Echinacea, Garlic and Vitamin C in this formula makes it highly effective for most upper respiratory conditions. It can help reduce the lung and sinus congestion and open clogged sinuses caused by seasonal allergies.
N-Acetyl -L-Cysteine (NAC) is a free-form amino acid and a vital part of the body's antioxidant defence system. NAC supplementation has been clinically shown to increase the body's antioxidant capacity and reduce the severity and frequency of influenza-like symptoms in adults. N-Acetyl -L-Cysteine (NAC) also has an extensive history of use as a mucolytic in treating acute and chronic lung conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis. It reduces the viscosity of bronchial and lung secretions. As a result, it improves bronchial and lung function, reduces coughing, and improves oxygen saturation in the blood. NAC: (N-acetyl-cysteine) breaks up mucus in cases of chronic congestion, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and asthma and is an effective decongestant in allergy sufferers.
Staying hydrated is an important natural remedy to reduce nasal secretions' viscosity and saline nasal rinses with added essential oils can increase nasal lubrication and prevent environmental allergens from getting trapped in the respiratory tract.
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