The body’s immune system protects us from bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances upon entering the body. If the body becomes unable to distinguish between these invaders, the immune system reacts in different ways. An allergic reaction, or allergy, can occur and cause a wide range of symptoms.
Allergies are essentially caused by an overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances, or allergens, such as pollen or dust. The immune system recognizes these as foreign substances, and then works to destroy them.
This type of reaction from the immune system causes allergy symptoms that can affect skin, nose, lungs, digestive organs and blood vessels. Specific symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, wheezing, swelling, itching, hay fever (itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose), headache and diarrhea. Some symptoms are more severe, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue, and require emergency care.
Some lifestyle changes can help lessen the severity of allergies. Changes in lifestyle will often depend on the type of allergy and symptoms. Most commonly, changes will involve minimizing or reducing exposure to allergens as much as possible. Lifestyle changes may include:
- avoiding strong soaps and detergents that may worsen itching
- using a vaporizer or humidifier to help relieve hay fever symptoms
- avoiding or sealing off damp areas and cleaning bathroom and kitchen surfaces with bleach for mold allergies
- dusting often and using a dehumidifier during humid weather for indoor allergens
- keeping car windows closed and minimizing outdoor activities when pollen counts are high
- eliminating any foods that are not tolerated
- Often, an antihistamine is needed to lessen or diminish allergic reactions
- Seeking medical attention is necessary for proper allergy diagnosis and treatment
In addition to allergen avoidance and antihistamines, good nutrition and certain supplements help promote proper immune function and may have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties.
A daily multivitamin will help met daily nutritional needs for various nutrients. Among the vitamins found in your multivitamin should be vitamin A and zinc, which are both key players in our immune systems.
Vitamin A helps to make the antibodies which coat the offending allergens, preventing them from being absorbed into the blood and forcing them to be eliminated from the body.
Pantothenic acid (a B vitamin) is also important because it aids in adrenal support and the production of cortisol, which may help to minimize allergic response or reaction.
Another potential supplement for allergies is fish oil. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that may reduce the production of pro-inflammatory compounds linked to aggravating allergy symptoms. Fish oil is also known to possess immune-modulating properties beneficial to the immune system. The bioflavonoids, quercetin, pycnogenol, and grapeseed have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, or anti-histamine properties.
Quercetin is thought to stabilize cell membranes making them less reactive to allergens. Quercetin may help prevent the release of histamine and inhibit formation of inflammatory compounds, thus possibly providing benefit in the symptomatic relief of allergies. Pycnogenol may help control hay fever symptoms and act as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
Grapeseed has been reported to inhibit the release of inflammatory promoting compounds such as histamine. Vitamin C’s possible anti-allergy potential is due to this vitamin’s powerful antioxidant capabilities as well as its effects on immunity. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C may help protect the airways against the effects of allergens and irritants in some people. Vitamin C, through its various roles in immune function, may have antihistamine properties.
See an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment of allergies and talk to a nutritionally oriented physician, dietitian or nurse practitioner about an appropriate supplement regimen.
