The best natural allergy relief
The flowers are blooming, the trees are wearing green and soft breezes are stirring the air. But seasonal allergies can put a major damper on spring fun. And the OTC medications we reach for when sniffling and sneezing set in don’t always deliver relief. In fact, an FDA advisory panel recently deemed phenylephrine, a decongestant added to some OTC allergy meds, ineffective. The good news: These natural strategies can help
✓ Savior a cup of onion soup
Onions— especially red ones— are packed with quercetin, a compound with a natural antihistamine action. In fact, a Japanese study found that people who increased their intake of quercetin cut their pollentriggered allergy symptoms in just two weeks. Study subjects took 200 mg. of quercetin in pill form daily. But f indings in Food and Function reveal enjoying a delicious bowl of red onion soup raises quercetin levels as effectively as a 544 mg. supplement. Other quercetin-rich picks: capers, apples and berries.
✓ Sprinkle on ginger
The spice makes a tasty addition to curries, stir-fries and marinades. And a report in
Allergic Disease – New Insights suggests consuming 1⁄ tsp.
4 of powdered ginger a day can effectively ease allerg y symptoms such as stuff iness, runny nose and irritated eyes within 30 days. Plus, 71% of people were able to cut down on their allerg y medications. Ginger compounds called shogaols and gingerols lower levels of IGE antibodies, immune system substances that trigger the inf lammation responsible for allerg y symptoms.
✓ Make like a famous movie star
It’s no secret that donning large shades (à la your favorite movie star) protects your peepers from glare. But sunglasses also keep airborne pollen from entering eyes and triggering symptoms like itching and watering. In fact, a study in the International Forum of Allerg y & Rhinolog y determined allerg y sufferers who adopted the strateg y experienced such signif icant symptom relief, they reduced their antihistamine use by 91%.
✓ Take the ‘sunshine supplement’
A study in the European Respiratory Journal found deficits in vitamin D can amp up the immune system overactivity that produces seasonal allergies. Luckily, taking 1,000 IU of D-3 daily markedly reduces nasal stuff iness and sneezing within 30 days. For best benef its, take an oil-based D-3 capsule. The body absorbs the vitamin better when it’s accompanied by fat. In fact, a study in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research found D capsules containing oil lifted levels of the vitamin more than tablets did. Also smart: Getting 15 to 30 minutes of midday sun when possible.