Undoubtably, people suffering from allergies have been increasing over the last few decades which is typically seen in the western world and on the other hand, allergies are mostly unheard of in some societies. Two hundred years ago hay fever didn’t even exist.
The first reported case of hayfever was in 1819, now it affects 1 in 4 people in the UK (23% of the population). Another example is asthma and eczema where 50 years ago only 4% were being diagnosed compared to a whopping 20% in this day.
Incidences of hayfever and allergies over the world
Experts believe this is due to a variety of different factors such as an increase in airborne pollens, climate changes which cause an increase in pollen levels, urban air pollution, overuse of antibiotics and even the "hygiene hypothesis" where over sanitising a child's environment can lead to allergen sensitivity.
I thought this might be an interesting topic for a lot of people as it is something that affects me for most part of the year, typically from March to September. These are some of my recommendations and the products, which I use for allergies.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme typically found in the stem of pineapples. The enzyme breaks down the mucus in the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation related to allergies. This can be bought in supplement form to relieve symptoms such as swelling and congestion to help make it easier to breathe.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is a great supplement to consider taking consistently as it can help prevent a variety of different conditions and illnesses. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid); one of the most important fatty acids in fish oil is known to reduce inflammation in the body. Research has started to show that taking fish oils may be able to alleviate symptoms of allergy related conditions, such as hay fever, sinus infections, allergic skin conditions such eczema, asthma and food allergies. However, overall, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that it would lower the risk of developing allergies.
Omega-3 can reduce inflammation in the sinuses and enhance the body’s immune system to produce a more effective response. Omega-3s alone will not combat allergies and would recommend to take them in combination to other natural remedies.
Probiotics
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract that supports healthy digestive function, immune system, promotes regular bowel function as well as many more aspects of health linked to our gut flora. Probiotics are also taken as supplements to colonise the gut and boost your general health and wellbeing. Probiotics can enhance your immune response and reduce allergic reactions through various mechanisms including down regulation of histamine production.
What probiotics do to relieve allergies?
Strengthen the intestine lining (leaky gut is can be linked to people who suffer from seasonal allergies where the immune system has overreactions due to chronic inflammation)
Prevent the growth of bad bacteria
Improve immune response
Evidence based research
A clinical trial found that taking these strains of probiotics: Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1, and B. longum MM-2. Over a period of 6 week, in 2 doses of 1.5 billion each day improved allergy symptoms.
A systematic review also concluded that most studies within the review showed improvement in allergies in response to taking probiotics.
A study conducted in 2011 showed that participants who took lactobacillus over a period of one month saw results such as
a reduction in nasal itching and congestion. The study also indicated that influencing the gut microbiome takes time and therefore probiotics would be something to consider taking over a longer period of time in order to see the results.
Click the link below to read more about probiotics.
Reishi
Reishi works as an adaptogen; particularly focusing on the regulation of the immune system, addressing imbalances through immunomodulation. One of reishi’s main abilities is to help tackle allergies through balancing the reaction of the immune system to allergens (Allergies occur when there is an overreaction to allergens). Reishi works by reducing the inflammation and acts as a natural anti-histamine. Histamine part of the immune system which causes typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, congestion and cold-like symptoms.
Read more about reishi here:
Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant found naturally in many foods such as elderberries, cranberries onions, capers and many more. Studies have shown that quercetin works as a natural antihistamine and inhibits inflammation. It has the ability to enhance the immune system and produce an effective response to allergens such as pollen. Due to quercetin’s anti-inflammatory properties it can relieve symptoms like congestion, sneezing and nasal itching
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