The arrival of summertime signals the beginning of allergy season for many of us. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you’re all too familiar with the sneezing, watery eyes, and constant congestion that can make these months downright miserable. Fortunately, there are a number of natural allergy-fighting supplements that can help ease your symptoms and allow you to enjoy the warmer months. These supplements can be added to any empty capsule to easily digest. From bromelain to probiotics, these supplements can make a big difference in your quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about the 4 best allergy-fighting supplements you need this summer!
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a very important supplement for fighting allergies. This vitamin helps to strengthen your immune system, making your body more resistant to allergens. Studies have found that people with lower levels of vitamin D tend to suffer more profoundly from allergies. Also, vitamin D can help to reduce inflammation, giving you some relief from a stuffy nose, postnasal drip, and other seasonal allergy-related issues.
The best way to get more vitamin D is through sun exposure and certain foods like mushroom, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. However, if you’re not getting enough vitamin D through your diet and aren’t able to get enough sunshine (maybe you live in one of these cloudy states), taking a supplement or making your own is a great option.
2. Bromelain
Bromelain is a powerful and natural enzyme found in pineapples that can be taken in supplement form. It has a range of health benefits, including relieving allergies. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and mucus-thinning properties which can help to ease seasonal allergy symptoms.
It works by dampening the histamine reaction, making your immune system less reactive to the allergens it encounters. Research shows that bromelain can be more effective than over-the-counter antihistamines, without the side effects.
3. Probiotics
In addition to the supplements mentioned above, probiotics play an important role in maintainingan optimal balance of bacteria for healthy gut functioning. A healthy gut can help improve your body’s response to allergens, thereby reducing symptoms.
Studies have found that probiotics offer relief from nasal allergies and can alleviate eye allergies too. Various types of probiotics have different benefits, so make sure to try a few different types to find the one that works best for you.
Some of the strains that have been found to offer effective allergy relief are: Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Generally speaking, aim for a probiotic supplement with at least 10 billion live bacteria per serving taken twice a day, preferably with meals.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for allergy-fighting as it provides an immune boost, helping to reduce the severity of many allergies. Studies have shown that Vitamin C can help reduce sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching, as well as decrease the amount of histamine discharged from cells. Citrus fruits are a great natural source of Vitamin C, or you can choose to opt for a vitamin C supplement.
As with many supplements, Vitamin C works best for allergies when taken regularly. Build Vitamin C into your daily supplement routine to make it a part of an effective allergy-fighting strategy.
Here's What You Need to Know
Allergies can be a nuisance, but don't let them get in the way of you enjoying the summer months. With the right allergy-fighting supplements, you can reduce the severity of your allergies and enjoy the summer without all the sneezing and discomfort. Here is a summary of the supplements you need to add to your routine this summer:
Vitamin D
Bromelain
Probiotics
Vitamin C
Before taking any of the supplements listed above, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine if they are safe for you to take. Supplements can help control seasonal allergies, but they should not be the only thing you rely on to manage your allergies.