This article was published in April 2024's edition of Newcastle Living Magazine.

Spring is a time for budding flowers, evening sun, and getting outside. Unfortunately, for more than 75 million Americans that comes with watery eyes, sneezing and congestion because of seasonal allergies.(2) If that’s you, you may find yourself reaching for a box of antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin to find relief. While this can temporarily relieve your symptoms, it can come at a cost.
Your immune system protects your body, sending out an army of up to 10 billion cells upon detecting a threat. Sometimes, our bodies mislabel harmless things like pollen, dust or grass as a threat. This triggers the release of a compound called histamine, which is critical for fighting off colds. However, a flood of histamine in response to harmless air particles means you’re left with congestion, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat.
This is where antihistamines come in. They block the histamine receptors, allowing springtime air particles to bypass the body’s immune reaction, reducing unwanted symptoms. Since most antihistamines are readily available at your local grocery store, many don’t think twice before downing a couple pills. Before doing this again, you need to know a few important side effects of using antihistamines.
Using antihistamines puts a damper on your immune system. They can cause dry sinuses, dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. There’s also the risk of rebound congestions, the worsening of symptoms after stopping use of nasal decongestants. While dry sinuses sound uncomfortable, they also increase your risk of getting sick as mucus protects against airborne germs. These symptoms can be amplified by other medications you may be taking along with your go-to antihistamine. Furthermore, your body can become tolerant to antihistamines during allergy season, sometimes in as little as one week. This tolerance can even apply to different types of antihistamines, meaning if you become resistant to one, you might find others less effective too (3, 4).
Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that offer fewer side effects.
7 natural remedies to relieve seasonal allergies
1. Butterbur is an herb that acts as an antihistamine, reducing nasal allergy symptoms as well as popular medications, but without the drowsiness (6).
2. Vitamin C, a natural antihistamine and antioxidant, reduces that amount of histamine you produce rather than blocking the receptors. Studies show that it can help reduce the swelling and irritation behind those pesky allergy symptoms (7). Take 2 grams per day, also available in some nasal sprays.
3. Vitamin D is an immune supportive hormone that regulates immune system cells and the release of chemicals that can produce allergy symptoms. Sufficient blood levels have been linked to reduced allergies, including nasal congestion, allergic asthma, and eczema (8). Most people need 5,000 iu per day (blood levels should be between 50-80 ng/mL).
4. Quercetin acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Found in various fruits and vegetables, quercetin regulates histamine production and release in your body and has been shown to reduce airway irritation from allergies (9). Start implementing a supplement or quercetin-rich foods into your diet ahead of allergy season — especially apples, local honey, berries, red onions, red grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables.
5. Black Seed oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and shows potential in helping with seasonal allergies. It offers anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant, and immune regulating effects, and is best taken in capsule or liquid form. Dosages vary from product to product, so make sure to read the label or discuss with an informed practitioner when using this as part of your spring health toolkit.
6. Stay hydrated. When your body is dehydrated, it produces more histamines. Drink enough water to keep your urine light-straw colored. Staying hydrated also helps keep your airways and mucous membranes moist, allowing them to do their jobs effectively.
7. Colostrum, rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors, bovine colostrum offers a natural alternative for allergy relief by supporting and regulating the immune system, potentially reducing allergy severity(1). You can’t get this from your diet, so for effective use, select a high-quality, cold-processed colostrum supplement from pasture-raised cows. Take at least 2 grams per serving with 6–8 ounces of water on an empty stomach, either 30 minutes before or two hours after a meal.
Remember, while these natural remedies show promise, it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or are taking other medications.
Don’t let your allergies get the best of you this year!
If there are any specific topics you'd like me to cover, please feel free to send me an email at cara@merakfunctionalwellness.com with your suggestions!
Cara, owner of Merak Functional Wellness in Newcastle, champions a holistic health care approach. She prioritizes identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues. Through personalized sessions, Cara empowers clients to reach and sustain their best health.
Schedule a free Discovery Call to find out more about working with Cara.
References:
1. Ulfman, L. H., Leusen, J. H. W., Savelkoul, H. F. J., Warner, J. O., & van Neerven, R. J. J. (2018). Effects of bovine immunoglobulins on immune function, allergy, and infection. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5, 52. [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2018.00052/full](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2018.00052/full)
2. Ng, A.E., & Boersma, P. (2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 460: Diagnosed allergic conditions in adults: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. [https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122809](https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122809)
3. Li, L., Liu, R., Peng, C., Chen, X., & Li, J. (2022). Pharmacogenomics for the efficacy and side effects of antihistamines. Experimental Dermatology. [https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14602](https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14602)
4. Dannenberg, T. B., & Feinberg, S. M. (1951). The development of tolerance to antihistamines: A study of the quantitative inhibiting capacity of antihistamines on the skin and mucous membrane reaction to histamine and antigens. Journal of Allergy, 22(4), 330-339. [https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-8707(51)90033-0](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0021870751900330)
5. Chaudhary, H., Rathee, P., Rathee, S., & Kumar, V. (2008). Natural Relief for Allergies: An Overview. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2(4), 241-248.
6. Gray, R. D., Haggart, K., Lee, D. K. C., Cull, S., & Lipworth, B. J. (2004). Effects of butterbur treatment in intermittent allergic rhinitis: a placebo-controlled evaluation. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 93(1), 56-60. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)61447-0](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1081120610614470)
7. Ruskin, S. L. (1945). High dosage vitamin C in allergy. American Journal of Digestive Diseases, 12, 281–313.
8. Reinholz, M., Ruzicka, T., & Schauber, J. (2011). Vitamin D and its role in allergic disease. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03923.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03923.x)
9. Mlcek, J., Jurikova, T., Skrovankova, S., & Sochor, J. (2016). Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response. Molecules, 21(5), 623. [https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050623](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050623)
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