Aaaaa-Chooooooo!

We’ve all enjoyed the mild winter and this beautiful early spring weather. Unfortunately, for some of us, this means allergy season is right around the corner…and it’s likely to be a vicious one.

Are you tired of popping allergy meds that leave you with side effects? Or maybe you want a more natural alternative to treat your symptoms?

Did you know there are many natural ways to minimize allergy symptoms without needing to use prescriptions or over the counter pharmaceuticals? In Functional Medicine we strive daily to utilize the most natural ways (with least side effects) to reduce symptoms with our patients.  Some of our favorite supplements to treat allergy symptoms are Quercetin, Vitamin C,  Stinging Nettles and NAC.

Quercetin works as a natural anti-histamine. When our immune system is triggered by environmental allergens (e.g. pollen, pet dander, etc) a biochemical reaction occurs which leads to the release of a substance called histamine from our mast (fighter) cells. Histamine is what makes our nose runny, eyes itchy and red, throat scratchy, and creates what we commonly recognize as allergy symptoms… MISERABLE right?
Quercetin works by inhibiting the enzymes needed to release the histamine from the cells. Less histamine release means fewer allergy symptoms.

Quercetin has other beneficial properties. It prevents our cholesterol from being oxidized (the process that makes it inflammatory and sticky which promotes the risk of heart disease) as well asreducing blood pressure. It also promotes healthy vision and supports prostate cell health.

Functional Medicine always goes to the gut 4 Better Health. When we work with patients to heal their guts and when our patients join us in our detox cleanses they often see a dramatic decrease in their seasonal allergy symptoms.  It’s a common “side effect” of the work we do and an example of the fact that all of our body systems are deeply interconnected.  Symptoms, such as allergies, are simply a sign the gut is out of balance.  Dosing for Quercetin is 400-500mg twice daily and best absorbed when combined with bromelain. and on empty stomach.
It is safe to take Quercetin with your current allergy medications while you transition.

Vitamin C – A natural antihistamine, works by destroying the molecular structure of histamine. This actually decreases the amount of histamine in the blood. Dose is 500mg per day taken in through food or supplementation in order to achieve tissue saturation.

Stinging Nettle – Actually reduces the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. Research has shown 57% of patients rated nettles as effective in relieving allergies, and 48% said that nettles were more effective than allergy medications they had used previously. Stinging nettle also works by anti-inflammatory modalities.

NAC– N-Acetylcysteine suppresses the allergen-induced nasal inflammatory cascade thinning out the mucous while it also acts as an antioxidant to boost the immune system.

Other ways to combat your allergies 4 Better Health with less pharmaceuticals include Saunas, Acupuncture and Chiropropractictreatments.
Looking for a less “medicine-head” way to bust through spring (and home) allergies? We encourage you to try one or more of the above this season from a reputable company (ie: not your local drug store or Cosco/BJs).  A gentile yet effective alternative is this combination supplement which contains each of these natural remedies.