Solutions for Seasonal Allergies

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While a hardy immune system is essential for fighting allergies, it can take time to restore and rebuild all the necessary elements, especially if your lifestyle has been less than healthy recently. In the meantime, there are a number of natural options for relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies. So start with one or more of the vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements that have been shown to alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms, such as bromelain, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium, licorice, stinging nettle and homeopathic remedies.

BROMELAIN

Pineapples provide us with this enzyme, which offers a number of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and swelling. Fresh pineapple or pineapple juice are obviously excellent sources of bromelain. As for supplements, some experts recommend 250 to 500 mg taken three times daily, while others say it takes as much as 1,000 mg three times per day to relieve allergy symptoms. Be aware that Germany's Commission E, which has done extensive testing with herbal remedies, says bromelain should not be taken for more than eight to 10 days continuously.

VITAMIN C

Although vitamin C's claim to fame comes from its cold-fighting abilities, it is also a proven antihistamine with the ability to energize the white blood cells that ward off infections. This makes it especially useful for allergy sufferers who find that their hay fever often evolves into an ear or sinus infection.

Since our bodies can't store vitamin C, we need to replenish supplies throughout the day, ideally with either a buffered or esterfied form, both of which are easier on the stomach. Allergy treatment experts often suggest starting with a dose of 500 mg taken three times daily. If that amount is well tolerated, raising the dosage to 750 or 1,000 mg three times daily can help reduce symptoms even further.

BIOFLAVONOIDS

Although not as well known as vitamin C, the group of substances classified as bioflavonoids is a potent weapon when it comes to allergies. Not only do bioflavonoids increase vitamin C's effectiveness, but at least one of them -- quercetin -- also lowers release of histamines by as much as 96 percent, according to a recent Japanese study.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of bioflavonoids, and quercetin is also found in onions, garlic, the spice turmeric, as well in the white pulp under citrus skin. Unlike vitamin C, which works its histamine-reducing magic quickly, bioflavonoids require time to build up in the body. Because of that, supplements should be taken at least two weeks before, as well as during, allergy season. Bioflavonoids are available in combination products with vitamin C, in combination with each other and individually. For citrus bioflavonoids combinations, recommended dosage is generally 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily. For quercetin alone, try 200 to 400 mg three times daily.

CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM

These two relaxing minerals are not only necessary for maintaining good health in general, but also highly recommended for alleviating allergy symptoms. Interestingly, many people are deficient in both calcium and magnesium, especially if they have poor diets or are avoiding dairy products. Magnesium is found in meat, fish, nuts, black beans and molasses, while non-dairy sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables, tofu, salmon and sardines, especially with the bones. For allergy relief, consider calcium supplements of 1,000 mg throughout the day and a daily dose of 1,000 mg of magnesium.

LICORICE

Although it has been used since ancient times the world over, the herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is now being seriously studied as a potential remedy for a number of ailments, including ulcers, cancer, asthma and allergies. The preferred form of licorice is known as deglycyrrhizinated (DGL); it is available as a tea, tincture, tablets and capsules. Up to 3 grams of DGL can be taken for short periods of time. Forget about "licorice" candy, though. Most often, it is actually anise and won't help your allergies at all.

Although licorice has a reputation for raising blood pressure, research shows it takes a considerable amount, as much as 100 grams, to make a noticeable difference. Still, anyone with high blood pressure should consult a physician before taking licorice supplements. It is also not recommended for anyone with liver or kidney problems or for pregnant women. Even healthy people should not take licorice for more than four to six weeks without consulting a health-care practitioner.

STINGING NETTLE

The inflammation-fighting herb known as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used since ancient times to treat everything from asthma to urinary tract difficulties. In 1990, a study in Germany found that stinging nettle relieved symptoms of seasonal allergies better than a placebo, a fact supported by other research. To prevent symptoms, this herb needs to be taken for two to four weeks before allergy season begins. Start with 250 mg of freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves twice a day, and increase gradually to 500 mg twice daily, if necessary.