According to the Life Extension Organization, hay fever affects 35.9 million Americans each year. Seasonal allergies can be a huge inconvenience and even cause us to miss work or school, and lead to repeated doctor visits. Many sufferers just don't feel themselves when they are experiencing symptoms, and report feeling "out of it" or not alert. Doctors and fellow sufferers recommend the use of vitamin supplements to help lessen the severity of allergy symptoms, and provide relief from some common problems. They can also work to enhance your overall health and sense of well-being.
Allergy symptoms arise as a result of an over-reaction on the part of our immune system to agents such as pollen or debris. These are known as allergens, and also include irritants like pet dander and hair, airborne fungus, and dust particles.
The following nutrients can help strengthen the immune system, which prevents allergies from affecting our daily lives as much as they might otherwise:
* Beta-carotene can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots and cantaloupe.
* C nutrients are found in citrus fruits and other vegetables and function as a natural antihistamine and immunity booster.
* B12 is an anti-inflammatory nutrient found in beans, nuts, and green vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
* E, a powerful antioxidant, improves the immune system and suppresses eye, nose and throat symptoms.
* Omega-3 is found in olive oil and olive oil vegetable spreads as well as healthy and delicious fish.
* Magnesium is a very important mineral that many people don't get enough of, and our bodies highly depend on it for many essential processes. Magnesium can be found naturally in high quantities in foods like beans, fish, and spinach. In studies, it has helped to relieve asthma symptoms such as bronchoconstriction.
* Camellia sinensis, commonly known as green tea, provides many health benefits and is a powerful antioxidant and antihistamine. It also contains caffeine, and a catechin known as EGCG that fights reactions.
The effectiveness of natural remedies, foods and supplements depends on the severity of your symptoms, but it certainly doesn't hurt to ensure you are getting plenty of these nutrients each day for your overall health.
Talk to your doctor about the variety of nutritional supplements available for hay fever sufferers and see if there is a particular brand or type they recommend for your individual needs. You can also try out some of the foods listed in this article and come up with some tasty and fresh recipes.