Seasonal Allergies: Three Nutrients to Calm Seasonal Allergies.
Seasonal allergies happen when the immune system reacts to a substance that should otherwise be harmless.
It’s like an immune response gone rogue.
What happens next is the release of histamine—a tiny chemical messenger released from mast cells that leads to a cascade of inflammation. Histamine is at the center of seasonal allergies and causes most of the irritating symptoms.
Some foods and habits can trigger histamine and hence worsen allergies (see my previous blog). Now you ready for the good news?
✨ Food and nutrition can also be a powerful way to counteract all this madness and bring the immune response back into a healthy state ✨
Let’s look at 3 key nutrients that can calm the symptoms of seasonal allergies…
QUERCETIN
Quercetin is a flavonoid in plant foods that stabilizes mast cells (meaning a lesser chance of histamine release).
Great food sources of quercetin include apples, onions, and berries.
I often recommend a Quercetin/Bromelain combination. Bromelain is a pineapple-derived nutrient with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune function and works together synergistically with Quercetin.
Great sources of Vitamin C include strawberries, bell peppers, citrus fruits, and most other fruits and veg!
You can supplement Vitamin C, but be sure to choose a buffered form of Vitamin C to reduce stomach upset.
OMEGA-3s
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that support an appropriate inflammatory response. Most people don’t consume enough of these healthy fats!
Great food sources of omega-3s are fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. You can supplement Omega-3s by taking Fish Oil. Be sure to choose a reputable brand with high purity and quality standards.
Have questions about a nutritional approach to allergies? As a Functional Medicine physician, I treat chronic conditions like allergies by looking for root causes and treating with substances outside of a prescription bottle. Are you ready to start your journey? Contact us to get started! info@carinnielsenmd.com or 231-638-5585