How to fight allergies not only during the spring pollen season

If you are one of the allergy sufferers, you probably already feel the difficulties associated with the spring pollen season. The most common symptoms of allergies include itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. A less frequent symptom can also be headache and ear pain arising from swollen mucous membranes. In this article, we will tell you which supplements can help in the fight against allergies and what other measures should be included in your daily routine to reduce allergy symptoms.

What will you learn in this article?:

1. What is an allergy?
2. Which supplements can help in the fight against allergies?
3. Vitamin D
4. Vitamin C
5. Zinc
6. Omega-3 fatty acids
7. Other tips to reduce allergy symptoms

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an inappropriate reaction of our immune system to substances that are a common part of our environment , such as food, animals or the already mentioned pollens.  Allergic diseases have a proven genetic basis , but environmental influences also play a large role in their development . These include, for example, various chemical substances, polluted air, but also food. Infections are also associated with the development of allergies and can also contribute to worsening their course. [1]

Which supplements can help in the fight against allergies?

In the fight against allergies, we can use a whole range of procedures and also nutrients that can relieve us from allergic problems. We have selected for you four key dietary supplements from our portfolio , which you can use if you are suffering from allergies.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D exhibits immunomodulatory effects in allergen-induced inflammatory pathways by acting on vitamin D receptors (VDRs) of a variety of immune cells. They are subsequently able to synthesize the biologically active vitamin D needed for the formation of an adaptive immune response. Insufficient levels of vitamin D are widespread worldwide and may partially explain the increase in allergic diseases , including asthma and food allergies . People with allergic rhinitis have also been shown to have reduced levels of vitamin D , which correlated with the severity of allergic symptoms. On the contrary, symptoms improved after vitamin D supplementation . [2]

At Trim, we offer the opportunity to try  a simple quiz , which by answering a few questions will help you detect a possible vitamin D deficiency. The quiz is available for children and adults.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has many functions in the body, but it is most often associated with the support of the immune system and its antioxidant capacity. Vitamin C also acts as a natural antihistamine . Histamine promotes vasodilation and increased permeability of capillaries, which in the case of allergic reactions results in the well-known runny nose or watery eyes. Vitamin C can reduce allergy symptoms by helping to reduce the release of histamine in the body. [3]

Zinc

In the immune system, zinc regulates the differentiation, proliferation and functioning of immune cells , including T cells and eosinophils involved in allergic reactions . A sufficient level of zinc is crucial for a proper immune response, and in many allergic diseases (such as atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis), reduced levels of zinc have been shown. Zinc also helps reduce the hypersensitivity of mast cells , which release histamine after contact with an allergen. Zinc supplementation can thus reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction. [4]

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids belong to anti-inflammatory nutritional substances and, thanks to their protective effect, are used in many inflammatory diseases , including asthma and allergies . Many epidemiological studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy and childhood has a protective effect against the development of allergies or atopy in later life . [5] [6]

Other tips to reduce allergy symptoms

• A healthy immune system is closely linked to the condition of our intestines . Supporting the intestinal microbiome with a high-quality and varied diet will help strengthen the immune system and alleviate allergic problems. It is therefore advisable to include foods prepared from basic ingredients, fermented foods, fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants in the menu, and on the contrary, to omit processed foods, white sugar and alcohol.
• Beware of crossed food allergies . There are foods that have a similar protein structure to some pollens. For example, in the case of an allergy to the most common pollen allergen – birch pollen – it is very likely that apples, carrots, potatoes, celery or hazelnuts will also bother you during the pollen season
• Herbs – herbs can also help in the fight against an already “started” allergy. Among the most suitable medicines with an anti-allergenic effect are, for example, stinging nettle, perilla bush or Baikal coneflower.
• Rinsing with a nasal canister with salt water will cleanse the mucous membranes of inhaled pollen and help reduce swelling.
• When you get home, change your clothes and rinse your face with water . This will reduce the amount of pollen deposited on your skin and clothes.