magazine-pdf.org_13325_Better_Nutrition_April_2017_2

THE TOP 7 SUPPLEMENTS FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Astragalus
Known as an
adaptogen—an herb that
protects the body from
physical and emotional
stress—astragalus is
traditionally used in
Chinese medicine to treat allergies
by supporting the immune system.
In one study, an astragalus supplement
significantly decreased the intensity of
allergy symptoms, especially in weed pollen
allergy. Other studies have found that
astragalus appears to work by modulating
the immune response to allergens, and
by reducing airway inflammation.
TRY:
Gaia Herbs
Astragalus
Supreme
TRY:
Planetary
Herbals
Urovex
Butterbur
Extract
Butterbur Made
from a shrub
native to Europe and
parts of Asia and North
America, butterbur is
traditionally used
for a variety of
health issues,
including migraines,
general pain, cough, colds, and fever.
It’s also very effective in treating
allergies. In one study, butterbur was
just as effective as an over-the-counter
antihistamine for reducing allergy
symptoms. Butterbur is especially
helpful in improving airflow through
the nose by inhibiting the activity of
leukotriene, which causes constriction
of the airways. Choose “PA-free”
butterbur supplements. They’re free
of compounds called pyrrolizidine
alkaloids, which can damage the liver.
Probiotics
Beneficial
bacteria are a safe,
effective way to ward
off hay fever and other
airborne allergies.
They work by fighting
harmful pathogens
in the gut and supporting the
immune system, lessening the chance of
an adverse response to pollen or other
allergens. Studies show probiotics improve
TRY:
Jarrow
Formulas
Jarro-
Dophilus
EPS
nasal symptoms and overall quality of life
in people with allergies, and some research
suggests that women should take probiotics
during pregnancy and breastfeeding if
the child is at high risk of developing
allergies (based on hereditary factors).
TRY:
Redd
Remedies
Adult Sinus
Support
Stinging
nettle The
roots and leaves
of the perennial
flowering plant
stinging nettle
have been
traditionally used
for thousands of years to treat
symptoms of allergies and
other ailments. Modern studies
show that extracts of stinging nettle can
reduce sneezing, itching, and watery eyes
in people with hay fever, and can be more
effective than over-the-counter allergy
medications. Nettles work in much the
same way as over-the-counter antihistaability
to produce histamine.
EATING FOR ALLERGIES
In the grips of hay fever and other airborne allergies? Changing your diet can help. Some tips:
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START YOUR DAY WITH
YOGURT. The probiotics in
yogurt can support your
immune system to minimize
allergic flare-ups; if you’re
sensitive to dairy, try other
fermented foods, such as
sauerkraut or tempeh.
SNACK ON PINEAPPLE. It
contains bromelain, which
studies show can help nasal
swelling, and may modulate
the immune system as a whole.
FEAST ON FISH. Salmon, sardines,
herring, and mackerel are
loaded with omega-3 fatty acids
that reduce inflammation
"!
and support immunity. In
one study, people who ate
diets high in omega-3 fats had
fewer symptoms of itching,
sneezing, and runny nose. In
another study, children who
ate fish regularly had lower
incidence of allergies by age
four; additionally, children born
to mothers who took omega-3
supplements during pregnancy
had fewer allergies in infancy.
STEER CLEAR OF TRIGGERS.
Avoid any foods you’re
sensitive to, to avoid taxing
your immune system. Even
if you don’t suffer from food
"!
"!
allergies, certain foods
may trigger a reaction. The
most common food triggers
include wheat, dairy, corn,
soy, peanuts, tomatoes,
shellfish, eggs, and caffeine.
EAT CURRY. It’s high in
turmeric, an antioxidant with
measurable anti-inflammatory
actions. Add onions and
ginger for their immuneenhancing
effects.
MAKE IT HOT. Chili peppers,
hot mustard and horseradish
help keep airways open
during hay fever season; they
also thin mucous secretions
"!
to make
breathing easier.
DRINK GREEN TEA.
epigallocatechin gallate
(EGCG), green tea can help
relieve allergy symptoms by
reducing inflammation and
blocking production of
histamines and IgE, which
are linked to allergy symptoms.
Studies have found that
green tea can significantly
reduce mucus production,
throat pain, nose-blowing,
and watery eyes in people
who suffer from allergies.
#$ • APRIL 2017