Biohacking Allergies With Natural Solutions
Allergy sufferers may have noticed that allergy symptoms are getting worse, and some reports are predicting the longest season ever in 2020 as warmer weather is causing tree and grass pollens to hit at once. And we’re not just talking pollen—allergies to insect bites, dust, food, molds, and medications have also been rising over the past half-century.
You do not need to be relegated to prescription or OTC medications to treat these allergy symptoms. There are natural solutions to tackling allergies.
What causes allergy symptoms?
Allergy symptoms occur when an antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is activated. IgE then activates two other immune cells—mast cells and basophils—which release a floodtide of inflammatory chemicals intended to expel the offender through the typical cough, runny eyes, runny nose, sneezing and more. Though prescription and over-the-counter medications are popular, they do not bring the body back into balance.
Natural Solutions to allergy symptoms
Quercetin (found naturally in apples, broccoli, etc.,) and luteolin (found in foods such as spinach and peppermint) are potent antioxidant flavonoids, polyphenolic plant compounds that can quiet mast cell activity and histamine release. Together, luteolin and quercetin may have a synergistic effect. A study of 37 children on the autism spectrum found that taking capsules containing 200 milligrams of luteolin and quercetin for four weeks significantly improved gastrointestinal and allergy symptoms in three-quarters of the children.
Add DIM (Diindolylmethane): It Turns Down Inflammation, With A Particular Affinity for Women
We readily form DIM during the digestion of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussel sprouts, which appears to reduce inflammation, particularly in women, and also shifts estrogen metabolism towards forms that may be more protective and reduce risk of hormonal cancers such as breast cancer. Since estrogen is known to stimulate mast cell degranulation, DIM may help reduce allergy symptoms by supporting healthy estrogen metabolism in women.
Vitamin C Is Still The Golden Oldie, And For Good Reason
Vitamin C depletion has been correlated with allergic symptoms and with the circulation of excess histamine in the blood. Intravenous vitamin C has been shown to substantially decrease allergy symptoms, in a 10-year, multicenter observational study in 71 patients with allergy-related respiratory or skin issues.
How to activate a natural solution to treat your allergies
To combat symptoms of allergies, make sure to eat generous helpings of foods high in flavonoids and vitamin C, including dark green, leafy veggies; deep yellow, orange, purple, red fruits, and veggies; beets, onions, garlic, ginger, and cayenne. Ginger and cayenne will open the breathing passages.
Here is to natural remedies for those allergies that drain us!
