Every fall, millions of Americans can expect to experience a wave of seasonal allergy symptoms. That probably comes off as a news alert for people who have previously experienced seasonal allergies only in the spring, but fall brings with it a wave of seasonal allergies all its own. Not to fear, though, as fortunately, there are supplements and remedies available to lessen the severity and persistence of fall allergy symptoms, just as you should have your medicine cabinet properly stocked for spring.
The Causes of Seasonal Allergies
About
50 million Americans experience seasonal allergies each year. For many, their occurrence each fall (or spring) is regular and predictable. Seasonal allergies are technically known as allergic rhinitis, and commonly referred to as hay fever.
The common symptoms of hay fever include congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Fall seems to be the season, though, in which you might also experience more drainage down into your chest area, possibly resulting in a persistent cough that can last weeks. The direct cause of these symptoms is
inflammation that occurs in the nasal passages.
A variety of certain
environmental agents are usually responsible for these allergic reactions. Let's start with ragweed, which is a plant that sheds pollen each fall, and this can cause allergic reactions in people for about 6 to 10 weeks on average. Mold is another common cause; spores from mold both indoors and out can travel through the air and be inhaled. Other plants, such as
pigweed, marsh elder, and mugwort, can also pollinate in the fall and cause allergic reactions.
Essential Vitamins for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that imparts numerous benefits for your health and bodily functioning. Scientists have shown that vitamin D has a very significant effect on how the
immune system combats seasonal allergy symptoms, or hay fever.
Vitamin E can also be effective in lessening the severity of hay fever symptoms. There is
scientific evidence showing that individuals who regularly consume this vitamin in their diet had some of the lowest rates of hay fever.
Additional Supplements for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Within the realm of natural medicine,
stinging nettle is a leaf commonly known to have anti-allergic properties. It contains bioflavonoids and polysaccharides, chemicals that work to combat histamines (which cause allergy symptoms).
Butterbur is an herb that has anti-inflammatory effects have been supported scientifically, with one study showing that butterbur was actually more effective in treating seasonal allergy symptoms than Zyrtec.
Quercetin is a plant-derived substance that can be useful in treating seasonal allergies.
Multiple scientific studies have shown quercetin to be effective in preventing and reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. It has both antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects.
If and when you experience hay fever this fall, keep these remedies in mind. You might find one or more of them to be helpful in reducing your symptoms, or even preventing hay fever altogether. As with any new supplements, herbs, or other over-the-counter products you are looking into, talk to your doctor before incorporating any new supplements into your routine.
