Seasonal Allergies

Michelle Balint, PharmD, IHP, RCPC

Seasonal allergies have been a hard thing to miss this year. It seems everyone is sniffling as they visit the pharmacy. Most people are familiar with over the counter antihistamines but there are also supplements and foods that can help ease allergies with less possible side effects.
When possible, food is our best form of medicine. Local honey and bee pollen are great ways to fight allergies. Honey and bee pollen are also great ways to add extra vitamins and minerals to our bodies. Copper rich foods, like organ meats, will help with histamine issues. For those who do not enjoy eating these, they are available in capsule form.
One of the places histamine is created is in the gut so oftentimes we need to work on our gut to help fight allergies. This could come in the form of removing processed foods and replacing them with real foods. Magnesium also helps with histamine issues, though the type of magnesium is important. Magnesium glycinate and malate are absorbed by our bodies better than some other forms.
Other supplements that help with seasonal allergies include quercetin, which is an antioxidant, and stinging nettle. There are also homeopathic remedies, like RhinAllergy, for allergies that can help alleviate symptoms.
When starting a new supplement or remedy, always consult with your doctor or friendly neighborhood pharmacist at Ehardt’s pharmacy.