Green Tea
Research has shown that drinking green tea regularly can provide great relief to people who suffer from different allergies.
Green tea contains a high concentration (more than other teas) of an important compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a powerful antioxidant. It is believed that EGCG has the ability to block the production of histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE), two chemicals in the body that are mainly involved in triggering allergic reactions and symptoms.
Green tea may therefore be very helpful in beating many allergies and fighting several allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, dust, as well as certain chemicals.
It is advisable to drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day or add green tea powder to smoothies, soups or other beverages.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that is excellent in beating allergies. It is found in various plants and many common vegetables, such as onions, apples, berries, grapes, citrus fruits, black tea, broccoli, parsley, Italian squash, and some nuts and seeds. It is a natural anti-histamine, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which defends against substances that trigger allergic reactions.
Quercetin targets mast cells and prevents them from producing histamine, responsible for allergic reactions. It has the power to alleviate and stop allergy symptoms and improve lung function, as well as prevent allergies before they even begin. It fights many substances which cause an inappropriate and excessive immune system response, including pollen, house dust, pet dander, wheat protein, etc.
Even though it is found in many vegetables, allergy sufferers should take supplemental forms of quercetin before the allergy season begins, and increase doses if allergy occurs.
Quercetin works best when taken together with bromelain, an enzyme that is contained in pineapples.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a strong protein-digesting and anti-inflammatory enzyme found in pineapple stems, which is very powerful in beating allergies. It greatly reduces cough, nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with sinusitis and inflammations caused by allergies.
Bromelain combats molecules known as pro-inflammatory prostaglandins that cause inflammation, and promotes the formation of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that have many beneficial effects. It also helps our body absorb quercetin more efficiently and works together with it to fight inflammations and suppress allergic reactions.
In conclusion, bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties are extremely useful in reducing and treating inflammation, swelling, asthma, bronchitis, nasal mucus, as well as colitis, arthritis and other allergic reactions.
It should be taken on an empty stomach together with quercetin, following therapeutic doses recommended for treating allergies.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the best immune system builders and a very potent natural antihistamine, extremely helpful in beating allergies. It prevents and inhibits the histamine release and accelerates the breakdown of histamine that is already present in the blood. In that way it detoxifies histamine from our body and halts allergic processes.
Vitamin C encourages the adrenal glands to produce allergy-fighting hormones and thereby naturally defends our body against different allergens. It also reinforces quercetin and makes it last longer, and vice versa.
Citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers tomatoes and leafy greens are great sources of vitamin C that should be consumed on a daily basis in order to prevent allergies.
A study conducted in 1992 has shown that the dosage of 2 grams of vitamin C per day can lower blood histamine levels by 38 percent after only one week of regular consumption.
Since vitamin C is water soluble, its action is slower and it may take some time to ensure that adequate blood levels of vitamin C have been achieved. For best results, it is recommended to start taking vitamin C at least 2 or 3 weeks before the allergy season starts.
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