Tired of Suffering from
Airborne Allergies?
Airborne allergens can be classified as perennial or seasonal. Perennial allergens would
include those things such as internal mold spores, dust and dust mites, animal dander and
specific chemicals (cleaning agents and certain powders). If your allergy symptoms last
more than two hours per day for more than nine months this would be classified as a
perennial allergy. Seasonal allergies would include tree pollen, grass pollen, hay fever,
fungal spores and weed pollen. Of the weed pollens, ragweed and goldenrod are among
the most common offenders.
If you suffer from allergies you may spend several months in spring, fall or even yearround with red, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, sinus headache, congestion or
with asthmatic symptoms that make breathing a chore. Someone with airborne allergies
suffers from an over-reactive immune system, which over responds to relative harmless
substances such as pollen, mold, spores, or animal dander. An antibody called
immunoglobulin E (IgE) binds to the offending allergen at one end and to the mast cells
that line the respiratory tract at the other end. The mast cells burst open releasing
histamine, interleukins and other inflammatory compounds.
Many of the symptoms of airborne allergies are caused by the release of histamine and
not by the allergen itself. Because of this histamine is the target of poplar drugs that are
use to treat allergies. Histamine released by mast cells causes blood vessels to dilate and
become leaky, promoting swelling and triggering runny noses, watery eyes, scratchy
throats, and other annoying symptoms. Histamine also stimulates the secretion of large
amounts of mucus and constricts the bronchioles, making it hard to breathe. Twenty
percent of Americans periodically suffer with these symptoms, so it’s no wonder that
allergy drugs are a multibillion dollar business.
Allergy drugs like Benadryl, Allegra, and Claritin don’t prevent mast cells from releasing
histamine; they simply block histamine receptors on other cells. As a result of the release
of the histamine secondary side effects like congestion and asthmatic symptoms must be
addressed by other drugs. Unfortunately, these allergy drugs have many side effects like:
drowsiness or sleeplessness, dry mouth and fatigue. Unfortunately, these drugs do
nothing to address the cause of allergies. Luckily, there are natural substances like those
found in Natural–Hist that go beyond symptom relief to actually lighten the allergic
response and promote overall health.
Quercetin
Quercetin’s effect on allergies is unmatched by other natural substances. Quercetin
inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells, thereby preventing the allergic response
and the secondary effects of congestion and asthmatic symptoms. Quercetin also inhibits
leukotrienes which cause airway constriction. In addition, quercetin is a powerful
antioxidant that mops up free radicals generated by an allergic reaction. Unfortunately,
the absorption of quercetin is poor. Luckily, this can be altered with the concomitant
administration of bromelain.
Bromelain
Bromelain, derived from the stem of the pineapple plant, can enhance the absorption of
quercetin. An added benefit included with bromelain is its ability to block inflammatory
pathways fibrin and kinin. These compounds are responsible for tissue swelling, nasal
congestion and sinus pain. Bromelain has also been shown to decrease the viscosity of
mucus in the lungs.
Stinging Nettles
In 1990 a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done to assess the use of stinging
nettle leaf for allergic rhinitis (hay fever like symptoms). After one week those taking
stinging nettles noticed a much greater improvement in symptoms than those who were
given the placebo. Recent research may explain the mechanism of action for stinging
nettles due to its ability to block the formation of inflammatory chemicals (lipoxygenase
and cyclooxygenase).
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
Another antioxidant that gets high ranking for its ability to relieve allergies is n-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC may be one of the best expectorant/mucolytic agents. As a
disulfide reducing agent NAC can decrease the viscosity of mucus providing a
mucoregulating action. NAC has been used quite frequently in an assortment of lung
conditions including COPD, bronchitis and asthma. NAC is also gaining interest as an
antioxidant that acts by itself and as a “recharger” of the body’s own glutathione stores.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-studied therapy for allergies as well as asthma. In fact, if taken when
symptoms first arise, buffered vitamin C (4000mg) can stop an asthma attack or allergic
reaction in its tracks. High-dose vitamin C can also reduce blood histamine levels dramatically when
taken daily. Vitamin C itself is considered a natural antihistamine by preventing the
secretion of histamine and clearing existing histamine from the bloodstream.
Fifty million Americans suffer from inhalant allergies and as many as thirty five million
Americans from hay fever. If you are one of the unfortunate suffers you could benefit
from an all natural anti-histamine formula like Natural D-Hist. Otherwise, prepare to be
miserable and buy stock in Kleenex, because you’ll need it!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,
or prevent any disease.