Hives consist of raised, itchy, red welts on the surface of your skin. The cause varies, but this condition appears to be linked to allergies. When you come in contact with an allergen, your body releases histamines, chemical substances that activate an inflammatory response that can result in hives. People who are hypersensitive to pollen, insect bites, toxins, animal dander, and certain foods and medications are susceptible to hives. Along with your prescribed treatment plan, certain vitamins may regulate your immune system and soothe your itchy, irritated and inflamed skin. Always work with your doctor to determine what vitamins are right for you.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A boosts immune system function, protects the surface of your skin from permanent damage, repairs damaged skin, aids in white blood cell production, eliminates harmful toxins from your body, and lowers your risk of skin rashes and hives, according to Dr. Judith Brown, nutrition consultant and author of "Every Woman's Guide to Nutrition." Foods rich in vitamin A include milk, cheddar cheese, carrots, beef liver, peaches, peas, instant oatmeal, spinach and cantaloupes.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, aids in red blood cell production; removes inflammatory toxins from your body; helps your skin heal from wounds, rashes and hives; carries oxygen, blood and nutrients to your tissues; supports healthy immune system function; soothes your irritated and inflamed skin; and relieves redness and itchiness commonly associated with chronic hives, according to Alan Gaby, M.D., and Schuyler Lininger, Ph.D., authors of "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions." Foods rich in vitamin B-6 include garbanzo beans, bananas, instant oatmeal, roast beef, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, avocados and rainbow trout.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from allergens, toxins, diseases, viruses and infections that can trigger hives, according to Janice Joneja, Ph.D, R.D., author of "Dealing with Food Allergies: A Practical Guide to Detecting Culprit Foods and Eating a Healthy, Enjoyable Diet." Joneja says that vitamin C hydrates your tissues, helps repair damaged skin tissues, accelerates the healing process, eliminates pathogens from your body that can exacerbate hives, calms irritated and inflamed skin tissues, and lowers your chance of developing chronic hives. Foods rich in vitamin C include potatoes, grapefruits, strawberries, orange juice, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, tomatoes, pineapples, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that improves immune system function and protects your skin from free radicals that can trigger hives, according to Michael Zimmermann, M.D., author of "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." Zimmermann adds that vitamin E lubricates your skin; eliminates harmful toxins from your body that can worsen hives; aids in the healing process; and helps transport blood, oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Foods rich in vitamin E include tomatoes, spinach, mangoes, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, peanut butter, soybean oil and broccoli.
References
- "Dealing with Food Allergies: A Practical Guide to Detecting Culprit Foods and Eating a Healthy, Enjoyable Diet"; Janice Vickerstaff Joneja, Ph.D, R.D.; 2003
- "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D., and Schuyler W. Lininger, Ph.D.; 2006
- "Understanding Dietary Supplements"; Jenna Hollenstein, M.S., R.D., E.L.S.; 2007
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann, M.D.; 2001
- "Every Woman's Guide to Nutrition"; Judith E. Brown, M.P.H., Ph.D.; 1990
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