For those who have allergies, it's important to be cautious about preventing exposure to the particular allergen that causes an adverse reaction, whether it's an allergy to airborne dust or pollen or an allergy to a type of food, such as peanuts or shellfish. Relief from allergic reactions is available from a number of different supplements that may be effective in helping cope with allergies.
Allergies
An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a substance that most people can be exposed to without problem. Allergies can cause a variety of reactions, ranging from mild — such as sneezing — to severe. Anaphylaxis, for example, a life-threatening reaction in which the airways swell up and constrict, which hinders breathing. More typical allergic reactions include a runny nose, itchiness or skin rashes. Allergies are usually treated with medication such as corticosteroids and antihistamines, although certain natural supplements may also be effective.
Methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane, a form of sulfur also known as MSM, is often used to treat joint pain and arthritis. According to a study published in the April 2002 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," MSM may be an effective way to treat seasonal allergies. The study found that taking a 2,600-mg methylsulfonylmethane supplement for 30 days appeared to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. In addition, the side effects associated methylsulfonylmethane are negligible, while toxicologic data used in the study also validates the safety of MSM in treating seasonal allergies.
Spirulina
Supplements containing spirulina — a protein-rich form of algae — may be effective in treating allergies by inhibiting the release of histamines that cause symptoms such as stuffy nose and watery eyes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in the spring 2005 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" involved allergy sufferers who were given spirulina supplements. It concluded that the supplements were an effective method of treating seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Herbal Supplements
Many people treat allergy symptoms with supplements containing extracts taken from various herbs, according to Mayo Clinic. These include extracts from the butterbur shrub, stinging nettle and Tinospora cordifolia. Other herbal extracts include cat's claw, choline, goldenseal, belladonna and bromelain. Despite the assertion on MayoClinic.com that there "isn't much evidence" demonstrating that these herbs are effective, a study published in the June 2009 issue of "Current Opinion in Otolaryngololgy & Head and Neck Surgery" stated that some complementary therapies — including butterbar extract — "hold some promise" in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sulfur
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Spirulina
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle
- MedlinePlus: Allergy
- FamilyDoctor.org: Allergies - Things You Can Do to Control Your Symptoms
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; A Multicentered, Open-Label Trial on the Safety and Efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis; E. Barrager, et al.; April 2002
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Effects of a Spirulina-Based Dietary Supplement on Cytokine Production From Allergic Rhinitis Patients; T.K. Mao, et al.; 2005
- MayoClinic.com: Hay Fever - Alternative Medicine
- "Current Opinion in Otolaryngololgy & Head and Neck Surgery"; Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Allergic Rhinitis; L.X. Man; June 2009
