The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming. With all the freshness that springs has to offer, it also comes with a hefty price to pay for all of those who suffer from allergies.
If you've been sniffling and sneezing your way through these first few weeks of spring, or have been unexplainably tired or have red, itchy eyes, chances are you're experiencing symptoms of seasonal allergies. The bad news is that spring has just sprung, which means we have still have weeks, if not months, of that glorious yellow powder on the tops of our cars. The good news is that there are natural ways to help boost your immune system and in turn, fight off allergies.
One of the most important nutrients for keeping your immune system boosted at all times, no matter the time of year, is Vitamin D. Vitamin D, which we get naturally via the sun, is crucial for many important functions of the immune system, specifically your body's ability to fight off disease, infections and allergies. However, we do not absorb proper amounts from sunlight alone, which is why supplementation is necessary.
If you suffer from asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, seasonal allergies, persistent cough or even anaphylaxis, vitamin D deficiency could be related. Additionally, vitamin D has proven to activate immune system responses that may prevent the release of chemicals that cause and make allergy symptoms worse. We recommend a minimum of 2,000 iu of vitamin D daily.
For allergy sufferers specifically, a pure and high-quality vitamin C will be your best friend. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. Unlike over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Sudafed and Benadryl, vitamin C not only helps reduce current allergy symptoms but it may help prevent them in the future as well. We recommend at least 4,000mg of vitamin C daily, if not more. Because vitamin C is water soluble, it is safe to take in therapeutic doses during an allergy attack or when you have an infection.
The combination of vitamins C & D are a dynamic duo when it comes to allergy season. If you or your family members have been suffering from allergy symptoms, try incorporating both of these immune-boosting and allergy-fighting nutrients into your daily routine.
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