4 Safe And Natural Supplements For Seasonal Allergies - Save Our Bones

The longer days of spring bring warmer weather and budding flowers. But they can also bring annoying allergies. If the spring air, thick with pollen, sends your senses reeling, you may already be dreading sniffly outdoor events and a season of itching, sneezing, and sinus pain. But relief is in sight.

Instead of turning to toxic over-the-counter allergy medicines, you can apply an evidence-backed approach that supports your bone health. Today we’ll look at four supplements shown to reduce the effects of seasonal allergies so you’ll enjoy spring allergy-free, without compromising your bones.

The Biology Behind Seasonal Allergies

Allergies are a reaction of the immune system to harmless foreign materials. Somebody who isn’t allergic to ragweed, for instance, can breathe air that’s teeming with ragweed pollen and be just fine. Their body correctly assesses that it poses no threat.

An allergy sufferer’s immune system mistakes the ragweed for a dangerous invader and attempts to expel or neutralize the perceived threat. This immune response releases a protein called histamine that causes most of the symptoms associated with allergies.1

Allergies get their start when a susceptible person contacts a particular allergen and their body produces an antibody called an immunoglobulin (IgE) specific to that allergen. At a later exposure, these antibodies all spring into action, triggering constriction of the bronchial tubes, mucus secretion, and increased vascular permeability.

If the exposure to the allergen continues through this initial response, the results grow more severe, potentially including:

  • Fatigue
  • Nasal drip
  • Nausea
  • Asthma
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes
  • Congestion
  • Eczema
  • Anaphylaxis

The inflammatory immune response that causes these problems most often fades as exposure to the allergen decreases. But if you are exposed to an allergen too intensely over a long period, a chronic allergic response can develop, in which the affected organs begin to function abnormally and a low-grade inflammation becomes persistent.1

General inflammation damages bones, and is well documented as increasing the risk of fracture.2

How To Prevent An Allergic Inflammatory Response

You can block the histamine that wreaks havoc on your system during an allergic reaction. That’s what antihistamine drugs do, but at the cost of taxing your liver, and other possible side-effects.

Fortunately, there are natural substances proven to have a similar effect on histamine production. They help you ward off seasonal allergies, avoid developing a chronic allergic response, and protect your bones.

Zinc

Zinc is a critical trace element. We can’t survive without it, yet deficiencies are widespread. Zinc stores histamine, preventing it from causing allergy symptoms. If you’re deficient in zinc, then you have more available histamine in your body, leading to stronger allergic reactions.

Zinc’s other health benefits make it an important supplement for everyone to take. They include:

  • Maintaining immune function 3
  • Improving thyroid health 4
  • Preventing hair loss 5
  • Improving intestinal health 5
  • Preventing acne and rashes 6
  • Improving brain function 7
  • Slowing oxidative processes 8
  • Maintaining bone density 9

Zinc is a Foundation Supplement since it forms part of the hydroxyapatite mineral crystals in bone, and because it regulates bone turnover. It’s also necessary for the function of bone alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme that plays a role in bone mineralization. Studies have linked osteoporosis to a zinc deficiency.10

The recommended daily dosage of Zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men, but at the Save Institute, we suggest taking 25 mg per day.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid with a robust antihistamine effect. It strengthens the cellular membranes of mast cells and basophils, which normally release histamines in response to allergens. Studies have shown that the more quercetin you have in your system, the lower your histamine response.11

One study showed that supplementation with quercetin lessened the respiratory impact of allergies in rats by reducing inflammatory response in their airways.12

Quercetin positively impacts your health many additional ways, including:

  • Balancing blood pressure 13
  • Improved cardiovascular health 14
  • Improved respiratory health 15
  • Suppresses cortisol, protecting bones 16

That last one is particularly important for Savers. By reducing oxidation, reducing inflammation and suppressing cortisol, quercetin is a boon to your bone health.

For allergy sufferers, the Save Institute recommends a dosage of 500mg, twice daily.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme most notably found in pineapples. Studies have shown that it targets the underlying cause of allergies– an overactive immune system. It does this by suppressing CD11c (+) dendritic cells and DC44 antigen-presenting cells, both part of the immune response that causes allergy symptoms.17

The benefits of bromelain don’t stop there. Below are morer health-boosting qualities of this compound:

  • Prevents or alleviates sinus infections 18
  • Helps prevent cancer 19
  • Helps treat digestive disorders 20
  • Decreases joint pain 21
  • Supports weight loss 22
  • Supports speedy recovery from surgery or injury 23

You can get the baseline benefits of bromelain through supplementing with 500-800mg per day. For those using this enzyme to fight allergies, up to 1000 mg a day is advisable. Please note that bromelain has a slight blood-thinning effect, so consult with your health practitioner if you’re taking anticoagulant medication.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is not only a powerful antioxidant found in numerous fruits and vegetables, but it’s also a natural antihistamine. By blocking histamine, it prevents the allergy symptoms that can make a beautiful spring day unbearable. Vitamin C is abundantly found in fruits and vegetables– from tangerines to leafy greens.

Other benefits of Vitamin C are:

  • Improved adrenal gland function 24
  • Immune boost 25
  • Increased collagen production 26
  • Improved cardiovascular health 27
  • Strengthening of cartilage and bone 26
  • Preventing cell damage caused by free radicals 28

Vitamin C’s critical role in the production of collagen makes it essential to the production of bone matrix. That’s why it’s a Foundation Supplement. The Save Institute suggests taking at least 500 mg per day, bearing in mind that 2000 mg per day is our ideal dosage recommendation.

Valuable Alternatives To Allergy Drugs

It is critical to the health of your bones to maintain a balanced pH. OTC and prescription allergy drugs throw that balance off by acidifying your system. Your body pulls alkalizing minerals out of your bones to restore balance, literally weakening them. So choose natural alternatives: use diet and supplementation to safely improve your health and quality of life.

In the modern world, we are surrounded by acidifying toxins: in the air, in the products we use, and in processed foods. That’s why the Save Institute developed the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse. It’s a seven-day program that detoxifies your body and accelerates the bone-building process. It’s a great way to give your body a break from toxins and ward off allergies through natural supplementation.

Accelerated Bone Remodeling In Just 7 Days!

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Till next time,

References:

1Stephen J. Galli, Mindy Tsai, and Adrian M. Piliponsky. “The development of allergic inflammation.” Nature. 2008 Jul 24; 454(7203): 445–454. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573758/

2Barbour KE, Boudreau R, Danielson ME, et al. “Inflammatory markers and the risk of hip fracture: the Women’s Health Initiative.” J Bone Miner Res. 2012;27:1167-1176. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22392817

3Marianna K. Baum Gail Shor-Posner Adriana Campa “Zinc Status in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.” The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 130, Issue 5, 1 May 2000, Pages 1421S–1423S. Web. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/130/5/1421S/4686400

4Ambooken Betsy, MP Binitha, and S Sarita. “Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia.” Int J Trichology. 2013 Jan-Mar; 5(1): 40–42. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746228/

5Raul A. Wapnir. “Zinc Deficiency, Malnutrition and the Gastrointestinal Tract “
The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 130, Issue 5, 1 May 2000, Pages 1388S–1392S. Web. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/130/5/1388S/4686387

6Hambidge M. “Human zinc deficiency.” J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5S Suppl):1344S-9S. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10801941

7H H Sandstead J G Penland N W Alcock H H Dayal X C Chen J S Li F Zhao J J Yang. “Effects of repletion with zinc and other micronutrients on neuropsychologic performance and growth of Chinese children.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 68, Issue 2, 1 August 1998, Pages 470S–475S. Web. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/68/2/470S/4648676

8Powell, SR. The antioxidant properties of zinc. J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5S Suppl):1447S-54S. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10801958

9Yamaguchi, M. Role of nutritional zinc in the prevention of osteoporosis.Mol Cell Biochem. 2010 May;338(1-2):241-54. doi: 10.1007/s11010-009-0358-0. Epub 2009 Dec 25. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20035439.

10Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001.

11Hattori M1, Mizuguchi H, Baba Y, Ono S, Nakano T, Zhang Q, Sasaki Y, Kobayashi M, Kitamura Y, Takeda N, Fukui H.“Quercetin inhibits transcriptional up-regulation of histamine H1 receptor via suppressing protein kinase C-δ/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 signaling pathway in HeLa cells.” Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Feb;15(2):232-9. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23333628

12Rogerio AP1, Kanashiro A, Fontanari C, da Silva EV, Lucisano-Valim YM, Soares EG, Faccioli LH. “Anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin and isoquercitrin in experimental murine allergic asthma.” Inflamm Res. 2007 Oct;56(10):402-8. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18026696

13Edwards RL, Lyon T, Litwin SE, Rabovsky A, Symons JD, Jalili T. Quercetin reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. J Nutr. 2007 Nov;137(11):2405-11.

14Egert S, Bosy-Westphal A, Seiberl J, Kürbitz C, Settler U, Plachta-Danielzik S, Wagner AE, Frank J, Schrezenmeir J, Rimbach G, Wolffram S, Müller MJ. Quercetin reduces systolic blood pressure and plasma oxidised low-density lipoprotein concentrations in overweight subjects with a high-cardiovascular disease risk phenotype: a double-blinded, placebocontrolled cross-over study. Br J Nutr. 2009 Oct;102(7):1065-74.

15Chirumbolo S. The role of quercetin, flavonols and flavones in modulating inflammatory cell function. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2010 Sep;9(4):263-85.

16Cheng LC, Li LA. Flavonoids exhibit diverse effects on CYP11B1 expression and cortisol synthesis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2012 Feb 1;258(3):343-50. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.11.017. Epub 2011 Dec 8.

17Eric R. Secor, Jr., et al. “Bromelain Inhibits Allergic Sensitization and Murine Asthma via Modulation of Dendritic Cells.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 702196. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870104/

18Büttner L, Achilles N, Böhm M, Shah-Hosseini K, Mösges R. “Efficacy and tolerability of bromelain in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis–a pilot study.” B-ENT. 2013;9(3):217-25. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24273953

19Pillai K, Akhter J, Chua TC, Morris DL. “Anticancer property of bromelain with therapeutic potential in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.” Cancer Invest. 2013 May;31(4):241-50. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23570457

20Onken JE, et al. “Bromelain treatment decreases secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by colon biopsies in vitro.” Clin Immunol. 2008. Mar;126(3):345-52. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18160345/

21Sarah Brien, et al. “Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2004 Dec; 1(3): 251–257. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538506/

22Dave S, Kaur NJ, Nanduri R, Dkhar HK, Kumar A, Gupta P. “Inhibition of adipogenesis and induction of apoptosis and lipolysis by stem bromelain in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.” PLoS One. 2012;7(1):e30831. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22292054

23Singh T., et al. “Effect of proteolytic enzyme bromelain on pain and swelling after removal of third molars.” J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2016 Dec;6(Suppl 3):S197-S204. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28217537

24Sebastian J Padayatty, John L Doppman, Richard Chang, Yaohui Wang, John Gill, Dimitris A Papanicolaou, and Mark Levine. “Human adrenal glands secrete vitamin C in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007. Web: https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/86/1/145.full

25Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31;(1). Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23440782

26Sun Y, et al.Dietary vitamin C intake and the risk of hip fracture: a dose-response meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2017. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/29101410/?i=1&from=You%20J[Author]

27Woollard KJ, Loryman CJ, Meredith E, Bevan R, Shaw JA, Lunec J, Griffiths HR. “Effects of oral vitamin C on monocyte: endothelial cell adhesion in healthy subjects.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2002 Jun 28;294(5):1161-8. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12074599

28Bryer SC, Goldfarb AH. Effect of high dose vitamin C supplementation on muscle soreness, damage, function, and oxidative stress to eccentric exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006 Jun;16(3):270-80.

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Helen Walker

    A helpful article, but rather than just listing supplements, why not also list the foods in which these vitamins and minerals are found in abundance? Far better than taking supplements, which many people simply could not afford to purchase anyway.

  2. Judith Wolfrey

    Two days ago there was a $10. Discount offered but I can’t fibs it today.

  3. Jenny Graves

    Hi Vivian
    Another great article. I’m a naturopath and I can confirm that these would be in my arsenal too. BUT, I would urge caution with zinc. Yes, it’s important, but it has to be in balance with copper, and taking it without knowing that you actually do need it risks upsetting that balance, which can result in lowered immunity. It’s reasonably simple to get a test done.

  4. Isabel

    Vivian, How do I get osteo cleanse book?

    • Save Institute Customer Support

      Thanks for your interest in OsteoCleanse, Isabel! OsteoCleanse is delivered digitally as an online course. Here is a link where you can learn more:

      https://saveourbones.com/osteocleanse/

  5. shula

    Great list for Allergy-prevention. Thank you.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      You’re welcome, Shula!

  6. Lois

    Hi Vivian,
    I ordered the Densercise Exercise booklet in January 2018 through your new year’s specials that were offered and the payment went through my CC on 1/30/18. I still have not received the booklet in the mail. Can you check on this and let me know.
    Thank you.
    Lois

    • Save Institute Customer Support

      Hi Lois,

      Please check your inbox for an e-mail from Customer Support. We’ll make sure you get your Densercise materials. 🙂

  7. donna

    Would you recommend any particular brand of these supplements?
    Thank you.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Not at this time, Donna, but I would suggest looking at your local health food store for high-quality, bioavailable supplements.

      • Thank you

        Off to health food store now

        • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

          Great! I hope they have what you are looking for.

  8. Skdoolittlegirl

    Thank you thank you, thank you…..I so needed this info!! I have chronic sinusitis. I already take two of these and I plan to add two more!

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      You’re welcome! I wish you success in overcoming your sinusitis by natural means. 🙂

  9. Carolyn

    Does honey count as sugar?

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