Allergies and Natural Remedies

Yesterday I talked a bit about what foods to avoid during allergy season - which foods might exacerbate our seasonal allergies.  Today I want to talk about some natural remedies that many claim have assisted them.  Two such remedies that I have noticed, with anecdotal evidence from a number of sources (that is people are writing of their experiences and improvement) are quercetin and OPC-3, both of which fall in the general family of flavonoids

In test tubes, quercetin, which is found naturally in a variety of foods, including apples, onions, parsley, sage, and citrus fruit,  prevented immune cells from releasing histamine, leading researchers to surmise that quercetin may help decrease allergy symptoms.  You can read more about quercetin, foods in which it naturally occurs, and the research at http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/quercetin-000322.htm.  Eating a diet rich in natural sources of quercetin, particularly in the uncooked or raw form, is certainly a good first step.  If this does not lead to improvement, it is also sold in supplement form in natural food stores and on-line.

Recently a friend mentioned that she used a product called OPC-3, and after about a month of use, during which her allergies seemed to be more extreme, she then experienced significant improvement and relief.  She continues to take this product and is feeling more energized and allergy free than she can ever remember.  The OPC-3 comes in a powdered form, from a company called MarketAmerica.  This company produces a variety of Isotonix formulas,  all in powdered form, with a special delivery system that includes a combination of fructose and glucose, and is marketed as better able to deliver the supplements to your body, as they are taken on an empty stomach, and seemingly bypass the longer digestive time required to break open or break down capsules and tablets.  The OPC-3 contains grape seed extract, red wine extract, pine park extract, and bilberry extract, all of which are considered anti-oxidant, and containing flavonoids.  And red wine extract a source of quercetin as well.  The positive results that my friend has experienced may be due to the flavonoid and specifically quercetin content.  But for her, the most important fact is that she feels well.  If you would like to check out Isotonix OPC-3, you can learn more at http://www.marketamerica.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.wpGoShopProducts&skuID=13007&refEmail=0A17012213150C121A3B251E00170A274B1A021B#.T-WUvYDm5Zg.gmail

So check out the link for quercetin rich foods, avoid the foods we discussed yesterday that may increase our allergies and mucus production, and consider adding a natural supplement that may help your body to deal with the offending substance to which you are allergic.  Until tomorrow, I wish you a glorious, allergy-free day!