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5 Seasonal Allergy Supplements to Get You Through

Natural solutions for allergy support!


There are two natural ingredients commonly used to for support during seasonal challenges: stinging nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) and quercetin.


Nettles have been used historically to support health on many levels, including seasonal challenges, but studies are relatively few. Stinging nettle, however, may reduce hay fever symptoms. Nettles can be ingested dried or as part of a tea. If you choose to gather your own, watch out for those little stingers on the bottom of the leaf--they are called stinging nettles for a reason!


Quercetin is a flavonol found in many foods such as onions, broccoli, apples, and grapes. Flavonoids, and quercetin specifically, are known to support healthy histamine levels. Quercetin helps to stabilize the cells that release histamine in the body and thereby has an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect.


A foundational ingredient often added to supplements designed to support those with seasonal challenges is vitamin C. This makes sense because vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of histamine, prostaglandins, and cysteinyl leukotrienes. As an important antioxidant, vitamin C can also support a healthy inflammatory response. Vitamin C has been shown to work synergistically with ingredients like quercetin and nettles.


Probiotic support can help, too! Using probiotics for allergies is another option you may want to consider as they've been found to significantly reduce symptoms, improve quality of life during allergy season, and reduce the need for conventional allergy medication.


A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that looked at the effect of probiotics for allergies, specifically allergic rhinitis (AR), found significant clinical benefits for improving seasonal allergy symptoms like nasal and eye symptoms, and quality of life. Several of the trials included in this study also reported a reduction in the immune system activity that’s associated with allergic responses.


If you are looking for a natural way to support your immune system during allergy season, give these supplements a try!



*Heads up: My posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won't pay a penny more, but I earn a small commission that helps keep the lights on!


All content of this blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this blog.

Kelly Sherman, MS, NC, CGP, CPT, is a licensed nutritionist specializing in empowering women to reclaim their health by cutting through misinformation and ditching the diet culture. She has a master’s degree in nutrition and is degreed in exercise science as well as a certified personal trainer. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she combines the best of both nutrition and exercise sciences to best help her clients reach their potential. To nourish is to flourish!


References:

  1. Anania C, Di Marino VP, Olivero F, De Canditiis D, Brindisi G, Iannilli F, et al. Treatment with a Probiotic Mixture Containing Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. Lactis BB12 and Enterococcus faecium L3 for the Prevention of Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 16;13(4). DOI: 10.3390/nu13041315. PMID: 33923532. PMCID: PMC8073063.

  2. Bakhshaee M, Pour A, Esmaeili M, et al. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2017;16:112-118.

  3. Dennis-Wall JC, Culpepper T, Nieves C, Rowe CC, Burns AM, Rusch CT, et al. Probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1, and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2) improve rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life in individuals with seasonal allergies: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Mar;105(3):758–67. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.140012. PMID: 28228426.

  4. Güvenç IA, Muluk NB, Mutlu FŞ, Eşki E, Altıntoprak N, Oktemer T, et al. Do probiotics have a role in the treatment of allergic rhinitis? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2016 Sep 1;30(5):157–75. DOI: 10.2500/ajra.2016.30.4354. PMID: 27442711.

  5. Kregiel D, Pawlikowska E, Antolak H. Molecules. 2018;23(7):1664.

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