Texan Magazine
By Abby Kurth, MPH, MS
Clinical Nutritionist & Wellness Coach
Are you one of the more than 50+ million people in the United States who experience seasonal allergies? If you’re reading this, you probably live in the great state of Texas and could be suffering more than most.
San Antonio, McAllen, and Houston all rank as some of the worst places in the country for seasonal allergies, especially in the fall. Yikes! Much of the country gets a break in the winter, but for Texas, that is when things are worse.
Moving is not a realistic option, and for many people, standard allergy medication comes with trade-offs like drowsiness, dryness, or rebound congestion that keep people addicted to their medication.
Some people decide those side effects aren’t worth it (me included!).
The good news: there are effective, lower-side-effect ways to support your system during allergy season.
The Ragweed Rodeo
In South Texas, ragweed and mold peak from August to November. That is followed by Cedar Fever, which can affect some people so badly that they think they have the flu.
Do any of these sound familiar to you? Congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, throat or nose, coughing, sinus pressure, headaches, fatigue, or runny nose. Any of those can keep you from feeling like going out two-stepping.
Nature to the Rescue
As always, check with your doctor about using any other approaches, but some doctors are starting to recommend some of these options:
Quercitin
Every year I tell people about quercitin, and they always give me a funny look that says “You must be either from Mars or Marfa”. I keep talking, though, because this is one of my personal favorites for preventing allergy issues.
Quercitin is a bioflavonoid found in citrus, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, and green tea. More than just vitamins and minerals, research is being done on the phytonutrients (like bioflavonoids) in plant foods for the health benefits they bring.
Quercitin can stop the mast cells from releasing histamine and can control inflammation. In other words, this is a natural antihistamine.
Studies suggest that a quercetin-containing supplement may improve allergic symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty sleeping. Yes please.
Quercitin may not have a flashy commercial with an ecstatic person outside breathing deeply, but it has a loyal following for a reason.
Vitamin C
You have to love vitamin C for the many things it does like acting as an antioxidant, helping make collagen, and improving immunity. Turns out it is also a natural antihistamine.
We are one of the few animals that don’t make our own vitamin C, so getting plenty through citrus fruits, broccoli, guava, bell peppers, etc., is helpful.
I’ve known families that were able to avoid the usual seasonal colds, etc. and keep the kids in school just by adding some extra vitamin C.
Bromelain
Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapples, is another effective supplement because it helps reduce inflammation. It is frequently paired with quercitin because bromelain significantly helps the absorption of that natural antihistamine.
A few cautions: Bromelain can interact with blood thinners, antibiotics, or sedatives, and should be avoided if you have certain food allergies (like pineapple or latex).
The allergy-relief dose ranges from 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.)
Stinging nettle sounds a little ominous, but it is a plant traditionally used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks, as well as Indigenous Americans, to support respiratory health.
Stinging nettle is high in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and anti-pain. All those “anti’ effects lead to feeling better.
Caution: If you are on blood pressure, blood-thinning, or blood sugar medications – this is one of the herbs that can lower blood sugar.
Sinus rinsing: Not glamorous, but effective
It would be great if more people would give sinus rinsing a try. It’s actually your own body’s immune system that creates many of the uncomfortable symptoms you experience with allergies, and washing them away is like washing away your worries with a Calgon bath.
A neti pot or sinus rinse bottle helps prevent nasal irritation from allergens. WebMD, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic all have online articles and/or videos that can show the proper use of these tools. Sterile water is an important part of proper use.
A friend recently turned me on to Xlear Saline Nasal Sprays, and her ENT physician was familiar with the product as well.
Xlear spray contains xylitol, an alcohol sugar, that has known benefits in the dental world for protecting against bacteria. The xylitol in the spray will moisturize and soothe your sinuses and nasal passages with no concerns about addiction.
Mold Mix and Texas Trees Drops
Available in health food stores, these are liquid drops specific to local allergens. You use these remedies by placing the liquid under the tongue three times a day.
One manufacturer, Allergena, describes these formulas as “an all-natural, homeopathic allergy remedy. It works with your body to build up a healthy immune response to allergies rather than just masking the symptoms and leaving you with a list of unwanted side effects.”
Homeopathy uses highly diluted solutions of substances, and so, does not have reactions with any medications.
Have an allergic pet? I add this product to my cat’s water so he doesn’t get itchy, and I don’t get scratched! He also likes the cat quercitin chews I found for him. Pets like feeling better, too!
Become a Tough Texan
You can either move away, or strengthen yourself to stay where you are.
These tools will help you enjoy your life regardless of what is blooming in Texas by 1) reducing exposure (sinus rinsing), 2) supporting your immune response (nutrition + supplements), and 3) using medications when needed.
You CAN get through allergy season while being at “home, home on the range.”
Have a question, or just wanna say howdy, or request health coaching…….contact me at abbykurth@sbcglobal.net
Abby Kurth, MPH, MS Nutrition is a Clinical Nutritionist + Wellness coach, and author of “Wellness is More Than Weight: Easy Steps to Change your Health Habits and Your Life” (available on Amazon, search by author). More topics, including a nutrition blog and gluten-free travel blog, are available at abbykurthnutrition.coach.
