April 20, 2001, Newsletter Issue #34: Supplements To Soothe Allergies

Tip of the Week

The supplements found to be most effective in doing battle with seasonal allergies include BROMELAIN, BIOFLAVONOIDS, VITAMIN C, CALCIUM & MAGNESIUM, AND LICORICE - and here`s why:

*Bromelain - This enzyme derived from the pineapple has been found to act as a soothing anti-inflammatory and aids in decreasing swelling. This is very good news for your swollen, inflamed nasal passages. Some experts feel you can get benefits from taking 200 to 500 mg three times a day, but other feel 1,000 mg three times a day does the job better. See what works best for you and do keep in mind, although this is a wonderful supplement, it is advised you don`t take this enzyme for more than 10 days continuously - so take a week on and resume for best results.

*Bioflavonoids & Vitamin C - Bioflavonoids help Vitamin C really do its job to the max. They help increase C`s effectiveness and they`re excellent for reducing histamine in the body. It takes a bit of time, usually around two weeks to show its power, but when taken with Vitamin C, whose power lies with its capabilities to act as an antihistamine (without the drowsy effects) this makes for quite the Dynamic Duo.

Look for Vitamin C with Quercetin, the best known of the Bioflavonoids. Recommended dosages for a combo formula is between 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily. If you`re doing them separately then go 200 mg to 400 mg Quercetin three times a day and 500 mg Vitamin C three times a day. If you can tolerate the C without gastric discomfort, then raising your intake to 750 mg to 1,000 mg three times a day can help ease your symptoms even more effectively. Buffered Vitamin C is usually a better choice.

*Calcium & Magnesium - Since most of us don`t get enough of these two necessary minerals in our diets, it`s very important to give your body what it needs to function at optimum levels - especially during the stressful period of allergy season. So make sure to incorporate these relaxing minerals into your supplement schedule daily. Go with 1,000 mg of Calcium and 1,000 mg of Magnesium for best results.

*Licorice - This isn`t the red and black stick-type candy, but instead is a supplement offering anti-inflammatory properties and has been associated with its helpfulness in dealing with cancer, asthma, ulcers and allergies.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice aka DGL has taken a rap for raising blood pressure levels, but that usually only occurs when taking more than 100 grams daily. If you do suffer from hypertension, it`s best to discuss taking this supplement with your doctor. Recommended dosage is only 3 grams daily and this is ONLY for between four and six weeks. You can take DGL in capsules, tinctures, teas or tablets.

If you`re uneasy about the DGL, still give the other supplements a try and it`s best to get a head start on gearing your body up for the battle BEFORE the pollens, molds and grasses make their attack! Your body`s defenses will be ready and waiting for the invasion!

NEXT WEEK: HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR ALLERGIES

Click on the link below to see how you can get MORE Quercetin into your diet!

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