|
Fish
oil
Packed with omega-3 essential fatty acids, fish oil can help
alleviate asthma and allergy symptoms. Several manufacturers make
orange-, peach-, and other fruit-flavored fish oil supplements for
kids or others who don’t like fish or don’t want to
swallow capsules.
Recommended dose: 1–2 grams daily.
Garlic
The antioxidants and sulfur found in garlic make it a great choice
for reducing allergies and asthma symptoms and naturally boosting
the immune system. Garlic can be consumed raw, cooked, or added to
recipes. Look for odor-free garlic supplements at your natural
products store.
Recommended dose: The amount of garlic per
supplement varies and is stated on the container; a general
recommendation is 1 gram daily.
“Green” drinks
Made from spirulina, wheat and barley grasses, and a variety of
fruits and vegetables, green drinks are filled with powerful
antioxidants and other nutrients that can help detoxify the body.
Detoxification can ease allergy symptoms, as well as fatigue, skin
rashes, constipation, and other symptoms, by helping to flush out
toxic buildup in the body. Fresh and powdered green drinks are
available at most natural grocers.
Recommended dose: Follow label directions.
Quercetin
This bioflavanoid is another powerful and natural antihistamine,
particularly when taken in conjunction with vitamin C. Quercetin is
found in many fruits and vegetables, such as apples and onions, and
is also available as a supplement.
Recommended dose: 1–2 grams twice daily with
meals.
Vitamin
C
Taken in high doses (see recommended dose), vitamin C can reduce
allergy symptoms by inhibiting the release of histamines in the
body.
Recommended dose: 2–4 grams twice daily with
meals.
Source: Shari Lieberman,
PhD, CNS, FACN.
|