By Frederick Cheng (R.Ph)
Q: What are good supplements to take for my allergies?
A: 25% of Canadians have allergic rhinitis, and 10% of Canadians have asthma (up to 25% of kids). It is important to have allergy symptoms assessed by a physician, especially during Covid19, but there are many viable integrative options to treat seasonal allergies or hay fever once a diagnosis is reached. A nasal gel such as Secaris or Rhinaris can be used to coat your nasal passage after clearing your nose; the layer of gel helps to trap allergens before they stimulate the receptors that trigger a sneeze or mucous production.
Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, quercetin, and citrus bioflavonoids can act as natural
antihistamines. N-aceytyle-L-cysteine (“NAC”) can support the body’s glutathione (antioxidant) production. In some people, digestive enzymes such as bromelain and papain can alleviate allergy symptoms as well. These natural supplements can be found on their own, or in some effective combinations, such as D-Hist/D-Hist Jr. by Ortho Molecular Products, Vitamin C8 by New Roots Herbal, and Ester-C Supreme by Sisu.
Quality probiotics such as Flora 20-14 by Innate Response
Formulas, UltraFlora Balance by Metagenics, HMF Forte by Genestra, and Pro-Biotik 15B by CanPrev are excellent choices for promoting a strong, underlying immune system for the body to react appropriately to the allergens found in our
beautiful BC air.
Be sure to consult your physician for a professional diagnosis and consult your integrative pharmacists at Pharmasave Steveston Village before self-medicating.
(Fred and Christine Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore. Articles, Q&A, blog posts and all materials submitted for publishing is the intellectual property of Cloverdale Pharmacy Ltd – reproduction in part or whole, in print or online, without written consent and permission is prohibited.)
