For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring can mean itchy eyes, runny noses, stuffy throats, and a general feeling of complete misery. While many people rely on over-the-counter allergy medications, you may be surprised that nature has some potent anti-allergy relief solutions. Many individuals prefer more natural allergy relief solutions due to the possibility of a lowered risk of side effects and an appreciation for a more holistic way of life. Here are 6 natural compounds that may bring back the spring in your step by helping relieve allergies naturally. Vitamins That May Reduce Allergy Symptoms Vitamins play an essential role in maintaining the body's overall health, from supporting healthy growth to glowing skin and strong nails. Research suggests that vitamins like C and D may also reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies . Vitamin C Vitamin C , also called ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that the body uses for many processes, from making collagen to suppo...
You’ve probably heard that you should be incorporating more antioxidants into your diet, but what exactly are antioxidants and where can you find them? Antioxidant basics Antioxidants are substances that help protect our bodies from “free radicals” or unstable molecules capable of doing damage to our cells. Free radicals are formed during normal bodily processes like eating and exercising, or when we’re exposed to toxins like pollution or cigarette smoke. Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and decrease the potential damage they might cause to our cells (also known as oxidative stress). To put it another way, free radicals are the “bad” guys, and antioxidants are the “good” guys, swooping in to keep these culprits from destroying the place. Where do antioxidants come from? The best source of antioxidants is food, especially richly colored fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A well-balanced diet with lots of different colors wi...