How Vitamin C helps hayfever

Vitamin C lowers histamine level

During an allergic attack like hay fever the Vitmain C level drops while the histamine in the blood rises.

Histamine is released when a person who has a sensitive immune system inhales pollen or dust.

This causes itching, runny nose and sneezing.

According to research at the Arizona State University the people who consume 2,000 mg of Vitamin C per day have a blood histamine level 40 percent lower than those who consume the RDA (US Recommended Daily Allowance.)

Vitamin C doesn't block the histamine receptors like the anti-histamine drugs, which is what gives the quick relief.

Vitamin C lowers the levels of histamines in the blood.

It is safe to say that Vitamin C help prevent or lessen allergy symptoms over the long term. It doesn't act as a quick treatment for existing symptoms.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids together work better

Bioflavonoids are the substance that give fruits and vegetables their rich colour. They work in synergy with Vitamin C. This means when use together you will get more benefit.

The best bioflavonoid for hay fever is quercitin. It helps stablilise the cell membranes of those cells which discharge histamine into the blood stream.

It is a natural anti-histamine helping to reduce inflammation of the nasal passages, the bronchial airways and the throat.

Foods which has this nutrient include red and yellow onions, shallots, squash, courgettes and broccoli.

Vitamin C rich foods - guave, bell peppers, strawberries, cabbage, kale. kiwi and oranges.