Spring is (finally) in the air for most of us but, unfortunately, so is pollen, and that translates into seasonal allergies and irritating, cold-like symptoms for millions of North Americans. Also known as “hay fever”, seasonal allergies occur when outdoor moulds release spores and trees, grasses and weeds release pollen. When those of us who are allergic breathe them in, our immune systems treat them as invaders and release histamines from our “mast cells” into our bloodstream to fight them. Histamines are organic compounds involved in local immune and inflammatory responses. They defend your immune system by causing a chain reaction of symptoms – sneezing, itching, congestion, watery eyes – which causes inflammation that triggers other chemicals from your immune system to step in and help.
Some allergy sufferers take antihistamines and decongestants but these can cause unwanted side effects, from dry mouth to drowsiness to rebound congestion.
There’s no need to suffer through spring however, because AOR has several products that ease allergies.
Quercetin
A Flavonoid Powerhouse
Quercetin belongs to the flavonoid class of antioxidants and is beneficial for a variety of immune-related ailments, including allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, and nasal congestion. It does this by inhibiting histamine release and the enzymes responsible for the production of inflammatory mediators.
Breathe Easy with N-A-C
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
This antioxidant is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body’s best free-radical eliminators. But it’s N-A-C’s abilities as an expectorant that also make it helpful for chronic respiratory conditions and allergy symptoms. It helps reduce mucus and therefore congestion, helping relieve the irritating post-nasal drip often associated with allergies.
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