Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, are symptoms that occur during specific times of the year. This usually occurs at times when outdoor molds release their spores or when plants release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Allergies are an indication of a hypersensitive immune system and an inability to effectively metabolize histamine. Seasonal allergies depend on what the individual is having a specific immune reaction to. In the mid-Atlantic states, tree pollination happens between February and May. Grass pollination happens in May – June and weeds from August – October. Mold spores usually increase between mid-summer through the fall. If you have stronger symptoms during one of these periods, it is an indication your body is struggling with that particular particle. What Is Allergy Defense? Individuals with hypersensitive immune reactions often experience physical, mental, and functional decline even with moderate onset of discomfort (1). Formulated with a synergistic combination of vitamins, bioflavonoids, amino acids, and herbs, Allergy Defense addresses the distressing signs of immune hypersensitivity. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Vitamin C is essential to humans and must be obtained exogenously. While most mammals are able to synthesize ascorbic acid, humans lack one of the enzymes required for this process and can quickly become deficient if dietary or supplemental intake is inadequate. Stress, smoking, pollution, and temperature changes increase our requirement for vitamin C. Well known functions of vitamin C include antioxidant protection from damaging free radicals and the synthesis of collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters. Vitamin C also plays a lesser-known role in the deactivation of histamine (2,3). Bioflavonoids: Quercetin is an active bioflavonoid incorporated into Allergy Defense for its role in moderating an exaggerated immune response. Bioflavonoids work synergistically with other antioxidants to protect tissues from the negative effects of oxidation and inflammation often observed during hyperimmune reactions (4) Immune-moderating effects include inhibition of mast cell degranulation and prevention of histamine release during hypersensitive episodes (1,5,6) N-Acetyl-Cysteine: NAC is the acetylated form of the conditionally essential amino acid L-cysteine. As a precursor to the “master antioxidant” glutathione, NAC plays a significant role in detoxification and antioxidant protection. NAC also functions as a natural mucolytic, helping improve lung health during a hyperimmune response (10,11). Stinging Nettle Extract: Stinging nettle leaf has been found to regulate a variety of inflammatory activities associated with hyperimmune response, including mast-cell degranulation, prostaglandin formation, and histamine action (12, 13) What Is The Recommended Dosage? Normal Dosage: 2 capsules – 1x daily (away from meals – 1 hour) Advanced Dosage: 2 capsules – 2x daily (away from meals – 1 hour) When introducing a new supplement, we recommend taking the lowest dose for 2-3 days. As tolerated, increase the dose until you have reached the recommended normal or advanced guidelines. Reduce to a tolerable dosage if adverse effects occur.
