Seasonal allergies are common in spring, triggered by pollen from flowering plants. Our body mistakenly identifies these harmless particles as threats, which leads to sneezing, itching, and congestion that bother many people during the warmer months.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the body when consumed in adequate amounts. Probiotics induce an immunomodulatory response in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. [1]
This meta-analysis of 22 studies explored how probiotics may help with seasonal allergies. It found that probiotic treatment significantly improved symptoms such as a stuffy nose, runny nose, and itchy eyes compared to a placebo. This was especially effective for people with seasonal allergies, where symptoms tend to be more consistent. Probiotics also appeared to help rebalance the body’s immune response, which is often dysregulated during allergic reactions. [2]
Vitamin D3, synthesized in the skin through exposure to sunlight, is essential for immune function. It regulates genes involved in immunity, improves the innate response, and modulates adaptive immunity — making Vitamin D3 crucial for a strong immune system and protection against infections and autoimmune diseases. [3]
Many observational studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in children with allergic diseases. [4,5,6]
Vitamin D3 levels are strongly associated with the severity of nasal symptoms in individuals with allergic rhinitis. [7] Vitamin D3 may improve allergy symptoms, directly or indirectly, by enhancing the anti-inflammatory effects of medications used to treat allergies. [8] [9]
Some foods and nutrients have anti-inflammatory activity, such as flavonoids, which are part of the polyphenol family and may be useful in treating these conditions. Flavonoids can act on allergic diseases. Patients with allergic conditions may benefit from flavonoid therapy alone or in combination with anti-allergy medications. [10]
A meta-analysis of 15 controlled studies found that different sources of flavonoids were associated with reduced allergy symptoms in patients with allergic diseases. These results suggest that using flavonoids is a viable strategy to alleviate allergic symptoms. [11]
Vitamin C is used in modern medicine supplements to treat various diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune dysregulation.
Several studies have shown that Vitamin C can reduce histamine, a compound released by cells in response to allergic reactions. One study found that nasal spray Vitamin C was able to reduce symptoms by 74%. [12]
Another study with 71 patients also showed that Intravenous Vitamin C significantly improved allergy symptoms when compared to a placebo. [13]
In this study, patients with allergic rhinitis experienced overall relief from Vitamin C treatment — all patients with complaints of sneezing, tearing, itching, and discomfort reported moderate to complete relief with the treatment. [14]
