Skip to content
Fullscript leaf logo Sign in
Fullscript logo
Fullscript leaf logo
  • Our platform
    • Practitioner software
    • Pricing
    • Integrations
    • Patients on Fullscript
    • Book a demo
  • Learn
    • Spotlight
    • Protocols
    • Wellness blog
    • Practice resources
    • Webinars
    • Ingredient library
    • Practicing virtually
  • Support
    • Practitioner support
    • Patient help
    • Contact us
    • Or chat with us
Sign in Create account
Supplement Ingredients
—

Top Foods and Supplements for Allergies

May 19, 2022
Fact checked
Written by Karolyn Gazella
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Peter Woznik, ND, MSc
  1. Wellness blog
  2. Top Foods and Supplements for Allergies

People can be allergic to many different things, such as food, mold, pets, and pollen. All allergies have one thing in common: the body’s immune system sees the allergen as harmful, which stimulates an allergic immune response that can lead to a variety of symptoms including coughing, difficulty breathing, itchy eyes, rash, runny nose, and sneezing. (5)

When the body comes into contact with the allergen, the immune system produces antibodies to fight these “harmful” substances by tagging them so that the next time the body encounters the allergen, histamines are released, triggering the allergic reaction and symptoms. (5) A common strategy to decrease allergy symptoms is taking antihistamines. Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can have side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, nausea, or rashes. (11) There are, however, some dietary supplements for allergies that may help relieve symptoms in allergy sufferers—with less risk of side effects. 

supplements for allergies
Certain nutrients and herbs may help individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Foods and supplements for allergies

Some herbs, nutrients, and even foods may help reduce allergy symptoms.

Nutrients

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme found in all parts of the pineapple fruit that has been shown to have antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Bromelain may reduce nasal mucus production and nasal swelling while improving nasal drainage. (2)

Quercetin is a potent polyphenol flavonoid that has been shown to inhibit histamine production as well as pro-inflammatory mediators. (6) Quercetin has been studied extensively and studies show that it is effective at improving most allergic diseases, especially if there is inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nasal passages. (6)

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate immune function. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to allergic asthma, allergic nasal congestion, anaphylaxis, and eczema. (13) A 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation along with allergy medications improved symptoms in vitamin D-deficient individuals. (1) Another study in 2019 showed that people receiving allergy shots had better outcomes to the treatment if they had optimal vitamin D levels. (7)

supplements for allergies vitamin d supplements
When used alongside an allergy medication, Vitamin D supplementation may improve allergic symptoms.

Herbs

Astragalus is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. A 2010 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that astragalus improved symptoms and quality of life in people with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). (8)

Butterbur is an herbal extract typically used to treat migraines, but research also shows it can decrease histamines and can be effective at relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis. (3)

We know that the herb ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, but can ginger also help relieve allergy symptoms? According to the research, it is. A 2020 randomized, controlled trial found that ginger extract was just as effective as the drug loratadine (Claritin) without the side effects in improving nasal symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis. The researchers note that side effects of loratadine include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and constipation. (14)

supplements for allergies woman cutting up pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that has antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.

Food

Foods that contain the herbs and nutrients mentioned may also be added to the diet. This includes pineapple for its bromelain content, along with dietary sources of quercetin such as apples, citrus fruits, dark berries, garlic, and onions.

Foods high in vitamin C can also help reduce symptoms. A 2013 study involving children with allergic rhinitis showed that the group with increased vitamin C food consumption had far fewer symptoms than those with lower amounts of vitamin C foods in their diet. (12) Many fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C including bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, and tomatoes. (10)

Research also shows that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease the risk of allergies including allergic rhinitis. (4) Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines, as well as nuts and seeds such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. (9)

The bottom line

Various herbs, nutrients, and foods, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, astragalus, and ginger may help provide symptom relief to individuals who suffer from allergy symptoms. If you are a patient, always speak to your integrative healthcare provider before taking supplements for allergies.

Fullscript simplifies supplement dispensing

Create your dispensary today I'm a patient
References
  1. Bakhshaee, M., Sharifian, M., Esmatinia, F., Rasoulian, B., & Mohebbi, M. (2019). Therapeutic effect of vitamin D supplementation on allergic rhinitis. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 276, 2797-2801. 
  2. Chakraborty, A., Mitra, S., Tallei, T. E., Tareq, A., Nainu, F., Cicia, D., Dhama, K., Emran, T., Simal-Grandara, J., & Capasso, R. (2021).  Bromelain a potential bioactive compound: a comprehensive overview from a pharmacological perspective. Life, 11, 317. 
  3. Guo, R., Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2007). Herbal medicines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systemic review. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 99(6), 483-95. 
  4. Hoff, S., Seiler, H., Heinrich, J., Kompauer, I., Nieters, A., Becker, N., Nagel, G., Gedrich, K., Karg, G., Wolfram, G., & Linseisen, J. (2005). Allergic sensitization and allergic rhinitis are associated with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet and in red blood cell membranes. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 59, 1071-1080. 
  5. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. (2020, Apr 23). Allergies: overview. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447112/#_NBK447112_pubdet_
  6. Jafarinia, M., Hosseini, M, Kasiri, N., Fazel, N., Fathi, F., Hakemi, M., & Eskandari, N. (2020). Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 16, 36. 
  7. Joudi, M., Hosseini, R., Khoshkhui, M., Salehi, M., Kouegaran, S., Ahoon, M., & Azad, F. (2019). Effects of serum vitamin D and efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy in adult patients with allergic rhinitis. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res, 11(6), 885-893. 
  8. Matkovic, Z., Zivkovic, V., Korica, M., Plavec, D., Pecanic, S., & Tudoric, N. (2010). Efficacy and safety of astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res, 24(2), 175-81. 
  9. Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acids. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/ 
  10. Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Vitamin C. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
  11. Randall, K. L., & Hawkins, C. A. (2018). Antihistamines and allergy. Australian Prescriber, 41(2), 41-45. 
  12. Seo, J., Kwon, S., Lee, S., Kim, H., Kwon, J., Kim, B., Yu, J., Kim, H., Kim, W., Jang, G., Song, D., Shim, J., Oh, S., & Hong, S. (2013). Association of antioxidants with allergic rhinitis in children from Seoul. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res, 5(2), 81-87. 
  13. Tian, H., & Cheng, L. (2017). The role of vitamin D in allergic rhinitis. Asia Pac Allergy, 7(2), 5-73. 
  14. Yamprasert, R., Chanvimalueng, W., Mukkasombut, N., & Itharat, A. (2020). Ginger extract versus loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20, 119. 

  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Disclaimer

The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prev Next
Back to main wellness blog page

Get more resources for your practice

Protocols
Practice resources
Ingredient library
Webinars

Share

  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Fullscript content philosophy

At Fullscript, we are committed to curating accurate, and reliable educational content for practitioners and patients alike. Our educational offerings cover a broad range of topics related to integrative medicine, such as supplement ingredients, diet, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Medically reviewed by expert practitioners and our internal Integrative Medical Advisory team, all Fullscript content adheres to the following guidelines:

  1. In order to provide unbiased and transparent education, information is based on a research review and obtained from trustworthy sources, such as peer-reviewed articles and government websites. All medical statements are linked to the original reference and all sources of information are disclosed within the article.
  2. Information about supplements is always based on ingredients. No specific products are mentioned or promoted within educational content.
  3. A strict policy against plagiarism is maintained; all our content is unique, curated by our team of writers and editors at Fullscript. Attribution to individual writers and editors is clearly stated in each article.
  4. Resources for patients are intended to be educational and do not replace the relationship between health practitioners and patients. In all content, we clearly recommend that readers refer back to their healthcare practitioners for all health-related questions.
  5. All content is updated on a regular basis to account for new research and industry trends, and the last update date is listed at the top of every article.
  6. Potential conflicts of interest are clearly disclosed.
Read more

The healthiest cookies you’ll choose today

Our website uses cookies to collect useful information that lets us and our partners support basic functionality, analyze visitor traffic, deliver a better user experience, and provide ads tailored to your interests. Agreeing to the use of cookies is your choice. Learn more

Fullscript logo

We're certified carbon-neutral. It's part of our commitment to helping people get better.

American flag - toggles to show american specific contentUnited States
Canadian flag - toggles to show canada specific contentCanada
Product
  • Practitioner software
  • Integrations
  • Pricing
  • Patients
  • Supplement quality
  • Treatment adherence
  • Catalog
  • Wholesale
Company
  • Spotlight
  • About Fullscript
  • Collective
  • Leadership
  • Culture guide
  • Careers
  • Engineering
  • News
Support
  • Practitioner support
  • Patient help
  • Testimonials
  • General FAQ
  • Patient shipping
  • Wholesale shipping

© Fullscript 2023. All rights reserved.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Customer Support Policy
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • California Privacy Notice