Seasonal Allergies, Antihistamines and Weight Gain

Seasonal Allergies

Springtime is a beautiful time of year, but, sadly, cannot be enjoyed to the fullest by seasonal allergy sufferers. The spectacular flowering trees in the Pacific Northwest are the harbingers of Rye Grass, Rag Weed, Timothy Grass, and other bothersome allergens. The effects of seasonal allergies can range from minor annoyance, to near incapacitation for some individuals. People with hypersensitive immune reactions often experience physical, mental, and functional decline even with moderate onset of discomfort.¹ Understandably, many people turn immediately to over-the-counter or prescription medications for relief – mainly, H1-antihistamines (also called “H1 Blockers”) which block the action of histamine (the chemical the body produces in response to allergens which causes runny nose, sneezing, etc).²

The Little-Known Side Effect of OTC and Prescription Antihistamines

Weight Gain

Most seasonal allergy sufferers already know that common over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth (to name a few). However, many people aren’t aware they can also cause weight gain.³ A study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) states: “For both males and females using prescription H1 antihistamines, the odds of being overweight were significantly increased, respectively.”⁴ Antihistaminic activity can increase appetite and affect insulin levels.⁵

Consider a Natural, Side Effect-Free Approach

Are you are looking for a natural approach to your seasonal allergies – one without the side effects? Doctor Emi’s Natural Allergy Support Formula provides fast-acting, natural support for seasonal allergy sufferers of watery, itchy eyes and runny nose, as well as other manifestations of histamine release. Formulated with a combination of bioflavonoids, micronutrients, proteolytic enzymes, herbs, and bromelain, Natural Allergy Support Formula addresses the distressing signs of immune hypersensitivity. Research indicates that the natural components in Natural Allergy Support Formula, including vitamin C, bioflavonoids, DHQ, NAC, and bromelain, work together to attenuate unpleasant immune reactions caused by seasonal allergies.^6,7,8,9

Vibrant Xience

Exclusive supplements designed by Doctor Emi, and much more!

Get it here

Please consult your physician before beginning this, or any dietary supplementation. Do not use this product if you are pregnant or lactating.

The Doctor Emi Team

References

1.  Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Oct;5(5):448-54. PMID: 11056414 (PubMed)

2.  Histamine. KidsHealth Dictionary. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/histamine.html

3.  Meyler’s Side Effects of Endocrine and Metabolic Drugs. J.K. Aronson, MA, DPhil, MBchB, FRCP, FBPharmacolS, FFPM (Hon) Oxford, United Kingdom. ISBN: 978-044-453271-8. Elsevier, 2009. Page 582. (GoogleBooks)

4.  Ratliff J, Barber J, Palmese L, Reutenauer E, Tek C. Association of prescription H1 antihistamine use with obesity: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Obesity (Silver Spring). Author manuscript; available in PMC 2011 Nov 21. Published in final edited form as: Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010 Dec; 18(12): 2398–2400. Published online 2010 Aug 12. doi:10.1038/oby.2010.176  (PMC)

5.  Can Prescription Drugs Cause Weight Gain? Medically reviewed on Feb 24, 2014 by L. Anderson, PharmD.(Drugs.com)

6.  Park HH, Lee S, Son HY, et al. Flavonoids inhibit histamine release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mast cells. Arch Pharm Res. 2008 Oct;31(10):1303-11. (PubMed)

7.  Johnston CS. The antihistamine action of ascorbic acid. Subcell Biochem. 1996;25:189-213. (Springer)

8.  Strohle A, Wolters M, Hahn A. Micronutrients at the interface between inflammation and infection—ascorbic acid and calciferol: part 1, general overview with a focus on ascorbic acid. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2011 Feb;10(1):54-63. (PubMed)

9.  Skaper SD, Fabris M, Ferrari V, et al. Quercetin protects cutaneous tissue associated cell types including sensory neurons from oxidative stress induced by glutathione depletion: cooperative effects of ascorbic acid. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22(4):669-78. (PubMed)