Vitamins for Allergies

Allergies are a result of the immune system overreacting to a substance in the environment. Allergies have a range of symptoms, including watery eyes, headache, runny nose and upset stomach. Factors that cause allergies to occur are dependent on the individual, but vitamins can help guard the body against them.

History

• Susceptibility to allergies is typically genetic, but many doctors believe that a healthy diet, along with supplements of vitamins and minerals, will keep the immune system stable and not overreactive. Before allergy medications existed, foods with specific nutrients were prescribed instead.

B Vitamins

• B vitamins help build immunity. Dr. Gary Null, author of "The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing," says vitamins B5, B6 and B12 work together to rebalance the immune system while vitamin B5 builds cortisol, which offers defense against allergies and allergic reactions.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C reduces histamine levels in the blood and boosts the immune system, and when fighting off an allergy it should be taken in doses of 4,000 milligrams. It becomes even more effective when paired with bioflavonoids, which are found in citrus fruits, berries, dark green vegetables and herbal teas.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E indirectly increases immunity by strengthening the endocrine system, and allergies in women sparked by hormonal changes are especially receptive to it. Good sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Further, it has been determined that combining selenium with vitamin E yields even better results. Add 100 milligrams of selenium to 600 IUs of vitamin E for women and 400 IUs of vitamin E for men per day to help keep allergies at bay.

Additional Nutrients

• Constricted airways to the lungs can be relieved by ingesting magnesium, which has also been used to ease asthma attacks. A daily dose of 400 milligrams found in foods such as beans, whole grains and nuts is recommended for allergy sufferers. In addition, calcium and zinc are also useful because they help dissolve undigested food particles that cause stomach acids that contribute to allergies.

Warning

• All vitamins and minerals should be taken with caution to prevent adverse effects. Although B vitamins show no side effects, even when taken in large doses, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea. Too much vitamin E, exceeding 600 IUs daily, may adversely affect vision. Magnesium, beneficial in controlling allergies, should be taken under the care of a doctor if one suffers from heart or kidney problems.