Sulfur and bioflavonoids are substances naturally present in foods. Amongst the arsenal provided by nature in the fight against the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, sulfur and bioflavonoids quickly become indispensable allies to the naturopath.
Sulfur is a mineral found in many foods. Amongst those who aid against seasonal allergic rhinitis, we note: leeks, red onion, radish (red and black) and horseradish. A natural source of sulfur from wood pulp, methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, has been used successfully in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. A group of 50 subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis saw their symptoms reduced through the use of this natural substance at a rate of 2.6 grams per day for a period of one month only. This study, although preliminary, supports what naturopaths have seen for hundreds of years. Sulfur is well known to be a mineral that stimulates the detoxification function of liver . Also, optimizing natural functions of the liver is at the heart of the approach of allergies for the naturopath. Bromelain, an enzyme naturally present in the stem of pineapples, struck me as a substance potentiating the action of natural sulfur.
Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring compounds also present in many foods. Amongst those who aid more in seasonal allergic rhinitis, we note: red onion, very colorful fruit, zest of citrus and germinated buckwheat. By 1950, we paid considerable attention to the anti-allergic potential of bioflavonoids. The familiar symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, itchiness …), have been repeatedly relieved significantly by taking bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids work by reducing histamine production naturally by the cells of our immune system. Vitamin C naturally present in the same fruit as bioflavonoids, and bromelain, potentiate the action of natural bioflavonoids.
The most cunning of you have already understood that at the approach of allergy season, it can be very useful to increase your consumption of red onions. But be careful to cook them over low heat, or better, eat them raw, if you do not want to lose all their benefits. The table is set … Please help yourself!
Ref : Barrager E, Veltmann JR et coll. A multicentered open-label trial of the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinits. Journ. Alternative Complementary Med. 2002. avril 8 (2); 167-173.
Middleton E. Effects of flavonoïds on immune and inflammatory cell functions. Biochem. Pharmacol. 43: 1167- 1179, 1992.
