How Vitamin C Helps Stop The Runny Nose

Vitamin C Helps Lessen Runny Nose

During an allergic attack like hay fever the Vitmain C level drops while the histamine in the blood rises. Histamine is released when a person who has a sensitive immune system inhales pollen or dust. This causes itching, runny nose and sneezing.

According to research at the Arizona State University the people who consume 2,000 mg of Vitamin C per day have a blood histamine level 40 percent lower than those who consume the RDA (US Recommended Daily Allowance.)

Vitamin C doesn't block the histamine receptors like the anti-histamine drugs, which is what gives the quick relief. Vitamin C lowers the levels of histamines in the blood. It is safe to say that Vitamin C help prevent or lessen allergy symptoms over the long term. It doesn't act as a quick treatment for existing symptoms. 

In the long term it would seem that taking Vitamin C is a good remedy for a runny nose.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids together work better

Bioflavonoids are the substance that give fruits and vegetables their rich colour. They work in synergy with Vitamin C. This means when use together you will get more benefit.

The best bioflavonoid for hay fever is quercitin. It helps stablilise the cell membranes of those cells which discharge histamine into the blood stream. It is a natural anti-histamine helping to reduce inflammation of the nasal passages, the bronchial airways and the throat.

Foods which has this nutrient include red and yellow onions, shallots, squash, courgettes and broccoli.

Vitamin C rich foods - guave, bell peppers, strawberries, cabbage, kale. kiwi and oranges.

So the next time you buy some Vitamin C, look for those with bioflavonoids to stop your runny nose.

Natural Remedies For Runny Nose

1. Use good quality tissue paper to blow your nose. Don't use toilet paper as it will aggravate the inflammed tissue.

2. Lie down in a cool place. This helps the flow of mucous tremendously. It also helps to relieve the itchy eyes and headache if you have any.

3. If you are not at home, find a cool, air-conditioned area. Get out of the heat. The cool air can stop the nasal dripping.

4. Take a good quality Vitamin C. The Vitamin C should preferably have bioflavonoid like quercetin incorporated. It is a natural anti-histamine.

5. Instead of Vitamin C you can also take grape seed extract. It is a natural anti-histamine.

6. Drink plenty of filtered water.

7. Add some honey to minced grapefruit and lemon. Drink this 3 times a day.

Symptoms Of A Runny Nose

Sneezing

Runny nose and nasal congestion

Itching of the nose, palate, eyes, throat

Red and watery eyes

Wheezing

What is a runny nose?

A runny nose is the more common name for rhinitis. It describes the inflammation and irritation of the internal areas of the nose. This can be due to virus, bacteria or irritants. The inflammation usually results in excessive amounts of mucous being produced.

Runny nose or rhinitis affects not just the nose but also the throat and the eyes. A runny nose triggered by pollens of seasoanl plants is called hay fever. Although it start out as seasonal allergy it can develop into an all year round affliction.

Seasonal - occurs during early spring

Perennial - occurs throughout the year