Combat Seasonal Allergies Naturally: The Magnesium Solution You Need

Posted on May 10, 2024

It's fair to say that many of us were excited to leave those chilly winter days behind and warmly welcome the spring season with all its vibrant colors, chirping birds, and sunny skies. Springtime is like a breath of fresh air, literally! It's the time when we can finally step outside without feeling uncomfortable and cold, soak up some much-needed Vitamin D, and witness nature slowly stretching from its winter sleep.

But, as much as we adore this season, there's a little downside for many of us: seasonal allergies. Are you one of us? We completely get it. Those sneezes, itches, and congestion can really lower the mood, even when the weather's just perfect.

Now, while some people like to turn to over-the-counter medications for relief, others are on the lookout for more natural remedies, which are often the safest options too, especially for those who don’t like experimenting with pills. One such natural solution gaining attention is the use of topical magnesium. 

In this article, we'll explore how insufficient magnesium levels can disrupt the immune system and trigger allergies, and how applying magnesium topically may offer relief from these symptoms.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

So, what exactly are seasonal allergies? Also known as "hay fever" or allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies happen when your body's immune system overreacts to allergens present in the environment. In fact, the immune system mistakenly detects these substances as a threat or danger to it, so it reacts (sometimes more aggressively). 

When you breathe in these allergens, your immune system goes into overdrive, releasing histamines that make your nose, throat, and eyes all inflamed and irritated. This inflammatory response leads to symptoms such as:

• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Runny nose and eyes
• Post nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
• Fatigue
• Coughing

Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as mold spores. But did you know that low magnesium levels in your organism can contribute to your body reacting even more negatively to these common allergens? We’re here to explain how and why that is. 

Magnesium Deficiency as a Reason for Low Immune System and Allergies

So, let's talk about why magnesium deficiency in your system could mess with your immune system and make your allergies worse.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions within the body, including immune function. But here's the thing: a lot of people don't get enough magnesium without even realizing it. Poor diet choices, stress, taking certain meds, or having certain health issues can all lower your magnesium levels, leaving your immune system vulnerable.

Studies have found a link between low magnesium levels and having bad allergy reactions like asthma or hay fever. Research has shown that when animals lacking adequate magnesium were exposed to allergens in a lab, they ended up with higher levels of histamine in their blood compared to those with sufficient magnesium. Histamine, which the body releases in response to allergens, is the culprit behind those allergy symptoms, like sneezing and itching. 

But, it doesn’t end here. Some studies also show that even some food allergies might stem from not getting enough magnesium. Magnesium, along with the amino acid histidine, is essential for breaking down certain wheat products.

So, by making sure you've got enough magnesium in your system, you might be able to dial down how bad your seasonal allergies get.

The Science Behind How Magnesium Helps with It

Now that we've connected the dots between low magnesium levels and a weakened immune system prone to allergies, let's dive into the science behind how boosting your magnesium intake can actually boost your immunity and overall well-being.

As one noteworthy study put it:

“Magnesium deficiency ... leads to characteristic hyperemia, an increase in IgE, neutrophilia and eosinophilia, an increase in the level of proinflammatory cytokines, mastocyte degranulation, histaminemia, and splenomegaly.”

So, if you're on the lookout for ways to tackle those seasonal allergies, consider adding magnesium to your arsenal. Here's the lowdown:

Magnesium is needed for 80% of the biochemical reactions in your body, and among its many roles, magnesium helps keep those immune cells, known as mast cells, in check.

Studies have shown that magnesium can help regulate your body's response to allergens by soothing inflammation and irritation. It plays a key role in keeping your airway muscles relaxed and your bronchioles open wide. Plus, it helps reduce histamine levels and quell various types of inflammation in the lungs and airways, making all that nasal swelling and congestion a thing of the past.

Types of Topical Magnesium Products That Are Worth Giving a Try

One convenient way to reap the benefits of magnesium for allergy relief is through increasing your magnesium intake. Now, if you are not particularly fond of taking oral magnesium supplements, there are other safe ways to boost your magnesium levels, and those are topical magnesium products. 

These products are formulated to deliver magnesium directly to the skin, allowing for better and faster absorption into the bloodstream without the need for oral supplementation, which can often cause gastrointestinal issues.

Here are some popular types of topical magnesium products:

1. Pure Magnesium Oil: Magnesium can be sprayed or massaged onto the skin. It is quickly absorbed and can be applied directly to areas of discomfort, such as the chest or sinuses, to alleviate allergy symptoms.

2. Magnesium Body Cream: Magnesium creams combine magnesium oil with moisturizing ingredients, such as cocoa butter and often provide the benefits of magnesium while also nourishing and hydrating the skin.

3. Magnesium Bath Salts: Adding magnesium bath salts to your bathwater is a relaxing way to increase magnesium levels while soothing allergy symptoms. The warm water helps open up the airways, while magnesium is absorbed through the skin, promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation.

4. Magnesium Lotion: Similar to magnesium cream, magnesium lotion combines magnesium oil with emollients to create a hydrating formula that can be applied to the skin as needed for allergy relief.

Conclusion

If popping supplements isn't your thing because you've had a rough time with them in the past, don't fret! You don't have to let seasonal allergies steal the joy from your outdoor springtime adventures. With the right topical magnesium product, you can get rid of those symptoms and reclaim your springtime bliss once and for all. Whether you opt for magnesium oil, cream, bath salts, or lotion, incorporating this essential mineral into your allergy management strategy may offer the relief you've been seeking. 

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