Spirulina for Allergic Rhinitis: How Effective Is It?

If you have sinusitis, you are likely familiar with the congestion, excessive mucus, and severe pressure brought on by an enlargement of the sinus cavities. You’re also too aware of the headaches, tiredness, and searing pain in the cheekbones, forehead, and area around the eyes.

Allergy symptoms can be reduced by spirulina, a blue-green algae dietary supplement applied to control immunological response. So is Spirulina for Allergic Rhinitis effective? Reviews indicate spirulina significantly reduces nasal discharge, decreases sneezing, and improves nasal congestion and itching. 

The allergy season has evolved into a pollen tsunami that appears to be related to climate change and progressively worsens each year. Pollen production increases and lasts longer due to increasing temperatures and carbon dioxide concentration.

The use of medications to cure allergies can sometimes have unfavorable side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, gastrointestinal problems, and even a ringing sound in the ears. Hence, you should consider alternative options such as spirulina. Spirulina dramatically reduces symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Its antibacterial effects are suggested to prevent sinusitis. 

This article aims to give answers to “is spirulina good for sinus.” 

What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

Rhinitis, which frequently manifests as hay fever, is an inflammatory infection of the nasal membranes. Rhinorrhea, sneezing,  nasal itching, and congestion—in any combination—are its defining symptoms. While allergic rhinitis in and of itself does not pose a life-threatening hazard, the illness can have severe morbidity.

Allergic rhinitis comes in two different forms: seasonal and perennial. A person who experiences seasonal allergy incurs symptoms when subjected to airborne pollen and external mold spores. This is common throughout the spring, fall, or both seasons. Perennial allergy is a year-round condition. Symptoms are aggravated by indoor allergens such as house dust, dust mites, indoor molds, and pet dander.

Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Hives
• Dark circles 
• Excessive fatigue
• Frequent headaches
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Sneezing and coughing 
• A scratchy or sore throat
• A runny, stuffy, or itchy nose
• Symptoms resembling eczema. They include blistering, weeping skin, which is incredibly itchy and dry.

Typically, a couple of these symptoms follow shortly after exposure to an allergen. Only after prolonged contact with irritants could other concerns, such as fatigue and recurrent headaches, start to manifest. Temperature is not one of the symptoms of hay fever.

Some people merely occasionally exhibit symptoms. This most likely occurs to individuals with frequent exposure to allergens. Others go through symptoms year-round. If symptoms persist for weeks and start worsening or not improving, talk to your physician about potential allergies. 

Risk Factors of Allergic Rhinitis

Everyone can get allergies; however, if there is a history involving allergies in your family, you have a greater chance of getting allergic rhinitis. Additionally, experiencing atopic eczema and asthma increases your risk of developing allergic rhinitis.

External influences may cause this illness to develop or worsen. These consist of the following:

• Wind
• Fumes
• Colognes
• Perfumes
• Humidity
• Hairspray
• Chemicals
• Air Pollution
• Wood smoke
• Cigarette smoke
• Cold temperatures

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment

There are many techniques to manage allergic rhinitis. These include prescription drugs, possible alternative medicines, home remedies, and more. Before considering any treatment option for allergic rhinitis, seek medical consultation.

Treatment #1: Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a suitable option for managing allergies. Their mode of response is acting as an inhibitor for the body’s secretion of histamine.

The following are a few well-known over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines:

• Cetirizine 
• Loratadine 
• Fexofenadine 
• Desloratadine 
• Levocetirizine 
• Diphenhydramine 

Before beginning a new drug, consult a medical professional. Verify that the new allergy medication won’t conflict with existing prescriptions or cause health issues.

Treatment #2: Decongestants

Decongestants are suitable for brief use, often at least three days, to reduce sinus tension and congested nose symptoms. If you use these for a prolonged period, you risk an after-effect, which means the symptoms worsen after stoppage.

Common OTC decongestants consist of:

• Phenylephrine
• Oxymetazoline 
• Pseudoephedrine
• Cetirizine with pseudoephedrine 

Before using a decongestant, people diagnosed with heart rhythm irregularity, anxiety, hypertension, heart conditions, bladder problems, or sleep disorder should first speak with a doctor. Consult a doctor if you have a stroke history as well.

Treatment #3: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

As a result of worries about potential side effects, more allergy sufferers are turning to “natural” solutions to treat hay fever symptoms. Alternatives can also include complementary and alternative medicine and traditional medical treatments. 

The following treatments, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), may help treat seasonal allergies:

• Probiotics
• Acupuncture
• Nasal saline irrigation
• Butterbur supplements
• Organic and raw honey

The drawback of these treatments may be the paucity of evidence demonstrating their efficacy or safety. As a result, supplements such as spirulina and astaxanthin must be utilized with caution, and consult a doctor before doing so.

Treatment #4: Spirulina

Natural antihistamines offer the same allergy relief as synthetic antihistamines. Additionally, they are thought to have fewer negative effects than pharmaceutical and over-the-counter antihistamines.

There is proof of spirulina’s effectiveness as an alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis symptoms. As an illustration, one study discovered that spirulina was superior to the antihistamine cetirizine used to manage allergies, reduce inflammation and alleviate allergic rhinitis symptoms.

However, more study to back this and its benefits of spirulina for diabetes is required. 

Studies about Spirulina and Allergic Rhinitis

• Study One: The Effects of Spirulina on Allergic Rhinitis

The research was released online on March 15, 2008. The study’s goal was to assess spirulina’s efficacy and acceptability for treating allergic rhinitis in patients. The conclusions showed that consuming spirulina considerably reduced the symptoms. 

The physical results compared with the placebo indicated reductions in nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itching. This was a double-sliding, placebo-controlled trial.

Thus, they concluded that, when compared to a placebo, spirulina is clinically useful in treating allergic rhinitis. To clarify the nature of this effect, they suggested that additional research be carried out.

• Study Two: Effects of a Spirulina-Based Dietary Supplement on Cytokine Production From Allergic Rhinitis Patients

The research was released online on April 25, 2005. The study aimed to assess how individuals with allergic rhinitis responded to a dietary supplement based on spirulina. The methods involved measuring cytokine secretion, which is important for controlling immunoglobulin E-mediated allergy.

In a 12-week, double-blinded, randomized crossover research, allergic participants were given spirulina at doses of 1,000 or 2,000 milligrams per day or a placebo. The results showed that spirulina was inefficient at controlling Th1 cytokine production. Additionally, at 2,000 mg/day, spirulina markedly decreased IL-4 levels from PHA-stimulated cells by 32%.

Therefore, the study concluded that spirulina could modify the Th profile in people with allergic rhinitis by preventing Th2 cell development, which is accomplished, in part, by blocking IL-4 production. Despite the lack of recommendations, it was the first human feeding trial to show the preventive effects of spirulina against allergic rhinitis.

Tips To Prevent Allergies

Taking care of your allergies before the body reacts negatively to chemicals is the best method to avoid allergy symptoms. 

For the specific allergens to which you are particularly sensitive, take into account the following precautions:

• Avoid going for a dawn run outside
• Avoid mowing the grass or raking leaves
• If the pollen count is excessive, stay inside
• After spending time outdoors, take a shower afterward
• To reduce dander, bathe your pet at least two times weekly
• Protect your mouth and nose with a cover while working in the yard
• During allergy season, close your doors and windows as regularly as you can
• If you’re worried about having dust mites in your bedroom, get rid of the carpet 

Is Spirulina an Effective Alternative for Treating Allergic Rhinitis FAQS 

What Supplements Help With Allergic Rhinitis

Omega-3 fatty acid intake daily reduces the histamine release linked to most allergy symptoms, including rhinitis and rashes. Other options include Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Acidophilus, multivitamins, minerals, Quercetin, and plant sterols.

Can You Be Allergic to Spirulina

Yes. Spirulina may cause allergies in certain people. Spirulina has occasionally been connected to allergic responses. After using spirulina, seek medical attention if you develop a rash, itchiness, swelling, wheezing, or any other indication of an allergic response. Spirulina should also not be consumed by anyone allergic to shellfish, seafood, or iodine. You can also research spirulina capsules vs tablets before making an OTC purchase.

Is Spirulina an Antihistamine

Yes. It has been discovered that spirulina possesses antihistamine qualities. According to studies, spirulina may prevent allergic reactions by preventing the release of histamines, which are responsible for allergy symptoms like running nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling of the soft tissues.

Conclusion

High in nutrients, spirulina is a kind of cyanobacteria also known as blue-green algae. Its advantages include lowering fasting blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure, inhibiting oxidation, and raising cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, it has demonstrated tremendous promise in reducing allergic rhinitis.

Typically, spirulina is sold as a powder or pill. Smoothies and other liquids can be easily supplemented with spirulina powder. Depending on the dose, you might be able to taste it, but the primary distinction you’ll notice is the blue-green hue it gives your drinks. Doses greater than this are typically tolerated, although many supplements recommend a dosage of 2 g per day or less.

Spirulina is a strong source of omega-3 fatty acids and the majority of essential amino acids, which individuals on this diet may find difficult to obtain from diet alone. Try the diet, and maybe your confession to how I cured my allergic rhinitis could help more people.