Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects 5.2 million children and 19.2 million adults worldwide. Like all allergies, hay fever is a result of a hypersensitive immune system response. The immune system works best when in a constant state of homeostasis, with ongoing movement between the TH1 and TH2 pathways. However, when allergens invade the organism, the balance is offset, creating a higher dominance in the TH2 pathway, leading to inflammation and other common symptoms.
Exposure to various kinds of pollen is the trigger behind hay fever reactions. While patients can take steps to avoid these reactions, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to fight back against hay fever, particularly in an environment where common treatments are growing less effective.
Fortunately, medicinal mushrooms could represent a powerful alternative to hay fever allergy treatment, offering quick results without the common side effects.
Safer Treatment for Hay Fever Allergy
The hay fever allergy is one of the most common in the world. It can occur either on a seasonal basis or year-round, depending on the sensitivity of the body to pollen. Common, allergic rhinitis leads to symptoms from nasal congestion to itchy throat, watering eyes, sinus pain, and coughing. Symptoms can become chronic when the condition is not properly treated, leading to significant reduction in an individual’s quality of life.
Unfortunately, the traditional treatment options for airborne allergens, like hay fever, are no longer thought to be as safe and effective as they once were. The most common treatment, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory medications can lead to long-term repercussions. NSAIDs are frequently associated with an increased risk of gut microbiota issues and ulcers. Antihistamine medications, on the other hand, can increase the risk of brain gliomas during long-term use.
As atmospheric changes, pollution, and the transformation of the planet we live on leads to a higher number of hay fever allergy cases, alternative treatment options should be considered. Medicinal mushrooms could deliver a safe and reliable way to rebalance the natural homeostasis in the immune system, and reduce the symptoms associated with hay fever allergy.
Medicinal Mushrooms for Hay Fever
Even without a rise in side effects to consider, an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory can only address basic allergy symptoms as they appear on the surface. These substances do not address the underlying imbalance in the body which might be prompting an allergic response. Alternatively, medicinal mushrooms can help to eradicate symptoms and prevent future problems for people dealing with hay fever allergy.
The Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom, otherwise known as the “Royal Sun Mushroom” has been studied for decades as a tool for regulating the immune system and addressing allergic reactions. The bioactive compounds within this mushroom, like beta-glucans, can significantly improve the performance of the immune system, reducing the imbalance between the TH1 and TH2 pathways, causing inflammation.
Royal Sun mushroom strengthens the body’s defensive barrier while simultaneously reducing the risk of hyperactive inflammation when the body is exposed to pollen and similar airborne allergens.
Agaricus blazei Murill can often work in combination with other medicinal mushroom extracts too. For instance, mushrooms like the Reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, have been proven for their anti-inflammatory properties in the modern medical world. Reishi extract contains triterpenes which act as a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
Reishi further contains immune system modulating polysaccharides. These substances are excellent for reducing the over-reactiveness of the immune system. The natural compounds within Reishi and Royal Sun mushrooms don’t just address the current symptoms of a hay fever allergy, like inflammation and discomfort. These substances also deal with the underlying immune imbalance too.
Fighting Hay Fever with Medical Mushrooms
A unique combination of ingredients within medicinal mushrooms, such as beta-glucans, triterpenes, and other antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, work in synergy to make the body more effective at fighting off inflammation while simultaneously boosting your chances of developing a stronger immune system.
Medicinal mushrooms even play a role in the protection and support of the human immune system. As allergic diseases grow more common, studies are beginning to consider the influence of the gut microbiota more carefully in the management of the immune system. Experts believe the balance of the gut microbiota may be essential in ensuring the proper functioning of the immune system, in line with homeostasis.
Medicinal mushrooms can work to combat the symptoms of a hay fever allergy, while at the same time, reducing the risk of problems with the gut and homeostasis of the body which may lead to further immune system issues. What’s more, unlike the common antihistamine treatments on the market, medicinal mushrooms have no dangerous side effects when administered correctly in a high quality supplement form.