Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Supplements Stopped Seasonal Sneezing

Q. Can vitamin D and turmeric in combination have an impact on allergy and asthma? I suffer from both allergies and asthma, and I am usually miserable in the spring.

I started taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily several months ago. I am also taking turmeric capsules.

This spring I have had no allergies, no sinus infections and no asthma problems at all. Perhaps these supplements are keeping my immune system from overreacting to pollen.

A. Your experience is fascinating. In animal studies, turmeric prevents the release of histamine from mast cells (Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, Sept. 2008). If it works similarly in humans, this would prevent allergy symptoms from developing.

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects on smooth muscle cells in the airways (British Journal of Pharmacology, Sept. 2008). This might help counteract asthma.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
2- 1 rating
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.